I brought my merits to the throne, And set them forth in order there; I said, "O Lord, Thy servant own, And let his brow the garland wear; The grace and virtue of his life, He won as victor in the strife." II The song that erstwhile filled the place, Where high the throne of Christ was set, Grew faint, as on each pensive face Joy mixed with pain, and pity met;-- Their song had told the debt they owed, And how the Christ His grace bestowed. III O, silence fell, so sharp and chill,-- My soul to meanness pined and shrank, Forth went my cry in accent shrill, "My Lord, have I no grace to thank?" Its echo dying, lingered, sank, "My Lord, have I no grace to thank?" IV I saw His pierced hands and side, I saw the thorn-wounds on His brow,-- "My Lord, forgive my sinful pride, Accept my sore repentance now;" Then rose high heaven's adoring prayers, My grateful song went forth with theirs. I The time is drawing nigh, Even now the day is near, When Christ from heaven high To Judgment shall appear;-- Keep watch, my soul, in fear, The Judge of men is near. II Then kings and princes great, The rich and poor shall meet; And high and low estate, Shall gather round His feet;-- Keep watch, my soul, in fear, The Judge of men is near. III No crafty words shall mar, Nor sophistry distract; No parrying counsel jar With the eternal fact;-- Keep watch, my soul, in fear, The Judge of men is near. IV O Christ, in mercy then, Forbid my soul should go With lost and ruined men Down to the place of woe;-- Keep watch, my soul, in fear, The Judge of men is near. ASPIRATIONS I I sought the Lord at early morn, When earth awoke to see the light; And to my soul a light was borne That quelled the darkness of my night; He heard my prayer at early morn, And light into my heart was borne. II I sought the Lord when noontide shone, And head and hand earth's duties shared; "I am Thy servant, Lord, alone," I said, and told Him how I fared; He heard my prayer as I drew near, And kept me at my task, sincere. III I sought the Lord when evening fell, And night came gliding on apace; For I had sins my Lord to tell, And He is full of pardoning grace; He heard my prayer, and bade me rest, And in His love my soul was blest. IV