Scripture Verse

Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1

Introduction

illustration
Virgins with Lamps

Words: Charles W. Ray, 1897.

Music: Har­vey R. Chris­tie (🔊 pdf nwc).

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

portrait
Harvey R. Christie
1848–1925

Lyrics

When in robes of light, and in glory bright,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes;
What a shout shall rise, and with what surprise
Shall we see Him come from the parting skies?
For His own beloved who have faithful proved,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes.

Refrain

Will you be ready when the Bridegroom comes?
Will you be ready when the Bridegroom comes?
With the dawn of day, with the noontide bright,
In the evening gray, in the hours of night;
Will you be ready? Will you be ready?
Will you be ready when the Bridegroom comes?

Thro’ all earth and sky, shall be heard the cry
Behold, the Bridegroom comes;
All the earth shall quake, and its pillars shake,
And the dead shall from their long slumbers wake;
While afar and near, all the world shall hear,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes.

Refrain

The archangel will every bosom thrill,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes;
What an hour ’twill be when with bended knee,
The unsaved the King in His beauty see!
And with dire dismay, and despair shall say,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes.

Refrain