Scripture Verse

Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Matthew 25:6

Introduction

portrait
Elisha A. Hoffman (1839–1929)

Words & Mu­sic: Eli­sha A. Hoff­man, in Gos­pel Hymns No. 6, by Ira D. San­key et al. (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1891), num­ber 36 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

The Lord is com­ing by and by,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
He comes from His fair home on high,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
He is the Lord our right­eous­ness,
And comes His chos­en ones to bless,
And at His Fa­ther’s throne con­fess;
Be rea­dy when He comes.

Refrain

Will you be rea­dy when the Bride­groom comes?
Will you be rea­dy when the Bride­groom comes?
Will your lamps be trimmed and bright,
Be it morn­ing, noon or night?
Will you be rea­dy when the Bride­groom comes?

He soon will come to earth again,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
Begin His uni­ver­sal reign,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
With hal­le­luj­ahs Heav’n will ring,
When Je­sus does re­demp­tion bring;
O trim your lamps to meet your king!
Be rea­dy when He comes.

Refrain

Behold! He comes to one and all,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
He quick­ly comes with trum­pet call,
Be rea­dy when He comes;
To judg­ment called at His com­mand,
Drawn thi­ther by His migh­ty hand,
Before His throne we all must stand;
Be rea­dy when He comes.

Refrain