Scripture Verse

Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. Matthew 22:4

Introduction

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Fanny Crosby
1820–1915

Words: Fan­ny Cros­by, in The Joy­ful Sound, ed­it­ed by John Swe­ney & Will­iam J. Kirk­pat­rick (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: John J. Hood, 1889), page 43. Some hym­nals give the au­thor as Sal­lie Smith, one of Fan­ny’s pseu­donyms.

Music: John R. Swe­ney (🔊 pdf nwc).

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John R. Sweney
1837–1899

Lyrics

All is ready, the Master said,
All is ready, the feast is spread;
Sweet His message of love to all,
Yet how many will slight the call!

Refrain

Why, why, why will you die?
Ask, and the Savior will freely forgive;
Why, why, why will you die?
Only a look, and your soul shall live.

All is ready, He calleth still;
Come, and welcome, whoever will;
Bring your burdens of doubts and fears,
Bring your sorrow, your cares and tears.

Refrain

Though His mercy prolongs your day,
Time is precious, no more delay;
Now He listens to hear your prayer,
Haste the garment of praise to wear.

Refrain

Take the pardon His love bestows,
Take the water of life that flows;
Lo, He standeth beside the door:
Hear the Spirit your hearts implore.

Refrain