12. In the Silent Midnight

1 In the silent midnight watches,
List—thy bosom door!
How it knocketh, knocketh, knocketh,
Knocketh evermore!

2 Say not 'tis thy pulse is beating:
'Tis thy heart of sin;
'Tis thy Saviour knocks, and crieth,
Rise, and let me in.

3 Death comes down with reckless footstep,
To the hall and hut;
Think you death will stand a-knocking
Where the door is shut?

4 Jesus waiteth, waiteth, waiteth;
But thy door is fast!
Grieved, away thy Savior goeth:
Death breaks in at last.

5 Then 'tis thine to stand entreating
Christ to let thee in;
At the gate of heaven beating,
Wailing for thy sin.

6 Nay, alas! thou foolish virgin,
Hast thou then forgot?
Jesus waited long to know thee,
Now He knows thee not.

Text Information
First Line: In the silent midnight watches
Title: In the Silent Midnight
Author: A. Cleveland Coxe
Language: English
Publication Date: 1890
Tune Information
Name: [In the silent midnight watches]
Composer: G. P. Merrick
Incipit: 55651 44323 46552
Key: E Major



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