Invitation

Verse 1

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go thy way;
Some more convenient day
On thee I’ll call.”

Verse 2

“Almost persuaded,” come, come to-day;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away,
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Pray’rs rise from hearts so dear;
Oh, wand’rer, come!

Verse 3

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
”Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
”Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail,--
“Almost,” but lost!

Verse 1

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go thy way;
Some more convenient day
On thee I’ll call.”

Verse 2

“Almost persuaded,” come, come to-day;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away,
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Pray’rs rise from hearts so dear;
Oh, wand’rer, come!

Verse 3

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
”Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
”Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail,--
“Almost,” but lost!

Verse 1

Art thou weary, art thou languid,
Art thou sore distrest?
”Come to Me,” saith One, “and, coming,
Be at rest.”

Verse 2

Hath He marks to lead me to Him,
If He be my Guide?
”In His feet and hands are wound-prints,
And His side.”

Verse 3

Is there diadem, as Monarch,
That His brow adorns?
”Yea, a crown, in very surety,
But of thorns.”

Verse 4

If I find Him, if I follow,
What His guerdon here?
”Many a sorrow, many a labor,
Many a tear.”

Verse 5

If I still hold closely to Him,
What hath He at last?
”Sorrow vanquished, labor ended,
Jordan passed.”

Verse 6

If I ask Him to receive me,
Will He say me nay?
”Not till earth and not till heaven
Pass away.”

Verse 7

Finding, following, keeping, struggling,
Is He sure to bless?
”Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs,
Answer, ‘Yes.’”

Verse 1

Art thou weary, art thou languid,
Art thou sore distressed?
”Come to Me,” saith One, “and, coming,
Be at rest.”

Verse 2

Hath He marks to lead me to Him,
If He be my Guide?
”In His feet and hands are wound-prints,
And His side.”

Verse 3

Is there diadem as monarch,
That His brow adorns?
”Yes, a crown in very surety,
But of thorns.”

Verse 4

If I find Him, if I follow,
What my future here?
”Many a labor, many a sorrow,
Many a tear.”

Verse 5

If I still hold closely to Him,
What hath He at last?
”Sorrow vanquished, labor ended,
Jordan past.”

Verse 6

If I ask Him to receive me,
Will He say me nay?
”Not till earth and not till heaven
Pass away.”

Verse 1

Behold a stranger at the door,
He gently knocks, has knocked before;
Has waited long, is waiting still;
You treat no other friend so ill.

Refrain

Oh, let the dear Savior come in,
He’ll cleanse the heart from sin,
Oh, keep him no more out at the door,
But let the dear Savior come in.

Verse 2

Oh, lovely attitude--he stands
With melting heart and loaded hands;
Oh, matchless kindness--and he shows
This matchless kindness to his foes.

Verse 3

But will he prove a friend indeed?
He will--the very friend you need;
The Friend of sinners? Yes, ’tis he.
With garments died on Calvary.

Verse 4

Rise, touched with gratitude divine,
Turn out his enemy and thine;
That soul-destroying monster, sin,
And let the heavenly stranger in.

Verse 5

Admit him, ere his anger burn--
His feet, departed, ne’er return;
Admit him, or the hour’s at hand
You’ll at his door rejected stand.

Verse 1

Behold a stranger at the door,
He gently knocks, has knocked before;
Has waited long, is waiting still;
You treat no other friend so ill.

Refrain

Oh, let the dear Savior come in,
He’ll cleanse the heart from sin,
Oh, keep him no more out at the door,
But let the dear Savior come in.

Verse 2

Oh, lovely attitude--he stands
With melting heart and loaded hands;
Oh, matchless kindness--and he shows
This matchless kindness to his foes.

Verse 3

But will he prove a friend indeed?
He will--the very friend you need;
The Friend of sinners? Yes, ’tis he.
With garments died on Calvary.

Verse 4

Rise, touched with gratitude divine,
Turn out his enemy and thine;
That soul-destroying monster, sin,
And let the heavenly stranger in.

Verse 5

Admit him, ere his anger burn--
His feet, departed, ne’er return;
Admit him, or the hour’s at hand
You’ll at his door rejected stand.

Verse 1

Behold! a Stranger’s at the door;
He gently knocks, has knocked before;
Has waited long, is waiting still:
You treat no other Friend so ill.

Verse 2

But will He prove a Friend indeed?
He will, the very Friend you need;
The Man of Nazareth, ’tis He,
With garments dyed at Calvary.

Verse 3

O lovely attitude! He stands
With melting heart and laden hands;
O matchless kindness! and He shows
This matchless kindness to His foes.

Verse 4

Rise, touched with gratitude Divine,
Turn out His enemy and thine,
That soul-destroying monster, sin,
And let the heavenly Stranger in.

Verse 5

Admit Him ere His anger burn;
His feet, departed, ne’er return:
Admit Him, or the hour’s at hand
When at His door denied you’ll stand.

Verse 1

Come, humble sinner! in whose breast
A thousand thoughts revolve:
Come, with your guilt and fear oppressed,
And make this last resolve:--

Verse 2

“I’ll go to Jesus, though my sin
Like mountains round me close;
I know his courts, I’ll enter in
Whatever may oppose.

