So near to the kingdom! yet what dost thou lack?
So near to the kingdom! what keepeth thee back?
Renounce every idol, tho’ dear it may be,
And come to the Savior now pleading with thee.

Refrain

Pleading with thee,
The Savior is pleading,
Is pleading with thee.

So near that thou hearest the songs that resound
From those who, believing, a pardon have found!
So near, yet unwilling to give up thy sin,
When Jesus is waiting to welcome thee in!

Refrain

O come; soon thy season of grace may be past,
The door may be closed, and this call be thy last;
O where wouldst thou turn if the light should depart
That comes from the Spirit, and shines on thy heart?

Refrain

To die with no hope! hast thou counted the cost?
To die out of Christ, and thy soul to be lost!
So near to the kingdom! O come, we implore,
While Jesus is pleading, come enter the door.

Refrain

Though kindred ties around us
Like ivy branches twine,
Though life has many pleasures
That o’er my pathway shine,
Though words to friendship sacred
More sweet than music fall,
One look, one smile from Jesus
Is dearer far than all.

Refrain

Dearer, yes, dearer,
Dearer far than all,
One look, one smile from Jesus,
Is dearer far than all.

We meet in Christian converse,
We speak of joys to come,
We lift our eyes expectant
To Eden’s blissful home;
Though sweet and precious blessings
With every moment fall,
One look, one smile, from Jesus
Is dearer far than all.

Refrain

One look, one smile from Jesus,
For Whom our souls would live,
Not Heav’n’s transcendent beauty
Such holy joy can give;
Beyond the silent river
Though spirit voices call,
One look, one smile, from Jesus
Is dearer far than all.

Refrain