Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Luke 1:17
Words: Birdie M. Stillman, in The Lighthouse in Gospel Song, edited by John D. Patton (Birmingham, Alabama: J. D. Patton, 1910), number 57.
Music: James H. Stanley (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Stillman or Stanley (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Dear friends, I have a story to tell,
A story of woe, and despair;
My soul is doomed with demons to dwell—
I have waited too long to prepare.
Refrain
I’ve waited too long
(I’ve waited too long),
I’ve waited too long to prepare.
I’ve anchored my soul to the sin cursed shore,
I’ve waited too long to prepare.
I’ve heard the story of Christ’s love,
The city so bright and so fair;
They bade me live for Heaven above,
But I’ve waited too long to prepare.
Refrain
When friends would plead with me to come,
I turned them away without care;
And now thro’ mist and darkness I see,
I have waited too long to prepare.
Refrain
Too long the Savior’s pointed the way,
And offered my burdens to share;
Alas, I’ve turned His kindness away!
Thus I’ve waited too long to prepare.
Refrain
O sinner, hear this message to you,
’Tis filled with the words of despair;
And heed the call of warning today—
You are waiting too long to prepare.
Refrain