← Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber? Hymns and Tunes (1888) · No. 866

Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?

1

Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,Speed, for the moments are hurrying on.

2

Heir of the kingdom, say, why dost thou linger?How canst thou tarry in sight of the prize?Up, and adorn thee, the Saviour is coming;Haste to receive him descending the skies.

3

Earth's mighty nations, in strife and commotion,Tremble with terror, and sink in dismay;Listen, 't is naught but the chariot's loud rumbling;Heir of the kingdom, no longer delay.

4

Stay not, O stay not for earth's vain allurements!See how its glory is passing away;Break the strong fetters the foe hath bound o'er thee;Heir of the kingdom, turn, turn thee away.

5

Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted;Watch for the glory of earth's coming King;Lo! o'er the mountain-tops light is now breaking;Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing.