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.