Verse 1

DAY of wrath! O day of mourning! See fulfilled the prophet’s warning, Heaven and earth to ashes burning.

Verse 2

O what fear man’s bosom rendeth, When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On whose sentence all dependeth.

Verse 3

Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth, Through earth’s sepulchres it ringeth, All before the throne it bringeth.

Verse 4

Death is struck and nature quaking All creatures now awaking, To the Judge their answer making.

Verse 5

Lo, The Book, exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded: Thence shall judgement be awarded.

Verse 6

When the Judge His seat attaineth And each hidden deed arraigneth, Nothing unvenged remaineth.

Verse 7

What shall I, frail man, be pleading, Who for me be interceding, When the just are mercy needing?

Verse 8

King of majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of pity, then befriend us.

Verse 9

Think, good Jesu, my salvation Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation; Leave me not to reprobation.

Verse 10

Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the cross of suffering bought me; Shall such grace be vainly brought me? Righteous Judge; for sin’s pollution Grant Thy gift of absolution, Ere that day of retribution.

Verse 11

Guilty, now I pour my moaning, All my shame with anguish owning; Spare, O God, Thy suppliant groaning.

Verse 12

Thou the sinful woman savedst, Thou the dying thief forgavest, And to me a hope vouchsafest.

Verse 13

With Thy favoured sheep O place me, Nor among the goats abase me, But to Thy right hand upriase me.

Verse 14

Low I kneel, with heart-submission; See like ashes, my contrition; Help me in my last condition.

Verse 15

Ah, that day of tears and mourning! From the dust of earth returning, Man for judgement must prepare him.

Verse 16

Spare, O God, in mercy spare him. Lord, all pitying, Jesu blest, Grant us Thine eternal rest!

Background: Day Of Wrath O Day Of Mourning