Scripture Verse

The great day of the Lord is near. Zephaniah 1:14

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Fran­cis A. Black­mer, Sing­ing by the Way (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: Bard­well, Black­mer, 1890) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Black­mer (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

The great day is nearing,
For Je­sus’ appearing,
And so would I watch, as I pray,
With lamp trimmed and burning,
For my Lord’s returning,
Lest I be not rea­dy for that day;
I want to be rea­dy for that day.
I want to be rea­dy for that day,
With lamp trimmed and burning
For my Lord’s returning;
I want to be rea­dy for that day.

But rich grace is offered,
And strong help is proffered,
That safe I may go on my way;
The truth ever knowing
In grace ever growing,
O, I can be rea­dy for that day.
O, I can be rea­dy for that day;
Yes, I can be rea­dy for that day,
With lamp trimmed and burning,
For my Lord’s returning;
O, I can be rea­dy for that day.

That grace, I’ll receive it,
That word, I’ll believe it,
And walking by faith all the way,
When Je­sus shall call me,
No fear shall appall me,
For I shall be rea­dy for that day.
O, I shall be rea­dy for that day;
Yes, I shall be rea­dy for that day,
With lamp trimmed and burning,
For my Lord’s returning;
O, I shall be rea­dy for that day.