The bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Matthew 25:10
Words: Arthur J. Hodge, in Good as Gold, by Robert Lowry & W. Howard Doane (New York: Biglow & Main, 1880), number 66.
Music: Venezuela Robert Lowry (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Hodge (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Five were foolish, and five were wise,
All were waiting with heavy eyes;
Five were ready, and five were not,
Five remembered, and five forgot.
Refrain
Their lamps were not filled,
The wicks were not cut;
The bridegroom went in,
And the door was shut.
Who are foolish, and who are wise—
Waiting, waiting, with heavy eyes?
Who are ready, and who are not?
Who remembered, and who forgot?
Refrain
These are foolish, and these are wise,
Waiting, waiting, with heavy eyes;
Some are doubting, and cling to sin,
Some are trusting, and enter in.
Refrain
You, the foolish, hear Wisdom’s cry,
Days of waiting pass quickly by;
God is gracious, but know you not,
Foolish sleepers will be forgot!
Refrain