Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#343

343. Zacchaeus Climbed the Tree

1. Zacchaeus climbed the tree
And thought himself unknown,
But how surprised was he
When Jesus called him down!
The Lord beheld him, tho' concealed,
And by a word his pow'r revealed.

2. Wonder and joy at once
Were painted on his face.
Does he my name pronounce?
And does he know my case?
Will Jesus deign with me to dine?
Lord, I, with all I have, am thine!

3. Thus where the gospel's preached,
And sinners come to hear,
The hearts of some are reached
Before they are aware;
The word directly speaks to them
And seems to point them out by name.

4. 'Tis curiosity
Oft brings them in the way
The spectacle to see,
And hear what we can say,
But how the sinners start to find
The Savior knows their inmost mind.

5. Their long-forgotten faults
Are brought again in view
And all their secret thoughts
Revealed in public, too;
Though compassed with a crowd about,
The searching word has found them out.

6. While thus distressing pain
And sorrow fills their hearts,
They hear a voice again
That bids their fears depart,
Then like Zacchaeus they are blest,
And Jesus deigns to be their guest.

Text Information

• First Line: Zacchaeus climbed the tree
• Title: Zacchaeus Climbed the Tree
• Author: John Newton (1779)
• Meter: 6.6.6.6.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Luke 19:2-4
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 26
• Notes: Text by John Newton, curate of Olney, from Olney Hymns (1779), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: HAREWOOD
• Composer: Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1839)
• Meter: 6.6.6.6.8.8
• Incipit: 66712 17543 21321
• Key: G Major or modal
• Notes: Tune HAREWOOD by English organist Samuel Sebastian Wesley, from Charles Hackett’s National Psalmist (1839).