Verse 3

“Prostrate I’ll lie before his throne,
And there my guilt confess;
I’ll tell him I’m a wretch undone,
Without his sovereign grace.

Verse 4

“Perhaps he will admit my plea;
Perhaps will hear my prayer;
But, if I perish, I will pray,
And perish only there.

Verse 5

“I can but perish if I go,
I am resolved to try;
For, if I stay away, I know
I must forever die.”

Verse 1

“Come,” said Jesus’ sacred voice,
“Come, and make My paths your choice;
I will guide you to your home,
Weary pilgrim, hither come.”

Verse 2

Thou who houseless, sole, forlorn,
Long hast borne the proud world’s scorn,
Long hast roamed the barren waste,
Weary pilgrim, hither haste.

Verse 3

Ye who, tossed on beds of pain,
Seek for ease, but seek in vain;
Ye, by fiercer anguish torn,
In remorse for guilt who mourn;

Verse 4

“Hither come, for here is found
Balm that flows for every wound,
Peace that ever shall endure,
Rest eternal, sacred, sure.”

Verse 1

“Come,” said Jesus’ sacred voice,
“Come, and make My paths your choice;
I will guide you to your home,
Weary pilgrim, hither come.”

Verse 2

Thou who houseless, sole, forlorn,
Long hast borne the proud world’s scorn,
Long hast roamed the barren waste,
Weary pilgrim, hither haste.

Verse 3

Ye who, tossed on beds of pain,
Seek for ease, but seek in vain;
Ye, by fiercer anguish torn,
In remorse for guilt who mourn;

Verse 4

“Hither come, for here is found
Balm that flows for every wound,
Peace that ever shall endure,
Rest eternal, sacred, sure.”

Verse 1

Come, says Jesus’ sacred voice,
Come, and make my paths your choice;
I will guide you to your home;
Weary pilgrim! hither come.

Verse 2

Thou, who, houseless, sole, forlorn,
Long hast borne the proud world’s scorn,
Long hast roamed this barren waste,
Weary pilgrim! hither haste.

Verse 3

Ye, who, tossed on beds of pain,
Seek for ease, but seek in vain!
Ye, by fiercer anguish torn,
In remorse for guilt who mourn!--

Verse 4

Hither come, for here is found
Balm that flows for every wound,
Peace that ever shall endure,
Rest eternal, sacred, sure.

Verse 1

Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus just now,
Just now come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus just now.

Verse 2

He will save you.

Verse 3

Oh, believe him.

Verse 4

He is able.

Verse 5

He is willing.

Verse 6

He’ll receive you.

Verse 7

Call upon him.

Verse 8

He will hear you.

Verse 9

Look unto him.

Verse 10

He’ll forgive you.

Verse 11

Flee to Jesus.

Verse 12

He will cleanse you.

Verse 13

He will clothe you.

Verse 14

Jesus loves you.

Verse 15

Don’t reject him.

Verse 16

Only trust him.

Verse 17

Hallelujah. Amen.

Verse 1

Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus just now,
Just now come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus just now.

Verse 2

He will save you.

Verse 3

Oh, believe him.

Verse 4

He is able.

Verse 5

He is willing.

Verse 6

He’ll receive you.

Verse 7

Call upon him.

Verse 8

He will hear you.

Verse 9

Look unto him.

Verse 10

He’ll forgive you.

Verse 11

Flee to Jesus.

Verse 12

He will cleanse you.

Verse 13

He will clothe you.

Verse 14

Jesus loves you.

Verse 15

Don’t reject him.

Verse 16

Only trust him.

Verse 17

Hallelujah. Amen.

Verse 1

Come to the Saviour now,
He gently calleth thee;
In true repentance bow,
Before Him bend the knee;
He waiteth to bestow
Salvation, peace, and love,
True joy on earth below,
A home in heaven above.

Verse 2

Come to the Saviour now,
Ye who have wandered far,
Renew your solemn vow,
For His by right you are;
Come, like poor wandering sheep
Returning to His fold;
His arm will safely keep,
His love will ne’er grow cold.

Verse 3

Come to the Saviour, all,
Whate’er your burdens be;
Hear now His loving call,
“Cast all your care on Me.”
Come, and for every grief
In Jesus you will find
A sure and safe relief,
A loving Friend and kind.

Verse 1

“Come unto Me, ye weary,
And I will give you rest.”
O blessed voice of Jesus,
Which comes to hearts oppressed!
It tells of benediction,
Of pardon, grace, and peace,
Of joy that hath no ending,
Of love which cannot cease.

Verse 2

“Come unto Me, dear children,
And I will give you light.”
O loving voice of Jesus
Which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness,
And we had lost our way;
But morning brings us gladness,
And songs the break of day.

Verse 3

“Come unto Me, ye fainting,
And I will give you life.”
O peaceful voice of Jesus
Which comes to end our strife!
The foe is stern and eager,
The fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty,
And stronger than the strong.

