Perhaps today! shall sound the mystic summons,
The shout, the voice, the trump, not by all heard;
And, from their scattered silent resting places,
The dead in Christ will rise to meet the Lord;
While we, the ransomed living, in a moment
Shall be caught up—according to His Word.

Perhaps today! from every clime and nation,
Shall souls redeemed ascend to meet the Lord;
To suffering ones—great, glad emancipation;
To those who toil for Him, a sure reward.
We look not down a track of unknown years;
It may be that today our Lord appears.

Perhaps today! with problems fresh outbreaking,
With growing evils rampant o'er the earth,
When sore distress, nigh every land is shaking—
Perhaps today! the Saviour may come forth.
Earth's leaders fail; the forces are too great;
But, lift your heads, the Lord is at the gate!

—Selected