Gospel Herald in Song ‎#73

73. Shall It Be in Vain

1 At the portals of your heart,
Waiting from the world apart,
Lo! a kingly form doth stand
Knocking still with pierced hand.
Knocking gently at the door
Where He oft has knocked before,
In His weariness and pain,
Sinner shall He knock in vain?

Refrain:
Lost one, shall it be in vain,
All His agony and pain?
At the portals of your heart,
Will you let Him knock in vain?

2 Can you in earth’s joys rejoice,
While His tender, loving voice
Still carves entrance at your door,
Can you slight Him evermore?
He has died that you might live;
Peace to you He longs to give;
Since He for your sins was slain,
Can you let Him plead in vain? [Refrain]

3 Will you bid Him hence depart—
Closer lock your cold, proud heart?
Or entreat Him still to stay
Till some more convenient day?
Will you not the door unbar?
Bow before Him as you are?
Hark! He asks you yet again!
Let His asking be not vain? [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: At the portals of your heart
• Title: Shall It Be in Vain
• Author: Ida M. Budd
• Refrain First Line: Lost one, shall it be in vain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 45:19
• Topic: Forgiveness

Tune Information

• Name: [At the portals of your heart]
• Composer: Chas. H. Gabriel