CHRISTIAN LIFE >> Watchfulness
SDAH 594
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.
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For Worship Leaders
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
These words were written by an anonymous Christian who was evidently a fervent believer in the imminent second advent of Jesus Christ. The hymn’s occurrence in America was in Advent Hymn Book. Designed for the Use of Those Who Look for and Love the Appearing of Jesus Christ. It was compiled by S. J. Varney and printed at Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1854. The Advent Christians used it in their 1894 hymnbook, and since then it has appeared only in SDA hymnals.
The title of the hymn, which is mentioned in the stanza, is taken from James 2:5. The hymn pictures a pilgrim who is on the way to meet the chariot of the king but falls asleep, unarmed and unprepared. The challenge is to look beyond the external problems and fears, which are signs that the king is near, and to sing in prospect of the bright future.
The tune RODMAN was composed by Lowell Mason (1792-1872; see Biographies). Even though it is in the simple gospel song style, as with Mason’s tunes almost without exception, there is no refrain.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
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 Savior 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, ’tis nought 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 mountaintops light is now breaking;
Heirs of the kingdom, rejoice ye and sing.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Jas 2:5; Rom 13:11, 12 (c) Luke 21:25, 26 (d) 1 John 2:17 (e) Matt 6:22; Luke 21:28, 27
Author
Anonymous
Hymn Tune
RODMAN
Metrical Number
11.10.11.10.
Composer
Lowell Mason (1792-1872)