Verse 4

“And whosoever cometh
I will not cast him out.”
O patient love of Jesus,
Which drives away our doubt;
Which calls us, very sinners,
Unworthy though we be
Of love so free and boundless,
To come, dear Lord, to Thee!

Verse 1

Come, ye disconsolate, wher-e’er ye languish,
Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel:
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.

Verse 2

Joy of the comfortless, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot cure.”

Verse 3

Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above:
Come to the feast prepared; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrows but heaven can remove.

Verse 1

Come, ye disconsolate, wher-e’er ye languish,
Come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel:
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.

Verse 2

Joy of the comfortless, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
“Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot cure.”

Verse 3

Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above:
Come to the feast prepared; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrows but heaven can remove.

Verse 1

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love, and pow’r;
He is able,
He is willing, doubt no more.

Verse 2

Now, ye needy, come and welcome;
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh,
Without money,
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.

Verse 3

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him;
This he gives you;
’Tis the Spirit’s glimmering beam.

Verse 4

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and mangled by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all;
Not the righteous,--
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Refrain

Turn to the Lord and seek salvation,
Sound the praise of his dear name:
Glory, honor, and salvation,
Christ, the Lord, is come to reign.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in his arms,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms!

Verse 1

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love, and pow’r;
He is able,
He is willing, doubt no more.

Verse 2

Now, ye needy, come and welcome;
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh,
Without money,
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.

Verse 3

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him;
This he gives you;
’Tis the Spirit’s glimmering beam.

Verse 4

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and mangled by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all;
Not the righteous,--
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Refrain

Turn to the Lord and seek salvation,
Sound the praise of his dear name:
Glory, honor, and salvation,
Christ, the Lord, is come to reign.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in his arms,
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms!

Verse 1

Delay not, delay not; oh, sinner! draw near;
The waters of life are now flowing for thee;
No price is demanded, the Savior is here,
Redemption is purchased, salvation is free.

Verse 2

Delay not, delay not; why longer abuse
The love and compassion of Jesus, thy God?
A fountain is opened,--how canst thou refuse
To wash, and be cleansed in his pardoning blood?

Verse 3

Delay not, delay not, oh, sinner! to come,
For mercy still lingers and calls thee to-day;
Her voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb,--
Her message, unheeded, will soon pass away.

Verse 4

Delay not, delay not; the Spirit of grace,
Long grieved and resisted, may take its sad flight;
And leave thee in darkness to finish thy race,--
To sink in the vale of eternity’s night.

Verse 1

Dropping souls! no longer mourn,
Jesus still is precious;
If to him you now return,
Heav’n will be propitious;
Jesus now is passing by,
Calling wand’rers near him;
Drooping souls! you need not die,
Go to him and hear him!

Verse 2

He has pardons full and free,
Drooping souls to gladden;
Still he cries--“Come unto me,
Weary, heavy laden!”
Tho’ your sins, like mountains high,
Rise, and reach to heaven,
Soon as you on him rely,
All shall be forgiven.

Verse 3

Precious is the Savior’s name,
All his saints adore him;
He to save the dying came;--
Prostrate bow before him!
Wand’ring sinner! now return;
Contrite souls! believe him!
Jesus calls you; cease to mourn;
Worship him; receive him.

Verse 1

From the cross uplifted high,
Where the Saviour deigns to die,
What melodious sounds I hear,
Bursting on my ravished ear:
“Love’s redeeming work is done,
Come and welcome, sinner, come.”

Verse 2

“Sprinkled now with blood the throne,
Why beneath thy burdens groan?
On My piercèd body laid,
Justice owns the ransom paid,
Bow the knee, and kiss the Son,
Come and welcome, sinner, come.

Verse 3

“Spread for thee, the festal board
See with richest dainties stored;
To thy Father’s bosom pressed,
Yet again a child confessed,
Never from His house to roam,
Come and welcome, sinner, come.

Verse 4

“Soon the days of life shall end;
Lo, I come, your Saviour, Friend,
Safe your spirits to convey
To the realms of endless day:
Up to My eternal home,
Come and welcome, sinner, come.”

Verse 1

From the cross uplifted high,
Where the Savior deigns to die,
What melodious sounds we hear,
Bursting on the ravished ear!--
“Love’s redeeming’ work is done--
Come and welcome, sinner, come!

Verse 2

“Sprinkled now with blood the throne--
Why beneath thy burdens groan?
On my pierced body laid,
Justice owns the ransom paid--
Bow the knee, and kiss the Son--
Come and welcome, sinner, come!

Verse 3

“Spread for thee, the festal board--
See with richest bounty stored;
To thy Father’s bosom pressed,
Thou shalt be a child confessed,
Never from his house to roam;
Come and welcome, sinner, come!

Verse 4

“Soon the days of life shall end--
Lo, I come--your Savior, Friend!
Safe your spirit to convey
To the realms of endless day,
Up to my eternal home
Come and welcome, sinner, come!”

Verse 1

God calling yet! shall I not hear?
Earth’s pleasures shall I still hold dear?
Shall life’s swift passing years all fly,
And still my soul in slumbers lie?

Verse 2

God calling yet! shall I not rise?
Can I His loving voice despise,
And basely His kind care repay?
He calls me still; can I delay?

