THE HEART’S SONG.

Behold I stand at the door.

In the silent midnight watches,

List thy bosom-door;

How it knocketh—knocketh—knocketh,

Knocketh evermore!

Say not ’tis thy pulse’s beating,

’Tis thy heart of sin;

’Tis thy Saviour stands entreating,

Rise and let me in.

Death comes down with equal footstep

To the hall and hut;

Think you Death will stand a-knocking

Where the door is shut!

Jesus waiteth—waiteth—waiteth;

But thy door is fast:

Griev’d, at length away he turneth;

Death breaks in at last!

Then ’tis thine to stand entreating

Christ to let thee in;

At the door of Heaven beating,

Wailing for thy sin.

Nay, alas, thou foolish virgin,

Hast thou then forgot,

Jesus waited long to know thee,

But—he knows thee not!