Scripture Verse

The angel whom I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to Heaven, and swore by Him that liveth for ever and ever… that there should be time no longer: Revelation 10:5–7

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 749. Time No Long­er.

Music: St. Aus­tin Gre­go­ri­an chant. Ar­ranged in the Bris­tol Tune Book, 1876 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Bed­dome (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

illustration
A Mighty Angel Stands on Earth and Sea
Benjamin West, circa 1797

Lyrics

Saints, behold the mighty angel,
Standing on the earth and sea;
Lo, his hand he lifts to Heav­en,
Swears that time no more shall be:
Awful moment,
Where shall now the sinner flee?

Short is time, e’en at the longest,
Man’s frail life is shorter still;
All his days are full of sorrow,
That will soon their course fulfil:
Happy mortal,
Who performs his Maker’s will.

May the awful hour approaching,
Sink within my thoughtless mind,
So that when l hence am summoned,
Cheerful I may feel resigned:
At that moment,
Let me, Lord, Thy mercy find!