The Tolling Bell
The Tolling Bell
Shannon Itzel, Karen Itzel, John Newton Oft as the Bell with solemn toll Speaks the departure of a soul Let each one ask himself, “Am I Prepared, should I be called to die?” Only this frail and fleeting breath Preserved me from the jaws of death Soon as it fails, at once I'm gone And plunged into a world unknown Then leaving all I love below To God's tribunal I must go Must hear the Judge pronounce my fate And fix my everlasting state Chorus Then rings the bell, bell of joy or bell of doom The bell, ponder that day, it’s coming soon Lord Jesus help me now to flee And seek my hope alone in Thee Apply Thy blood, Thy Spirit give Subdue my sin and let me live Then when the tolling bell I hear If saved from guilt I need not fear Nor would the thought distressing be Perhaps it next may toll for me Rather my spirit would rejoice And long and wish to hear Thy voice Glad when it bids me earth resign Secure in heaven for Thou art mine |