I

The time is drawing nigh,

Even now the day is near,

When Christ from heaven high

To Judgment shall appear;—

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

II

Then kings and princes great,

The rich and poor shall meet;

And high and low estate,

Shall gather round His feet;—

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

III

No crafty words shall mar,

Nor sophistry distract;

No parrying counsel jar

With the eternal fact;—

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

IV

O Christ, in mercy then,

Forbid my soul should go

With lost and ruined men

Down to the place of woe;—

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.