I stood outside the gate,
A poor, wayfaring child;
Within my heart there beat
A tempest loud and wild;
A fear oppressed my soul
That I might be too late!
And oh, I trembled sore,
And prayed outside the gate,
And prayed outside the gate.
“Oh, Mercy! “loud I cried,
** Now give me rest from sin! "
'* I will! “a voice replied;
And Mercy let me in:
She bound my bleeding wounds,
And soothed my heart opprest;
She washed away my guilt,
And gave me peace and rest.
In Mercy's guise! knew
The Saviour long abused,
Who often sought my heart,
And wept when! refused.
Oh, what a blest return
For all my years of sin! —
I stood outside the gate,
And Jesus let me in.