O Why Not Tonight?

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O do not let the Word depart, And close thine eyes against the light

Author: Eliza Holmes Reed (1842)
Tune: [O do not let the Word depart] (Bushey)
Published in 543 hymnals

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Representative Text

1 O do not let the word depart,
And close thine eyes against the light;
Poor sinner, harden not your heart;
Be saved, O tonight.

Refrain:
O why not tonight?
O why not tonight?
Wilt thou be saved?
Then why not tonight?

2 Tomorrow’s sun may never rise
To bless thy long deluded sight;
This is the time, O then be wise,
Be saved, O tonight. [Refrain]

3 Our Lord in pity lingers still,
And wilt thou thus His love requite?
Renounce at once thy stubborn will,
Be saved, O tonight. [Refrain]

4 Our blessed Lord refused none
Who would to Him their souls unite;
Believe, obey, the work is done;
Be saved, O tonight. [Refrain]

Source: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal #250

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Author: Eliza Holmes Reed

Reed, Eliza, née Holmes, was born in London, March 4, 1794; married to the Rev. Andrew Reed in 1816; and died July 4, 1867. Mrs. Reed entered fully and earnestly into her husband's extensive charitable works. Her publications include Original Tales for Children; and The Mother's Manual for the Training of her Children, 1865. Her hymns, 20 in all, were contributed to her husband's collection, and were republished with his in the Wycliffe Chapel Supplement, 1872. They are only of average merit, and have not attained to a marked position. They include:— 1. Gracious Lord, as Thou hast bidden. Holy Baptism. 2. I would be Thine, 0 take my heart . Dedication of Self to Christ. 3. 0 do not let the word depart. The Accepted Time.… Go to person page >

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First Line:	O do not let the Word depart, And close thine eyes against the light
Title:	O Why Not Tonight?
Author:	Eliza Holmes Reed (1842)
Meter:	8.8.8.5 with refrain
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	O why not tonight
Notes:	German translation: "O lass nicht das wort entfliehen"
Copyright:	Public Domain