The Sheltering Rock

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There is a Rock in a weary land

Author: W. E. Penn
Tune: [There is a rock in a weary land]
Published in 80 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1. There is a Rock in a weary land,
It's shadow falls on the burning sand,
Inviting pilgrims as they pass
To seek a shade in a wilderness.

Refrain:
Then why will ye die?
Oh! why will ye die?
When the shelt'ring Rock is so near by,
Oh! why will ye die?

2 There is a Well in a desert plain,
It's waters call with entreating strain;
"Ho, ev'ry thirsting, sin-sick soul,
Come, freely drink, and thou shalt be whole.

Refrain:
Then why will ye die?
Oh! why will ye die?
When the living Well is so near by,
Oh! why will ye die?

3 A great fold stands with its portals wide,
The sheep astray on the mountain side;
The Shepherd climbs o'er mountains steep,
He's searching now for His wand'ring sheep.

Refrain:
Then why will ye die?
Oh! why will ye die?
When the Shepherd's fold is so near by,
Oh! why will ye die?

4 There is a cross where the Saviour died,
His blood flowed out in a crimson tide;
A sacrifice for sins of men,
And free to all who will enter in.

Refrain:
Then why will ye die?
Oh! why will ye die?
When the crimson cross is so near by,
Oh! why will ye die?

Source: The New Wonderful Songs for Work and Worship #241

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Author: W. E. Penn

Penn, William Evander. (Near village of Old Jefferson, Rutherford County, Tennessee, August 11, 1832--April 29, 1895, Eureka Springs, Arkansas). Southern Baptist. Evangelist in Texas and other states, 1875-1895. Compiled three hymnals titled Harvest Bells (1881, 1884, 1887) for use in his meetings. His hymns were primarily revivalistic in emphasis. His finest hymn, "There is a rock in a weary land, Its shadow falls on the burning sand" was paid the compliment of being reworked and issued under the name of Edward Husband in D.B. Towner's Revival Hymns (Chicago, 1905). He and his wife Corilla Frances Sayle adopted three children. Ordained December 4, 1880. --David W. Music, and additional information from the DNAH Archives See:… Go to person page >

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First Line:	There is a Rock in a weary land
Title:	The Sheltering Rock
Author:	W. E. Penn
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Then why will ye die
Copyright:	Public Domain