WHAT THEN?

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 repeats his last orders,
And the flag has been hauled from the mast,
And the wounded afield checked in
and a world that rejects its Saviour
is asked for a reason -
What Then?