Day of nature’s dissolution,
Day of final retribution—
Some to joy, and some to sorrow.
Hark! the trumpet-blast terrific.
How the dead, in mingled panic,
Gather to the dread assizes!
Death shall stand aghast, and Nature,
When from dust the summoned creature
Rises trembling to make answer.
Ah, the wonder! oh, the wailing!
When the heavens above unveiling,
Show the Judge of all descending.
Now begins the awful session.
Sinner, make thy full confession;
Naught avails the least evasion.
Lo, the Book of Doom! each action,
Secret sin, or bold transgression,
Idle word, foul thought, is noted.
Strictest justice is accorded;
Grace to gracious deed afforded,
Death to deadly sin awarded.
Oh! where saints must fear and tremble,
Could I stand the test, thus sinful?
Could I find a plea for pardon?
Could an advocate avail me?
Pleas and advocates all fail me.
Jesus! thou alone canst save me.
Mighty Monarch! oh, remember
That blest day of blest December—
‘Twas for me the Virgin bore thee.