Day of Wrath, O Day of Mourning

Tune: Dies Irae (Dykes) · Meter 8 8 8 8 8 8

1 Day of wrath, O day of mourning! See fulfilled the prophet's warning, Heav'n and earth in ashes burning. Oh, what fear man's bosom rendeth When from Heav'n the Judge descendeth On whose sentence all dependeth!

2 Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth, Through earth's sepulchers it ringeth, All before the throne it bringeth. Death is struck and nature quaking; All creation is awaking, To its Judge an answer making.

3 Lo, the book, exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded; Thence shall judgment be awarded. When the Judge His seat attaineth And each hidden deed arraigneth, Nothing unavenged remaineth.

4 What shall I, frail man, be pleading? Who for me be interceding When the just are mercy needing? King of majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of pity, then befriend us.

5 Think, good Jesus, my salvation Caused Thy wondrous incarnation; Leave me not to reprobation! Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the cross of suff'ring bought me; Shall such grace be vainly brought me?

Words: Thomas of Celano; translated by William Josiah Irons (1812–1883)
Music: John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876); setting by unknown
Scripture: Rev 6:12-17, Rev 20:11-15, Mt 24:15-28, Mt 25:31-46, Ps 49:1-20
Public domain. From the Open Hymnal Project.