1 The great tremendous day's approaching,
That awful scene is drawing nigh;
Was long foretold by ancient Prophets,
Decreed from all eternity.

2 But O my soul reflect and wonder,
That awful scene is drawing near,
When you shall see that great transaction,
When Christ in Judgment shall appear!

3 See, nature stand all in amazement,
To hear the last loud trumpet sound,
"Arise ye dead and come to judgment,
"Ye nations of the world around:"

4 Loud thunder rumbling thro' the concave,
Bright forked lightning parts the skies,
The Heav'ns a shaking the earth a quaking:
The gloomy sight attracts mine eyes.

5 The orbit lamps all veil'd in sackcloth,
No more their shining circuits run;
The wheel of time stopped in a moment,
Eternal things are now begun:

6 Huge mossy rocks and tow'ring mountains
Over their tumbling bases roar,
The raging ocean all in commotion,
Is hov'ring round her frighted shore.

7 Green turfy graveyards and tombs of marble
Give up their dead, both small and great;
See the whole world, both Saint and Sinner
Are coming to the judgment seat:

8 See Jesus on the throne of Justice
Come thundering down the parted sky,
With countless armies of shining Angels,
With Hallelujahs shouts for joy.

9 Bright shining streams from his awful presence,
His face ten thousand Suns outshines;
Behold him coming in power and glory
To meet him all his Saints combine.

10 "Go forth ye Heralds with speed like lightning,
"Call in your Saints from distant land,
"Those that my blood from Hell has ransom'd,
"Whose names in life's fair book do stand.

11 "O come ye blessed of my father,
"The purchase of my dying love,
"Receive the crowns of life and glory,
"Which are laid up for you above.

12 "For your dear souls which have continued
"With me, and my temptations bore,
"I have provided for you a kingdom,
"To reign with me for evermore."

13 There's flowing fountains of living water,
No sickness, pain nor death to fear;
No sorrow, sighing, no tears nor weeping
Shall ever have admittance there.

14 But how will sinners stand and tremble,
When Justice calls them to the bar;
Those that reject his offer'd mercy,
Their everlasting doom to hear?

15 See justice now with indignation,
Calling aloud for sinner's blood,
Those that have slighted offer'd mercy,
And crucify'd the Son of God.

16 "Depart from me ye cursed sinners,
"My face you never more shall see,
"Be banish'd from my peaceful presence,
"To endless woe and misery.

17 Each guilty soul then struck with horror
And anguish, throbbing in their breast;
For ever doom'd to endless sorrow,
And never more to hope for rest.

18 Come sinners here's a faithful warning,
Return to Jesus whilst you may,
For he is ready to receive you,
Or else you must depart away.