Scripture Verse

Behold, the bridegroom cometh. Matthew 25:6

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: George F. Root, The Prize (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Root & Ca­dy, 1870), page 132 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
George F. Root (1820–1895)

Lyrics

Our lamps are trimmed and burn­ing,
Our robes are white and clean;
We’ve tar­ried for the Bride­groom,
Oh, may we en­ter in?
We know we’ve no­thing wor­thy
That we can call our own—
The light, the oil, the robes we wear,
Are all from Him alone.

Refrain

Behold the Bride­groom com­eth!
And all may en­ter in
Whose lamps are trimmed and burn­ing
Whose robes are white and clean.

Go forth, go forth to meet Him,
The way is op­en now,
All lighted with the glo­ry
That’s stream­ing from His brow.
Accept the in­vi­ta­tion
Beyond de­serv­ing kind;
Make no de­lay, but take your lamps,
And joy eter­nal find.

Refrain

We see the mar­riage splen­dor
Within the op­en door;
We know that those who en­ter
Are blest for­ev­er­more.
We see His is more lov­ely
Than all the sons of men,
But still we know the door, once shut,
Will ne­ver ope again.

Refrain