Scripture Verse

Narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it. Matthew 7:14

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 699. Want of Suc­cess La­ment­ed.

Music: Ben­e­dict­ion (Mann) Ar­thur H. Mann, 1879 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Bed­dome (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Arthur H. Mann
1850–1929

Lyrics

Heav’nly truth in love dispensèd;
Few, alas, with joy embrace:
Closed their eyes and ears to mercy,
Sinners slight the God of grace:
Self-deluded,
Downwards rush with rapid pace.

Though Jehovah often speaketh,
Hardened, they refuse to hear,
Carnal pleasures still pursuing,
They are caught in Satan’s snare:
Disappointed,
Yet the world is still their care.

Lord, these careless souls to waken,
Send Thy Holy Spirit down;
Now the labors of Thy servants,
With Thy special blessing crown:
To the wanderers,
Be Thy grace and mercy shown.

Let fair Zion’s sons be gathered,
Own Thee as their sovereign head;
In remotest lands and nations,
May Thy glorious Gospel spread:
Power celestial,
Raise to life the numerous dead.