Verse 3

God calling yet! and shall He knock,
And I my heart the closer lock?
He still is waiting to receive,
And shall I dare His Spirit grieve?

Verse 4

God calling yet! and shall I give
No heed, but still in bondage live?
I wait, but He does not forsake;
He calls me still; my heart, awake!

Verse 5

God calling yet! I cannot stay;
My heart I yield without delay:
Vain world, farewell, from thee I part;
The voice of God hath reached my heart.

Verse 1

God calling yet! shall I not hear?
Earth’s pleasures shall I still hold dear?
Shall life’s swift passing years all fly,
And still my soul in slumbers lie?

Verse 2

God calling yet! shall I not rise?
Can I His loving voice despise,
And basely His kind care repay?
He calls me still; can I delay?

Verse 3

God calling yet! and shall He knock,
And I my heart the closer lock?
He still is waiting to receive,
And shall I dare His Spirit grieve?

Verse 4

God calling yet! and shall I give
No heed, but still in bondage live?
I wait, but He does not forsake;
He calls me still; my heart, awake!

Verse 5

God calling yet! I cannot stay;
My heart I yield without delay:
Vain world, farewell, from thee I part;
The voice of God hath reached my heart.

Verse 1

Hark, my soul, it is the Lord!
’Tis thy Saviour, hear His word;
Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee,
“Say, poor sinner, lovest thou Me?

Verse 2

“I delivered thee when bound,
And, when bleeding, healed thy wound;
Sought thee wandering, set thee right,
Turned thy darkness into light.

Verse 3

“Can a woman’s tender care
Cease towards the child she bare?
Yes, she may forgetful be,
Yet will I remember thee.

Verse 4

“Mine is an unchanging love,
Higher than the heights above,
Deeper than the depths beneath,
Free and faithful, strong as death.

Verse 5

“Thou shalt see My glory soon,
When the work of grace is done;
Partner of My throne shalt be:
Say, poor sinner, lovest thou Me?”

Verse 6

Lord, it is my chief complaint,
That my love is weak and faint;
Yet I love Thee and adore;
O for grace to love Thee more!

Verse 1

Hasten, sinner! to be wise,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun;
Wisdom, if thou still despise,
Harder is she to be won.

Verse 2

Hasten, mercy to implore,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest thy season should be o’er,
Ere this evening’s stage be run.

Verse 3

Hasten, sinner! to return,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest thy lamp should fail to burn,
Ere salvation’s work is done.

Verse 4

Hasten, sinner! to be blessed,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest perdition thee arrest,
Ere the morrow is begun.

Verse 1

Hasten, sinner! to be wise,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun;
Wisdom, if thou still despise,
Harder is she to be won.

Verse 2

Hasten, mercy to implore,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest thy season should be o’er,
Ere this evening’s stage be run.

Verse 3

Hasten, sinner! to return,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest thy lamp should fail to burn,
Ere salvation’s work is done.

Verse 4

Hasten, sinner! to be blessed,
Stay not for the morrow’s sun,
Lest perdition thee arrest,
Ere the morrow is begun.

Verse 1

Jesus is tenderly calling thee home--
Calling to-day, calling to-day;
Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam
Farther and farther away?

Refrain

Calling to-day,
Calling to-day.
Jesus is calling,
Is tenderly calling to-day.

Verse 2

Jesus is calling the weary to rest--
Calling to-day, calling to-day;
Bring him thy burden and thou shalt be blest;
He will not turn thee away.

Verse 3

Jesus is waiting, oh, come to him now--
Waiting to-day, waiting to-day;
Come with thy sins, at his feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.

Verse 4

Jesus is pleading, oh, list to his voice--
Hear him to-day, hear him to-day;
They who believe on his name shall rejoice;
Quickly arise and away.

Verse 1

Jesus is tenderly calling thee home--
Calling to-day, calling to-day;
Why from the sunshine of love wilt thou roam
Farther and farther away?

Refrain

Calling to-day,
Calling to-day.
Jesus is calling,
Is tenderly calling to-day.

Verse 2

Jesus is calling the weary to rest--
Calling to-day, calling to-day;
Bring him thy burden and thou shalt be blest;
He will not turn thee away.

Verse 3

Jesus is waiting, oh, come to him now--
Waiting to-day, waiting to-day;
Come with thy sins, at his feet lowly bow;
Come, and no longer delay.

Verse 4

Jesus is pleading, oh, list to his voice--
Hear him to-day, hear him to-day;
They who believe on his name shall rejoice;
Quickly arise and away.

Verse 1

Just as thou art--without one trace
Of love, or joy, or inward grace,--
Or meekness for the heav’nly place,--
Oh, guilty sinner! come,--now come.

Verse 2

Thy sins I bore on Calvary’s tree;
The stripes, thy due, were laid on me,
That peace and pardon might be free;--
Oh, wretched sinner! come,--now come.

Verse 3

Burdened with guilt, would’st thou be blessed?
Trust not the world; it gives no rest;
I bring relief to hearts oppressed;--
Oh, weary sinner! come,--now come.

