Words & Music: , Sunshine for Sunday Schools, 1873.
A song somewhat similar to this I remember singing as a solo in Mr. Moody’s Tabernacle in Chicago at the close of an evangelistic meeting in 1872. Mr. Bliss came in late and stood just inside the door, listening. At the close of the meeting he came up to the platform and spoke enthusiastically about the piece, and remarked that he also would try to write a hymn on “The Prodigal.” Not long afterward I heard him sing this beautiful hymn, which he himself entitled “Calling Now.” It has been especially useful in inquiry-meetings and at the close of evangelistic addresses. I have often heard it sung with great effect—very softly by a choir, while the workers were speaking to the anxious ones—and its soft, sweet, pleading tones were always blessed to the hearers.
This loving Savior
Stands patiently;
Tho’ oft rejected,
Calls again for thee.
Refrain
Calling now for thee, prodigal,
Calling now for thee;
Thou hast wandered far away,
But He’s calling now for thee.
Oh, boundless mercy,
Free, free to all!
Say, child of error,
Heed the tender call.
Refrain
Tho’ all unworthy,
Come, now, come home—
Say, while He’s waiting,
“Jesus, dear, I come.”
Refrain