The Ark of Praise ‎#91

91. Lift up the Latch

1 ‘Twas dark, and I, with inward, fear,
Stood like a culprit, weeping, near
The house in which my Saviour dwelt;
Such pang my soul had never felt.
A voice addressed me from within:—

Refrain:
“Lift up the latch, lift up the latch,
Lift up the latch, and enter in,
Lift up the latch, and enter in.”

2 But in my deepest heart I know
That I had sinned, and basely too;
I trifled with his blood and tears,
And slighted him for months and years.
But still the voice was heard within:— [Refrain]

3 But I would rather not comply
Until my soul to mend I try;
I need a better heart before
I could be welcome at the door;
But still the voice was heard within:— [Refrain]

4 “Not now,” I said, “’twill do again,
When I am free from all my pain;
No sighing ones are wanted there,
Where songs of gladness fill the air.”
But still the voice was heard within:— [Refrain]

5 With all my sin and guilt oppresst,
With heart of stone within my breast,
Dear Saviour, wouldst thou honored be
With guest unholy, vile, like me?
“Yes,” said the voice that spake within, [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: 'Twas dark, and I, with inward fear
• Title: Lift up the Latch
• Author: Edwin Henry Nevin
• Refrain First Line: Lift up the latch, lift up the latch
• Publication Date: 1882

Tune Information

• Name: ['Twas dark, and I, with inward fear]
• Composer: Jno. R. Sweney