There is a Palace vast and bright,
Athwart the night's cold gloom
Stream its soft music and warm light—
A Palace, yet a Home.
The guests who are invited there
Are called therein to dwell:
"Laden with sin, oppressed with care,"
The calling suits me well.
They say none ever knocked in vain;
Yet I have often tried,
And scarce have strength to try again.
Will one then be denied?
Again that Voice my spirit thrills,
So strange, yet so well known,
Divine as when it rent the hills,
Yet human as my own.
The golden portals softly melt,
Like clouds around the sun,
And where they stood, and where I knelt,
Behold that matchless One!
He pleads for me, He pleads with me,
He hears ere I can call;
Jesus! my first step is to Thee,
And Thy first gift is all!
Thou and I[4]
