Hymns of the Lutheran Church

512 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night

1 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night, And blest is he whose loins are girt, whose lamp is burning bright; But woe to that dull servant whom the Master shall surprise With lamp untrimmed, unburning, and with slumber in his eyes. 2 Do thou, my soul, beware, beware lest thou in sleep sink down, Lest thou be given o'er to death, and lose the golden crown; But see that thou be sober, watchful, a watchful eye, and thus Cry, "Holy, holy, holy God, have mercy upon us!" 3 That day, the day of fear, shall come; my soul, slack not thy toil, But light thy lamp, and feed it well, and make it bright with oil; Thou knowest not how soon may sound the cry at eventide, "Behold, the Bridegroom comes! Arise! He comes to meet the Bride!" 4 Beware, my soul! take thou good heed lest thou in slumber lie, And, like the five, remain without, and knock, and vainly cry; But watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed, and Christ shall gird thee on His own bright wedding robe of light,--the glory of the Son.

Text Information

Author
(Greek) Anon.
Translator
G. Moultrie, 1867

Tune Information

Name
Behold, the Bridegroom cometh
Meter
14s. 4l.
Source
T. Tallis, 1515-85