Verse 4

Come, hither bring thy boding fears,
Thy aching heart, thy bursting tears;
’Tis mercy’s voice salutes thine ears;--
Oh, trembling sinner! come,--now come.

Verse 5

“The Spirit and the Bride say, Come!”
Rejoicing saints re-echo, “Come!”
Who faints, who thirsts, who will, may come;
Thy Savior bids thee come,--now come.

Verse 1

Listen, sinner! mercy hails you;
With her sweetest voice she calls;
Bids you hasten to the Savior,
Ere the hand of justice falls:
Listen, sinner!
’Tis the voice of mercy calls.

Verse 2

See! the storm of vengeance gathering
O’er the path you dare to tread!
Hark! the awful thunders rolling
Loud and louder o’er your head!
Flee, oh, sinner!
Lest the lightnings strike you dead.

Verse 3

Haste, ah! hasten to the Savior;
Sue his mercy while you may;
Soon the day of grace is over;
Soon your life will pass away,
Hasten sinner!
You must perish, if you stay.

Verse 1

Oh, do not let the word depart,
And close thine eyes against the light;
Poor-sinner, harden not thy heart;
Thou would’st be saved, why not to-night?

Verse 2

To-morrow’s sun may never rise
To bless thy long-deluded sight;
This is the time, oh, then be wise!
Thou would’st be saved, why not to-night?

Verse 3

Our God in pity lingers still;
And wilt thou thus his love requite?
Renounce at length thy stubborn will;
Thou would’st be saved, why not to-night?

Verse 4

The world has nothing left to give,
It has no new, no pure delight;
Oh, try the life which Christians live;
Thou would’st be saved, why not to-night?

Verse 1

Oh, turn ye, oh, turn ye, for why will ye die,
When God, in great mercy, is coming so nigh?
Now Jesus invites you, the Spirit says, “Come!”
And angels are waiting to welcome you home.

Verse 2

How vain the delusion, that while you delay;
Your hearts may grow better, your chains melt away;
Come guilty, come wretched, come just as you are,
All helpless and dying, to Jesus repair.

Verse 1

Oh, turn ye, oh, turn ye, for why will ye die,
When God, in great mercy, is coming so nigh?
Now Jesus invites you, the Spirit says, “Come!”
And angels are waiting to welcome you home.

Verse 2

How vain the delusion, that while you delay,
Your hearts may grow better by staying away!
Come wretched, come starving, come just as you be,
While streams of salvation are flowing so free.

Verse 3

And now Christ is ready your souls to receive;
Oh, how can you question, if you will believe?
If sin is your burden, why will you not come?
’Tis you he bids welcome; he bids you come home.

Verse 4

Why will you be starving, and feeding on air?
There’s mercy in Jesus, enough and to spare;
If still you are doubting, make trial and see.
And prove that his mercy is boundless and free.

Verse 1

O Jesus, Thou art standing
Outside the fast-closed door,
In lowly patience waiting
To pass the threshold o’er:
Shame on us, Christian brothers,
His Name and sign who bear,
O shame, thrice shame upon us,
To keep Him standing there!

Verse 2

O Jesus, Thou art knocking;
And lo, that hand is scarred,
And thorns Thy brow encircle,
And tears Thy face have marred:
O love that passeth knowledge,
So patiently to wait!
O sin that hath no equal,
So fast to bar the gate!

Verse 3

O Jesus, Thou art pleading
In accents meek and low,
“I died for you, My children,
And will ye treat Me so?”
O Lord, with shame and sorrow
We open now the door;
Dear Saviour, enter, enter,
And leave us nevermore.

Verse 1

Return, O wanderer, return,
And seek an injured Father’s face;
Those warm desires that in thee burn
Were kindled by reclaiming grace.

Verse 2

Return, O wanderer, return,
And seek a Father’s melting heart,
Whose pitying eyes thy grief discern,
Whose hand can heal thine inward smart.

Verse 3

Return, O wanderer, return;
He heard thy deep repentant sigh,
He saw thy softened spirit mourn
When no intruding ear was nigh.

Verse 4

Return, O wanderer, return;
Thy Saviour bids thy spirit live:
Go to His bleeding feet, and learn
How freely Jesus can forgive.

Verse 5

Return, O wanderer, return,
And wipe away the falling tear;
’Tis God who says, “No longer mourn,”
’Tis mercy’s voice invites thee near.

Verse 1

Say, sinner, hath a voice within
Oft whispered to thy secret soul,
Urged thee to leave the ways of sin,
And yield thy heart to God’s control?

Verse 2

Sinner! it was a heavenly voice,--
It was the Spirit’s gracious call;
It bade thee make the better choice,
And haste to seek in Christ thine all.

Verse 3

Spurn not the call for life and light;
Regard in time the warning kind;
That call thou may’st not always slight
And yet the gate of mercy find.

Verse 4

God’s Spirit will not always strive
With hardened self-destroying men;
Ye, who persist his love to grieve,
May never hear his voice again.

Verse 5

Sinner! perhaps this very day
Thy last accepted time may be:
Oh! should’st thou grieve him now away
Then hope may never beam on thee.

