It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:11–12
Words: Josiah Hopkins, in The Christian Lyre, edited by Joshua Leavitt (New York: Jonathan Leavitt, 1830), number 113.
Music: Jaipur, from Johann M. Haydn (1737–1806) . Adapted by Richard W. Adams, 2016 (public domain) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Why sleep we, my brethren? Come, let us arise,
O, why should we slumber in sight of the prize?
Salvation is nearer, our days are far spent,
O, let us be active; awake! and repent.
O, how can we slumber! The Master is come,
And calling on sinners to seek them a home;
The Spirit and Bride now in concert unite,
The weary they welcome, the careless invite.
O, how can we slumber! Our foes are awake;
To ruin poor souls every effort they make;
T’accomplish their object no means are untried,
The careless they comfort, the wakeful misguide.
O, how can we slumber! When so much was done,
To purchase salvation by Jesus the Son!
Now mercy is proffered, and justice displayed,
Now God can be honored, and sinners be saved.
O, how can we slumber! when death is so near,
And sinners are sinking to endless despair;
Now prayers may avail, and they gain the high prize,
Before they in torment shall lift up their eyes.
O, how can ye slumber! Ye sinners, look round,
Before the last trumpet your hearts shall confound;
O, fly to the Savior, He calls you today;
Where mercy is waiting, O make no delay.