The Day of Judgment

I

Day of judgment, day of wonders!
Hark! the trumpet’s awful sound,
Louder than a thousand thunders,
Shakes the vast creation round!
How the summons will the sinner’s heart confound!

II

See the Judge our nature wearing,
Clothed in majesty divine!
You who long for his appearing
Then shall say⁠—“This God is mine!”
Gracious Saviour, own me in that day for thine.

III

At his call the dead awaken,
Rise to life from earth and sea.
All the powers of nature, shaken
By his looks, prepare to flee.
Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?

IV

Horrors past imagination
Will surprise your trembling heart,
When you hear your condemnation,
“Hence, accursed wretch, depart!
Thou with Satan and his angels have thy part!”

V

Satan, who now tries to please you,
Lest you timely warning take,
When that word is past, will seize you,
Plunge you in the burning lake:
Think, poor sinner, thy eternal all’s at stake.

VI

But to those who have confessed,
Loved and served the Lord below,
He will say⁠—“Come near, ye blessed,
See the kingdom I bestow:
You for ever shall my love and glory know.”

VII

Under sorrows and reproaches,
May this thought your courage raise,
Swiftly God’s great day approaches,
Sighs shall then be changed to praise.
We shall triumph when the world is in a blaze.