Verse 1

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?
God, your Maker, asks you why?
God, who did your being give,
Made you with himself to live;
He the fatal cause demands;
Asks the work of his own hands,--
Why, ye thankless creatures, why
Will ye cross his love, and die?

Verse 2

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?
God, your Savior, asks you why?
He, who did your souls retrieve,
Died himself, that ye might live.
Will ye let him die in vain?
Crucify your Lord again?
Why, ye ransomed sinners, why
Will ye slight his grace and die?

Verse 3

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?
God; the Spirit, asks you why?
He who all your lives hath strove,
Urged you to embrace his love.
Will ye not his grace receive?
Will ye still refuse to live?
O ye dying sinners, why,
Why will ye forever die?

Verse 1

Sinners, turn: why will ye die?
God, your Maker, asks you why;
God, who did your being give,
Made you with Himself to live;
He the fatal cause demands,
Asks the work of His own hands,
Why, ye thankless creatures, why
Will ye cross His love, and die?

Verse 2

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?
God, your Saviour, asks you why;
God who did your souls retrieve,
Died Himself that ye might live:
Will you let Him die in vain?
Crucify your Lord again?
Why, ye ransomed sinners, why
Will you slight His grace, and die?

Verse 3

Sinners, turn; why will ye die?
God, the Spirit, asks you why;
God, who all your lives hath strove,
Wooed you to embrace His love:
Will you not the grace receive?
Will you still refuse to live?
Why, ye long-sought sinners, why
Will ye grieve your God, and die?

Verse 1

“Take up thy cross,” the Saviour said,
“If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Take up thy cross with willing heart,
And humbly follow after Me.”

Verse 2

Take up thy cross; let not its weight
Fill thy weak soul with vain alarm;
His strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thy heart, and nerve thine arm.

Verse 3

Take up thy cross; nor heed the shame,
And let thy foolish pride be still;
Thy Lord refused not e’en to die
Upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill.

Verse 4

Take up thy cross, then, in His strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide thee to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.

Verse 5

Take up thy cross, and follow on,
Nor think till death to lay it down;
For only he who bears the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

Verse 1

Tell me the old, old story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love:
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary,
And helpless and defiled.
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Of Jesus and His love.

Verse 2

Tell me the story slowly,
That I may take it in,
That wonderful redemption,
God’s remedy for sin:
Tell me the story often,
For I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning
Has passed away at noon.

Verse 3

Tell me the story softly,
With earnest tones, and grave;
Remember, I’m the sinner
Whom Jesus came to save:
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me.

Verse 4

Tell me the same old story
When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory
Is costing me too dear:
Yes, and when that world’s glory
Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story,
“Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

Verse 1

Tell me the old, old story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love:
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary,
And helpless and defiled.
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Of Jesus and His love.

Verse 2

Tell me the story slowly,
That I may take it in,
That wonderful redemption,
God’s remedy for sin:
Tell me the story often,
For I forget so soon;
The early dew of morning
Has passed away at noon.

Verse 3

Tell me the story softly,
With earnest tones, and grave;
Remember, I’m the sinner
Whom Jesus came to save:
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me.

Verse 4

Tell me the same old story
When you have cause to fear
That this world’s empty glory
Is costing me too dear:
Yes, and when that world’s glory
Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story,
“Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

Verse 1

The Lord is rich and merciful,
The Lord is very kind;
O come to Him, come now to Him,
With a believing mind:
His comforts, they shall strengthen thee,
Like flowing waters cool;
And He shall for thy spirit be
A fountain ever full.

Verse 2

The Lord is glorious and strong,
Our God is very high;
O trust in Him, trust now in Him,
And have security:
He shall be to thee like the sea,
And thou shalt surely feel
His wind, that bloweth healthily
Thy sicknesses to heal.

Verse 3

The Lord is wonderful and wise,
As all the ages tell;
O learn of Him, learn now of Him,
Then with thee it is well:
And with His light thou shalt be blest,
Therein to work and live;
And He shall be to thee a rest
When evening hours arrive.

Verse 1

There is a line by us unseen,
That crosses every path,
The hidden boundary between
God’s patience and his wrath.

Verse 2

To pass that limit is to die,
To die as if by stealth;
It does not quench the beaming eye,
Nor pale the glow of health.

Verse 3

Oh! where is this mysterious bourne
By which our path is crossed;
Beyond which God himself hath sworn
That he who goes is lost?

Verse 4

How far may we go on to sin?
How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end, and where begin
The confines of despair?

Verse 5

An answer from the skies is sent,—
“Ye that from God depart,
While it is called to-day, repent,
And harden not your heart.”

Verse 1

There’s a stranger at the door,
Let him in,
He has been there oft before,
Let him in;
Let him in ere he is gone,
Let him in, the Holy One,
Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son,
Let him in.

Verse 2

Open now to him your heart,
Let him in,
If you wait he will depart,
Let him in;
Let him in, he is your Friend,
He your soul will sure defend,
He will keep you to the end,
Let him in.

