A new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil.
Hebrews 10:20
Words: James L. Nicholson (1828–1876).
Music: Galápagos Nellie M. Jefferis, in The Wells of Salvation, edited by John R. Sweney & William J. Kirkpatrick (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John J. Hood, 1881), page 50 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Nicholson or Jefferis (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
My many sins I now can see,
How black they all appear!
O what a dreadful history,
It fills my soul with fear;
I’m sorry, Lord, for what I’ve done,
I cry for help to Thee;
Now for the sake of Thy dear Son,
Have mercy, Lord, on me.
Refrain
Lord, in thy blessèd Word I’ve read
About a living way,
And that the blood of Christ was shed
To wash my sins away.
In years that now are past and gone
The prophet gave a call,
And this was it—Ho, every one
;
That surely must mean all,
And if he called to every one
I’m surely counted in;
My doubts and fears are almost gone,
To trust I now begin.
Refrain
He bade them to the waters come,
He spoke of milk and wine
;
I’m thirsty, Father, give me some,
What Jesus bought is mine:
I drink, I drink, by living faith,
I feel my sins forgiven;
The merits of my Savior’s death
Makes me an heir to Heaven.
Refrain