Hymn 145. The Saviour’s Invitation

John 7. 37.

The Saviour calls – let every ear

Attend the heavenly sound;

Ye doubting souls dismiss your fear,

Hope smiles reviving round.

For every thirsty, longing heart,                                                           

Here streams of bounty flow,

And life, and health, and bliss impart,

To banish mortal woe.

Here, springs of sacred pleasure rise,

To ease your every pain,                                                            

(Immortal fountain!  full supplies!)

Nor shall you thirst in vain.

Ye sinners, come – ’tis Mercy’s voice,

The gracious call obey;

Mercy invites to heavenly joys –                                                           

And can you yet delay?

Dear Saviour, draw reluctant hearts,

To thee let sinners fly,

And take the bliss thy love imparts,

And drink and never die.

Text: Timothy Whelan, gen. ed., Nonconformist Women Writers, 8 vols. (London: Pickering & Chatto, 2011), vol. 1, pp. 142-43; Collection of Hymns Adapted to Public Worship, no. 145 (all stanzas); Poems, 1780, vol. 1, pp. 162-63; MS, Steele Collection, STE 3/1/1 no. 90, Angus Library, Regents Park College,  Oxford.