Verse 3

Hear you now his loving voice?
Let him in,
Now, oh, now make him your choice
Let him in;
He is standing at the door,
Joy to you he will restore,
And his name you will adore,
Let him in.

Verse 4

Now admit the heavenly Guest,
Let him in,
He will make for you a feast,
Let him in;
He will speak your sins forgiv’n,
And when earth ties all are riven,
He will take you home to heaven,
Let him in.

Verse 1

There’s a stranger at the door,
Let him in,
He has been there oft before,
Let him in;
Let him in ere he is gone,
Let him in, the Holy One,
Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son,
Let him in.

Verse 2

Open now to him your heart,
Let him in,
If you wait he will depart,
Let him in;
Let him in, he is your Friend,
He your soul will sure defend,
He will keep you to the end,
Let him in.

Verse 3

Hear you now his loving voice?
Let him in,
Now, oh, now make him your choice
Let him in;
He is standing at the door,
Joy to you he will restore,
And his name you will adore,
Let him in.

Verse 4

Now admit the heavenly Guest,
Let him in,
He will make for you a feast,
Let him in;
He will speak your sins forgiv’n,
And when earth ties all are riven,
He will take you home to heaven,
Let him in.

Verse 1

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in his justice,
Which is more than liberty.

Refrain

He is calling, “Come to me;”
Lord, I’ll gladly haste to thee.

Verse 2

There’s no place where earthly sorrows
Are more felt than up in heaven;
There’s no place where earthly failings
Have such kindly judgment given.

Verse 3

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

Verse 4

But we make his love too narrow,
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.

Verse 5

Pining souls, come nearer Jesus;
Come, but come not doubting thus;
Come with faith that trusts more freely
His great tenderness for us.

Verse 6

If our love were but more simple,
We should take him at his word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

Verse 1

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in his justice,
Which is more than liberty.

Refrain

He is calling, “Come to me;”
Lord, I’ll gladly haste to thee.

Verse 2

There’s no place where earthly sorrows
Are more felt than up in heaven;
There’s no place where earthly failings
Have such kindly judgment given.

Verse 3

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

Verse 4

But we make his love too narrow,
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.

Verse 5

Pining souls, come nearer Jesus;
Come, but come not doubting thus;
Come with faith that trusts more freely
His great tenderness for us.

Verse 6

If our love were but more simple,
We should take him at his word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

Verse 1

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in his justice,
Which is more than liberty.

Refrain

He is calling, “Come to me;”
Lord, I’ll gladly haste to thee.

Verse 2

There’s no place where earthly sorrows
Are more felt than up in heaven;
There’s no place where earthly failings
Have such kindly judgment given.

Verse 3

For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of man’s mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

Verse 4

But we make his love too narrow,
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify his strictness
With a zeal he will not own.

Verse 5

Pining souls, come nearer Jesus;
Come, but come not doubting thus;
Come with faith that trusts more freely
His great tenderness for us.

Verse 6

If our love were but more simple,
We should take him at his word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

Verse 1

The Spirit in our hearts
Is whispering, “Sinner, come;”
The Bride, the Church of Christ, proclaims
To all His children, “Come.”

Verse 2

Let him that heareth say
To all about him, “Come;”
Let him that thirsts for righteousness
To Christ the Fountain come.

Verse 3

Yes, whosoever will,
O let him freely come,
And freely drink the stream of life;
’Tis Jesus bids him come.

Verse 4

Lo, Jesus, who invites,
Declares, “I quickly come.”
Lord, even so; I wait Thy hour:
Jesus, my Saviour, come.

Verse 1

To-day the Savior calls!
Ye wand’rers, come,
Oh, ye benighted souls,
Why longer roam?

Verse 2

To-day the Savior calls!
Oh, hear him now;
Within these sacred walls
To Jesus bow.

Verse 3

Today the Savior calls!
For refuge fly!
The storm of justice falls,
And death is nigh.

Verse 4

The Spirit calls to-day;
Yield to his power;
Oh, grieve him not away,
’Tis mercy’s hour.

Verse 1

To-day the Saviour calls:
Ye wanderers, come;
O ye benighted souls,
Why longer roam?

Verse 2

To-day the Saviour calls:
O listen now;
Within these sacred walls
To Jesus bow.

Verse 3

To-day the Saviour calls:
For refuge fly;
The storm of vengeance falls,
Ruin is nigh.

Verse 4

The Spirit calls to-day:
Yield to His power;
O grieve Him not away,
’Tis mercy’s hour.

Verse 1

To-day the Saviour calls:
Ye wanderers, come;
O ye benighted souls,
Why longer roam?

Verse 2

To-day the Saviour calls:
O listen now;
Within these sacred walls
To Jesus bow.

Verse 3

To-day the Saviour calls:
For refuge fly;
The storm of vengeance falls,
Ruin is nigh.

Verse 4

The Spirit calls to-day:
Yield to His power;
O grieve Him not away,
’Tis mercy’s hour.

Verse 1

To-day Thy mercy calls me
To wash away my sin;
However great my trespass,
Whate’er I may have been,
However long from mercy
I may have turned away,
Thy blood, O Christ, can cleanse me,
And make me white to-day.

