DOCTRINES >> Judgment
SDAH 417
O solemn thought and can it be
The hour o judgment now is come
Which soon must fix our destiny,
And seal the sinner’s fearful down?
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: O Solemn Thought
Roswell F. Cottrell’s hymn reflects one of the most distinctive Adventist beliefs—the investigative judgment now taking place in heaven. With language steeped in Scripture, it calls us to live in readiness, knowing that our lives are under the loving yet holy review of God. Allen W. Foster’s tune FINALLY captures the hymn’s reverent tone, blending strength and reflection. As we sing, we are reminded that now is the time to seek Christ fully, so that when the judgment closes, our names will be found in the Book of Life.
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Roswell Fenner Cottrell (1814-1892; see SDAH 179) wrote these words, which emphasize one of the distinctive doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists, the investigative (or pre-Advent) judgment. They appear in Hymns and Tunes, 1886, and cite many Scripture texts. Cottrell I also wrote SDAH 179, “The Wonders of Redeeming Love.”
This is one of the texts sent out by the committee to some 30 SDA composers, asking for an original tune. The submission by Allen W. Foster (1940-; see SDAH 151) was chosen for its fitting solemnity, and the dramatic power of its harmonic progressions. The composer shares these thoughts about the tune FINALLY, “The inspiration for the writing of the tune setting for this magnificent text by R. F. Cottrell was derived from both the very recent need for a tune and the inspiration received from just a reading awe-producing text. The tune seemed natural to the meter, and while the key is major, the feeling seems reflective or retrospective, almost in a minor mode. The choice of the hymn name, FINALLY, is derived from a personal perception of spiritual retrospection realized from the text. At the writing of these words, I’ve just recently suffered the death of my only brother, a gifted attorney, who at age 46 died very suddenly on September 8, 1984. To his memory, this hymn tune is dedicated.”
Foster arranged the spiritual SDAH 151, “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”; and composed SDAH 203, CHALLENGE; and SDAH 298, BRADLEY.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
O solemn thought and can it be
The hour o judgment now is come
Which soon must fix our destiny,
And seal the sinner’s fearful down?
Yes, it is so; the judgment hour
Is swiftly hastening to its close;
Then will the Judge, in mighty power,
Descend in vengeance on His foes.
2
He who came down to earth to die
An offering for the sins of men,
And then ascended upon on high,
And will e’er long return again,
Is standing now before the ark,
And mercy seat and cherubim,
To plead His blood for saints, and make
The last remembrance of their sin.
3
The solemn moment is at hand
When we who have His name confessed,
Each in his lot must singly stand
And pass the final, searching test.
Jesus! we hope in Thee alone;
In mercy now upon us look,
Confess our names before the throne,
And blot our sins from out Thy book.
4
O blessed Savior! may we feel
The full importance of this hour.
Inspire our hearts with holy zeal,
And aid us by Thy Spirit’s power,
That we may in Thy strength be strong,
And brave the conflict valiantly;
Then, on Mount Zion, join the song,
And swell the notes of victory.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Rev 14:7 (b) Acts 1:11 (c) Dan 12:13; Rev 3:5; Acts 3:19 (d) Rev 14:1, 15:2
Author
Roswell F. Cottrell (1814-1892)
Year Published
1886
Copyright
Music copyright 1984 by Allen W. Foster
Hymn Tune
FINALLY
Metrical Number
L.M.D.
Composer
Allen W. Foster (1940-)
Alternate Tune
DUANE STREET, SDAH 441
