1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #10639
Hopkins, Josiah , D.D., was born at Pittsford, Vermont, April 13, 1786. From 1809 to 1830 he was pastor of a Congregational Church, at New Haven, Vermont; and from 1830 to 1848 of the First Presbyterian Church, Auburn, New York. He died at Geneva, New York, July 27, 1862. He was the editor of Conference Hymns , Auburn, 1846, and contributed hymns to the Christian Lyre , N. Y., 1830. From the latter work his hymns in common use are taken:—
1. 0 turn ye, 0 turn ye, for why will ye die. Expostulation.
2. Why sleep we, my brethren. Expostulation.
[Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.]
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) Go to person page >
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