Scripture Verse

When the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend? Matthew 22:11–12

Introduction

portrait
George C. Hugg
1848–1907

Words: John­son Oat­man, Jr., in Light in the Val­ley (Phi­la­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia: George C. Hugg, 1898), page 99.

Music: Ma­ni­pur George C. Hugg (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Oat­man,

portrait
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
1856–1922

Lyrics

The feast is prepared, you’re urged to come in,
Long years you have worn that old coat of sin;
But for such a feast this old garment won’t do,
Then take off the old coat, put on the new.

Refrain

O take off the old coat, put on the new,
For Christ has a garment ready for you;
White robes of salvation wait at the door,
Then take off the old coat, wear it no more.

The old coat has brought you sorrow and care,
It led you to shame, it led to despair;
It never has been a blessing to you,
Then take off the old coat, put on the new.

Refrain

The old coat is soiled, without and within,
All covered with guilt, all spotted with sin;
To wear to the banquet it never will do,
Then take off the old coat, put on the new,

Refrain

The new coat is lovely, spotless and pure;
Arrayed in that coat, a welcome is sure;
A place at the feast will be saved for you,
Then take off the old coat, put on the new.

Refrain