Scripture Verse

One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. Mark 10:21

Introduction

portrait
Robert Lowry
1826–1899

Words: Fan­ny Cros­by, in Pre­cious Hymns (Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: Beth­a­ny Sab­bath School, 1870), num­ber 453.

Music: Ro­bert Low­ry (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Fanny Crosby
1820–1915

Lyrics

So near to the kingdom! yet what dost thou lack?
So near to the kingdom! what keepeth thee back?
Renounce every idol, tho’ dear it may be,
And come to the Savior now pleading with thee.

Refrain

Pleading with thee,
The Savior is pleading,
Is pleading with thee.

So near that thou hearest the songs that resound
From those who, believing, a pardon have found!
So near, yet unwilling to give up thy sin,
When Jesus is waiting to welcome thee in!

Refrain

O come; soon thy season of grace may be past,
The door may be closed, and this call be thy last;
O where wouldst thou turn if the light should depart
That comes from the Spirit, and shines on thy heart?

Refrain

To die with no hope! hast thou counted the cost?
To die out of Christ, and thy soul to be lost!
So near to the kingdom! O come, we implore,
While Jesus is pleading, come enter the door.

Refrain