Scripture Verse

At midnight the cry rang out: Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!. Matthew 25:6

Introduction

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Isaac H. Meredith (1872–1962)

Words: Jen­nie Wil­son, in Se­rmons in Song (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Tul­lar-Me­re­dith, 1893), num­ber 11.

Music: Ad­dis Aba­ba Is­aac H. Me­re­dith (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Jennie Wilson (1856–1913)

Lyrics

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Virgins with Lamps

At the com­ing of the Bride­groom
Will your lamp be burn­ing bright?
Should the cry Go forth to meet Him
Reach you in the slum­brous night?

Refrain

Oh, my bro­ther, are you rea­dy,
When the thrill­ing call you hear?
Lo! the heav’n­ly Bride­groom com­eth;
Will it bring you joy or fear?

At the com­ing of the Bride­groom,
Will you join in hap­py songs?
Sweetest strains of lov­ing prais­es
Rising from re­joic­ing throngs?

Refrain

Will you, at the Bride­groom’s com­ing,
Be in wed­ding gar­ments dressed?
Will you to the mar­riage sup­per
Enter as a wel­come guest?

Refrain

For the com­ing of the Bride­groom,
With the faith­ful watch and wait,
Lest you at the ban­quet por­tals
Hear the so­lemn words, Too late.

Refrain