In the silent midnight watches,
List—thy bosom door!
How it knocketh—knocketh—knocketh,
Knocketh evermore!
Say not 'tis thy pulse's beating:
'Tis thy heart of sin;
'Tis thy Saviour knocks, and crieth
“Rise, and let me in!”

Death comes on with reckless footsteps,
To the hall and hut:
Think you Death will tarry, knocking,
Where the door is shut?
Jesus waiteth—waiteth—waiteth,
But the door is fast;
Grieved, away thy Saviour goeth;
Death breaks in at last.

Then 'tis time to stand entreating
Christ to let thee in:
At the gate of Heaven beating,
Wailing for thy sin.
Nay!—alas, thou guilty creature!
Hast thou, then, forgot?
Jesus waited long to know thee;
Now he knows thee not.