Watch, for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming—in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning.
Mark 13:35
Words: John Paul, in Victorious Service Songs, edited by Charles Gabriel (Chicago, Illinois & Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Rodeheaver, 1925), number 59.
Music: Charles H. Gabriel (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Paul (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
If Jesus should come in the rise of the morning,
When all of the world is engrossed in its care,
How many dear hearts could, their Master discerning,
Release themselves quickly and welcome Him here?
Refrain
He will come! He will come, tho’ we know not how soon;
It may be at night, or it may be at noon!
Are we ready to meet Him? Are we waiting to greet Him
With a loud hallelujah, hallelujah, Amen.
Or if He should come in the bright hour of noonday,
With light far more glorious than that of the sun,
How many have eyes that could gaze on His glory,
And hearts that could shout Even so, let Him come
?
Refrain
If, just as the sun should pass into his hiding,
A radiance like lightning should shine from the east,
And down with the light Jesus Christ should come gliding,
Oh, who would be ready to welcome our guest?
Refrain
If, deep in the night, when the third watch is starting,
A cry should go forth that the Bridegroom is here;
If upward in rapture the Bride were departing,
Could you with that host meet the Lord in the air?
Refrain