Christ in Song ‎#52

52. Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By

1 What means this eager, anxious throng
Which moves with busy haste along,
These wondrous gath'rings day by day?
What means this strange commotion, pray?
In accents hush'd the throng reply;
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
In accents hush'd the throng reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

2 Who is this Jesus? Why should he
The city move, so mightily?
A passing stranger, has he skill
To move the multitude at will?
Again the stirring notes reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
Again the stiring notes reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

3 Jesus! 'tis he who once below
Man's pathway trod, 'mid pain and woe;
And burdened ones where e'er he came,
Brought out their sick, and deaf and lame.
The blind rejoiced to hear the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
The blind rejoiced to hear the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by?"

4 Today, he comes, from place to place
His holy footprints we can trace;
He pauseth at our threshold, nay,
He enters, condescends to stay:
Shall we not gladly raise the cry:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by?"
Shall we not gladly raise the cry
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by?"

5 Ho! all ye heavy laden, come!
Here's pardon, comfort, rest, and home;
Ye wand'rers from the Father's face,
Return, accept his proffered grace.
Ye tempted ones, there's refuge nigh:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
Ye tempted ones, there's refuge nigh:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."

6 But if you still this call refuse,
And all his wondrous love abuse,
At last he'll sadly from you turn,
Who now his invitation spurn.
"Too late! too late!" will be the cry
"Jesus of Nazareth has passed by."
"Too late! too late!" will be the cry
"Jesus of Nazareth has passed by."

Text Information

• First Line: What means this eager, anxious throng
• Title: Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By
• Author: Emma Campbell
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: Invitation and Repentance

Tune Information

• Name: [What means this eager, anxious throng]
• Composer: Theo. E. Perkins
• Key: G Major