Hymn: Words by Joseph Grigg, 1765 • Music by Henry K. Oliver, 1832

Found in "In the Way" (Chapter 11)

 

Behold, a stranger at the door!
He gently knocks, has knocked before,
Has waited long, is waiting still:
You treat no other friend so ill.

O lovely attitude! He stands
With melting heart and laden hands;
O matchless kindness! and He shows
This matchless kindness to His foes.

But will He prove a friend indeed?
He will; the very friend you need;
The friend of sinners—yes, ’tis He,
With garments dyed on Calvary.

Oh lovely attitude! He stands
With melting heart and laden hands:
O matchless kindness! and He shows
This matchless kindness to His foes.

Rise, touched with gratitude divine;
Turn out His enemy and thine,
That hateful, hell-born monster, sin,
And let the heavenly Stranger in.

If thou art poor—and poor thou art—
Lo! He has riches to impart;
Not wealth, in which mean avarice rolls;
O better far, the wealth of souls.

Thou’rt blind, He’ll take the scales way,
And let in everlasting day:
Naked thou art, but He shall dress
Thy blushing soul in righteousness.

Art thou a weeper? Grief shall fly,
For who can weep with Jesus by?
No terror shall thy hopes annoy,
No tear—except the tear of joy.

Admit Him, for the human breast
Ne’er entertained so kind a Guest;
No mortal tongue their joys can tell
With whom He condescends to dwell.

Admit Him, ere His anger burn,
His feet depart, ne’er to return;
Admit Him, or the hour’s at hand,
When at His door denied you’ll stand.

Yet know—nor of the terms complain—
If Jesus comes, He comes to reign;
To reign, and with no partial sway;
Thoughts must be slain that disobey.

Sovereign of souls, Thou Prince of Peace,
O may Thy gentle reign increase:
Throw wide the door, each willing mind;
And be His empire all mankind.