'Tis the Kingly One, the Stranger

1 Listen! listen! he is there,
Knocking, knocking, worn with care;
’Tis the Kingly One, the Stranger,
He who comes from glory down;
Cradled once in Bethl’em’s manger,
Wearning now of thorns a crown.

2 Listen! listen! thee he seeks,
Knocking, knocking, yes, he speaks;
What poor soul, dost thou not know him?
With night’s dews his locks are wet;
Surely thou wilt kindness show him,
What tho’ vows thou dost forget.

3 Listen! listen! at the door,
Knocking, knocking, o’er and o’er;
“Sinner, sinner, long I’ve sought thee,”
This he says to you and me;
On the cross with blood I’ve bought thee,
“Will thou not my foll’wer be?”

4 Listen! listen! still the same,
Knocking, knocking, ’twas thy name;
Hark his accents, soft and tender!
Yes, I will unbar the door;
Enter, I make full surrender,
Reign within me evermore.

Source: Pearls of Praise #141

• MIDI file from Pearls of Praise #141