An Early Source for "When the midnight cry began"

[Fulton, Erin]

I was surprised to spot this text in ten strophes in Joshua Bennet's Conference Hymns: Original and Selected, for the Use of Christians (Providence, R.I.: John Miller, printer, 1823), no. 29. Here's how it reads:

When the midnight cry began,

Oh! what a consternation;

Thousands sleeping in their sins,

Waiting for salvation.

Lo! the bridegroom is at hand,

Who will kindly treat him?

Surely all the waiting band

Will go forth to meet him.

Some indeed, did wait a while;

And shone without a rival;

But they burnt up all their oil,

In the first revival.

Half the souls that once had light,

When the scene is closed,

Now against the bridegroom fight,

Yea, now they stand opposed.

While the wise are passing by,

All with their lamps prepared;

Give us of your oil they cry'd,

If any can be spared.

Others trim their former snuffs,

Is it not amazing?

These pretend they've light enough,

Think their lamps are blazing.

Foolish virgins, do you say,

Our bridegroom's a deceiver?

You may light yourselves away,

And try to sleep for ever.

We have light to see his face,

On whom we have believed;

If there's deception in the case. [sic]

It's you that are deceived.

Now the door is open wide,

The lamps are well anointed;

And virgins wise attend the bride,

Unto the place appointed.

Who do you think is now the guest?

Listen thou earnest lover;

He that has all his sins confess'd,

And puts them away for ever.

[Antonio James Higgins]

Incredible! Thanks for Sharing.

Sincerely,

A. J. Higgins