THE God of glory sends His summons forth, Calls southern nations, and awakes the north; From east to west the sovereign orders spread, Through distant worlds and regions of the dead; The trumpet sounds; hell trembles; Heaven rejoices; Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices.
No more shall atheists mock His long delay; His vengeance sleeps no more—behold the Day! Behold the Judge descends, His guards are nigh; Tempest and fire attend Him from the sky. When He appears, all nature shall adore Him, While sinners tremble, saints rejoice before Him.
‘Here,’ saith the Lord to angels, ‘spread their thrones, And near Me seat My favourites and My sons.’ ‘Come, My redeemed, possess the joys prepared Ere time began; ’tis your divine reward.’ When Christ returns, arise with exultation, Sing ransomed saints, He comes for your salvation.
Sinners awake! O foolish ones, be wise! Awake before this awesome morning rise. Change your vain thoughts, your sinful works amend, Fly to the Saviour, make the Judge your Friend; Then with the ransomed join in adoration, When Christ returns, He comes for your salvation.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748