Scripture Verse

The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:4

Introduction

Words: Sam­u­el Peach, in Har­vest Bells No. 1, by Will­iam Penn (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1887).

Music: Will­iam E. Penn (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Peach (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), would you ?

portrait
William E. Penn
1832–1895

Lyrics

Welcome, band of true toilers,
Who by thousands are found
On the hundreds of railways
And the stations around;
There’s a question concerning
Heaven’s calling so bright:
Are you happy in Jesus,
Are the signals all right?

Refrain

With a clear shining light,
Is your lamp burning bright?
Have you oil in your vessels?
Are the signals all right?

By the red lights of danger,
Have you left the down line?
By the green lights of caution
Have you knowledge divine?
Can you say when on duty,
Either daytime or night,
I am happy in Jesus,
And the signals are right?

Refrain

With a love for Christ’s service,
And your soul well supplied,
With inspirèd directions
Fully tested and tried;
With the points set for glory,
With the metals all tight,
Are you happy in Jesus,
And the signals all right?

Refrain

And at last when your journeys
Up and down shall be done,
And life’s train shall in triumph
To the terminus come;
Will you sing as you’re nearing
Heaven’s stores of delight,
Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
All the signals are right?

With a clear shining light,
Yes, my lamp’s burning bright,
I am happy in Jesus,
With the signals all right.