1 Scarce discerning aught before us,
On our weary way we go;
But one guiding Star is o’er us,
Beaming forth the way to show.

2 Watch we, pray we, let us sink not
Journeying on while yet we can;
At a moment when we think not
Shall we meet the Son of Man.

3 See! e’en now the east is brightening;
See! the cloud of gloom is riven;
See! a flash more swift than lightning
Gleaming all athwart the Heaven.

4 Christ hath come—oh, joy and wonder!
Clothed in majesty sublime,
Glorious as the Son of Thunder
Saw Him in the olden time.

5 Hark, the trumpets’ note is pealing;
All the dead it summoneth,
Endless life to some revealing,
But to some—the second death.

6 Lo! a form earth from ariseth,
Pure and lovely, who is she?
She it is whom Jesu prizeth,
’Tis the Church, whose spouse is He.

7 See the robes of dazzling brightness
That adorn the glorious bride;
God hath clothed her in the whiteness
Of the saints all purified.

9 Hark! she hails Him: "Thou that savest,
Thy salvation draweth nigh;
With the children that Thou gavest,
Jesu, Bridegroom, here am I."

9 White robed bands of His redeemèd
Stand around her by the throne;
Sorrowful on earth they seemèd,
Now their great reward is shown:

10 For with joy how passing fervent
Each doth hear the gracious voice—
"Come, thou good and faithful servant,
Come, and evermore rejoice."