In the silent midnight watches

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!