Concordia ‎#102

102. Behold a Stranger at the Door

1 Behold a Stranger at the door!
He gently knocks, has knocked before,
Hath 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 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.

4 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.

5 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: Joesph Grigg (1765)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1918
• Topic: The Christian Life: Call and Repentance; Following Christ
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: BERA
• Composer: John E. Gould, 1822-75
• Key: E♭ Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain.