The Cyber Hymnal ‎#431

431. Behold, a Stranger at the Door

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. Rise, touched with gratitude divine;
Turn out His enemy and thine,
That soul destroying monster, sin,
And let the heavenly Stranger in.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold, a stranger at the door
• Title: Behold, a Stranger at the Door
• Author: Joseph Grigg (1765)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Four Hymns on Divine Subjects, 1765
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: ENTREATY, Henry Coward, in The Primitive Methodist Hymnal with Supplement (London: The Primitive Methodist Publishing House, 1912), number 246; HARTEL, Lowell Mason, in The Primitive Methodist Hymnal with Supplement (London: The Primitive Methodist Publishing House, 1912), number 246

Tune Information

• Name: FEDERAL STREET
• Composer: Henry Kemble Oliver (1832)
• Meter: LM
• Incipit: 33343 55434 44334
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Public Domain