Scripture Verse

I came…to call…sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32

Introduction

Words: Al­len Wil­son, 1897. Ap­peared in Sil­ver and Gold No. 1, ed­it­ed by James V. Coombs & Will­iam Hack­le­man (In­di­an­apo­lis, In­di­ana: Hack­le­man Mu­sic, 1898), num­ber 49.

Music: Will­iam E. M. Hack­le­man (🔊 pdf nwc).

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

portrait
William E. M. Hackleman (1868–1927)

Lyrics

Jesus, Thou the friend of sinners—
Humbly at Thy feet I bow;
From my load of guilt and sorrow,
Save me, Je­sus, save me now.

Refrain

Save me now, oh, Je­sus save me!
Humbly at Thy feet I bow;
O take from me my guilt and sorrow;
Save me, Je­sus, save me now.

I am poor and weak and empty;
Tempted oft, and full of sin;
With Thy blood once shed for sinners,
Wash me, Lord, and make me clean.

Refrain

Just as I am now, dear Sav­ior
Seek I pardon, rest and peace;
By Thy healing touch, dear Sav­ior,
Make my love for Thee increase.

Refrain

Hearing, I believed, repented;
Now confess Thy holy name;
To be buried in Thy likeness,
Cleansing all my guilt and shame.

Refrain

Take me, Lord, and use me ever;
Let me work, and watch and pray;
Leading lost and ruined sinners,
To the straight and narrow way.

Refrain