Scripture Verse

Keep your lamps burning. Luke 12:35

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Frank­lin E. Bel­den, The Se­venth-Day Ad­vent­ist Hymn and Tune Book (Bat­tle Creek, Mi­chi­gan: Re­view & He­rald, 1886), num­ber 852 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Franklin E. Belden
1858–1945
Courtesy of Ellen G. White Estate

Lyrics

Let every lamp be burning bright,
The darkest hour is nearing;
The darkest hour of earth’s long night,
Before the Lord’s appearing.

Refrain

Then trim your lamps, my brethren dear,
Then trim your lamps with godly fear;
The Master’s coming draweth near,
Let every lamp be burning.

Though thousands calmly slumber on,
The last great message spurning,
We’ll rest our living faith upon
His promise of returning.

Refrain

His Word our lamp, His truth our guide,
We cannot be mistaken;
Though dangers rise on every side,
We shall not be forsaken.

Refrain

Then let good works with faith appear,
To help the world around us;
Obedience brings the blessing near
When faith has firmly bound us.

Refrain