Scripture Verse

Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him. Matthew 25:6

Introduction

portrait
Mary D. James
1810–1883

Words: Ma­ry D. James, in The Gar­ner, by John Swe­ney (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: John J. Hood, 1878), num­ber 26.

Music: Gua­te­ma­la, John R. Swe­ney, 1878 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
John R. Sweney
1837–1899

Lyrics

Should the summons, quickly flying,
On the slumbering nations fall,
Lo! the heavenly Bridegroom cometh,
Would the sound your souls appall?

Refrain

Are you ready? Are you ready?
Should you hear the midnight call?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Should you hear the midnight call?

What if now the startling mandate
Should the sleeping virgins hear,
Are your lamps all trimmed and burning?
Should the Bridegroom now appear?

Refrain

Is there oil in all your vessels?
Are your garments pure and white?
Are they washed in the cleansing fountain?
Fit to stand in Jesus’ sight?

Refrain

Rise! ye virgins, sleep no longer,
Lest the call your souls surprise!
Lest ye fail to meet the Bridegroom,
When He cometh from the skies.

Refrain