Verse 2

To-day Thy gate is open,
And all who enter in
Shall find a Father’s welcome,
And pardon for their sin;
The past shall be forgotten,
A present joy be given,
A future grace be promised,
A glorious crown in heaven.

Verse 3

To-day the Father calls me,
The Holy Spirit waits,
The blessed angels gather
Around the heavenly gates:
No question will be asked me,
How often I have come;
Although I oft have wandered,
It is my Father’s home.

Verse 4

O all-embracing mercy,
Thou ever-open door,
What shall I do without thee
When heart and eyes run o’er?
When all things seem against me,
To drive me to despair,
I know one gate is open,
One ear will hear my prayer.

Verse 1

To-morrow, Lord, is Thine,
Lodged in Thy sovereign hand;
And if its sun arise and shine,
It shines by Thy command.

Verse 2

The present moment flies,
And bears our life away;
O make Thy servants truly wise,
That they may live to-day.

Verse 3

Since on this wingèd hour
Eternity is hung,
Waken, by Thine almighty power,
The aged and the young.

Verse 4

One thing demands our care,
O be it still pursued;
Lest, slighted once, the season fair
Should never be renewed.

Verse 5

To Jesus may we fly,
Swift as the morning light,
Lest life’s young golden beams should die
In sudden, endless night.

Verse 1

Was there ever kindest shepherd
Half so gentle, half so sweet,
As the Saviour who would have us
Come and gather round His feet?
It is God; His love looks mighty,
But is mightier than it seems:
’Tis our Father; and His fondness
Goes far out beyond our dreams.

Verse 2

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Saviour,
There is healing in His blood.

Verse 3

For the love of God is broader
Than the measures of man’s mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind:
But we make His love too narrow
By false limits of our own,
And we magnify His strictness
With a zeal He will not own.

Verse 4

There is plentiful redemption
In the blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members
In the sorrows of the Head.
If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

Verse 1

Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus?
Who’ll be the next the cross to bear?
Someone is ready, someone is waiting;
Who’ll be the next a crown to wear?

Refrain

Who’ll be the next? Who’ll be the next?
Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus?
Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus now?
Follow Jesus now?

Verse 2

Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus--
Follow his weary, bleeding feet?
Who’ll be the next to lay ev’ry burden
Down at the Father’s mercy-seat?

Verse 3

Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus?
Who’ll be the next to praise his name?
Who’ll swell the chorus of free redemption--
Sing, hallelujah! praise the Lamb?

Verse 4

Who’ll be the next to follow Jesus,
Down thro’ the Jordan’s rolling tide?
Who’ll be the next to join with the ransomed,
Singing upon the other side?

Verse 1

Why do you wait, dear brother,
Oh, why do you tarry so long?
Your Savior is waiting to give you
A place in his sanctified throng.

Refrain

Why not? why not?
Why not come to him now?
Why not? why not?
Why not come to him now?

Verse 2

What do you hope, dear brother,
To gain by a further delay?
There’s no one to save you but Jesus,
There’s no other way but his way.

Verse 3

Do you not feel, dear brother,
His Spirit now striving within?
Oh, why not accept his salvation,
And throw off thy burden of sin?

Verse 4

Why do you wait, dear brother,
The harvest is passing away,
Your Savior is longing to bless you,
There’s danger and death in delay.

Verse 1

“Yet there is room:” the Lamb’s bright hall of song,
With its fair glory, beckons thee along:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 2

Day is declining, and the sun is low;
The shadows lengthen, light makes haste to go:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 3

The bridal hall is filling for the feast;
Pass in, pass in, and be the Bridegroom’s guest:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 4

It fills, it fills, that hall of jubilee!
Make haste, make haste; ’tis not too full for thee:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 5

Yet there is room: still open stands the gate,
The gate of love; it is not yet too late:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 6

O enter in; that banquet is for thee;
That cup of everlasting joy is free:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 7

All heaven is there, all joy! Go in, go in;
The angels beckon thee the prize to win:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 8

Louder and sweeter sounds the loving call;
Come, lingerer, come; enter that festal hall:
Room, room, still room! O enter, enter now.

Verse 9

Ere night that gate may close, and seal thy doom;
Then the last low, long cry, “No room, no room!”
No room, no room! O woeful cry, “No room!”

Verse 1

Ye wretched, hungry, starving poor!
Behold a royal feast,
Where mercy spreads her bounteous store,
For every humble guest.

Verse 2

See, Jesus stands, with open arms;
He calls,--he bids you come;
Guilt holds you back, and fear alarms;
But, see! there yet is room.

Verse 3

Room, in the Savior’s bleeding heart;
There love and pity meet;
Nor will he bid the soul depart,
That trembles at his feet

Verse 4

Oh! come, and with his children taste
The blessings of his love:
While hope attends the sweet repast
Of nobler joys above.

Verse 5

There, with united heart and voice,
Before th’ eternal throne,
Ten thousand thousand souls rejoice,
In ecstasies unknown.

Verse 6

And yet ten thousand thousand more
Are welcome still to come;
Ye longing souls! the grace adore,
Approach, there yet is room.