I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books.
Revelation 20:12
Words: James Rowe, in Marching to Zion (Dalton, Georgia: A. J. Showalter, 1922), number 106.
Music: William S. Tidwell (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Tidwell (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
When the work of life is ended,
And the judgment day appears,
When you stand before the Master
To account for all the years;
When the righteous Judge shall call you
And your record-leaves unroll,
Will you tremble with the sinners,
Or will rapture thrill your soul?
Refrain
Which will it be? Rapture or woe?
This you must know. Which will it be?
When the nations all are gathered
In the presence of the King,
On that day of days, my brother,
Will you sigh, or will you sing?
Will the light of hope be shining
Like a radiant morning star?
Or will deep remorse assail you
When you stand before the bar?
Refrain
If your soul is now in bondage,
Ask the Lord to set you free;
Do not wait another moment—
Opportunity may flee;
Oh, it lies with you, my brother,
It is your alone to say
Whether joy or woe shall meet you
On the awful judgment day.
Refrain