FATHER! what means this sleep
Of those thou biddest reap?
What means their idling in thy vineyard, Lord?
What means their trifling with thy holy word,
While Heaven and hell are moved?
Would Christians but awake,
And all their armor take,
And raise the standard of our God on high,
One might a thousand enemies defy,
And two a host, through the Beloved. O people, blessed of God,
Come spread his name abroad—
Glad tidings that the Lamb of God was slain;
To conquer Death and Hell he lives again,
In glorious power arrayed.
He lives, and will appear
Descending in the air,
And we who love his name, shall then receive
Such blessings as alone our God can give,
Whose words creation made. O foolish virgins, ye
Who always idle be
Amid the glorious blaze of gospel day,
Neglect to work, or watch, to strive, or pray,
And naught for Jesus do.
Ye foolish virgins, poor,
When God shall shut the door,
Will turn in vain to those whose lamps are bright,
And waiting, ask them for a little light—
Too late, too late for you! O God, wake us from sleep,
No longer silence keep;
Our cankered riches take to spread thy name,
In heathen lands the saving truth proclaim
That Jesus died for all mankind.
Take our reproach away,
“Ye are idle all the day.”
And let us now our money, talents, time,
Devote to send thy word to every clime,
Nor leave for sin one mite behind. Bid us awake, O God!
To spread thy truth abroad,
Till every jewel rise to seek thy face,
Accept thy precepts and redeeming grace;
Till from the curse all saints are free,
And Satan chained on earth
A thousand years of dearth,
Till Christ returns again on earth to reign,
Conqueror of Death and Hell, the Lamb once slain,
Who lives, and shall, to all eternity.