111. What Then? F


WHEN the great plants of our cities have turned
out their last finished work,
When our merchants have sold their last yard of
goods and dismissed the last tired clerk,
When our banks have raked in their last dollar
and paid the last dividends,
When the Judge of the earth says, “closed for the
night,” and asks for a balance –
What Then?

Chorus

What then? What then?
When the great Book is opened, what then?
When the ones that's rejecting this Message tonight,
Will be asked to give a reason – What Then?

When the choir has sung its last song and the
preacher has said his last prayer,
When the people have heard their last sermon and
the sound has died out in the air,
When the Bible lies closed on the altar and the
pews are all empty of folks,
And each one stands facing his record and the
great Book is opened – What Then?

When the actors have played their last drama and
the mimic has made his last fun,
When the film has flashed its last film and the
billboard displayed its last run,
When the crowds seeking pleasure have vanished
and all the liquor stores and beer joints have been closed,
And the salesman sold his last drink and gone out
in the darkness,
When the trumpet of ages is sounded and we
stand before Him – What Then?

When the bugle call sinks into silence and the
long marching columns stand still,
And the captain repeat his last orders,
And the flag has been hauled from the mast,
And the wounded afield checked in and a world
That rejects it Saviour is asked for a reason – What Then?