291.  The Gate Ajar

1
There is a gate that stands ajar,
And through its portals gleaming,
A radiance from the cross afar
O’er all the earth is streaming.
O depth of mercy! can it be
That gate was left ajar for me?
For me, for me?
Was left ajar for me?

2
That gate ajar stands free for all
Who seek through it salvation;
The rich and poor, the great and small,
Of ev’ry tribe and nation.
O depth of mercy! yes, I see
That gate was left ajar for me;
For me, for me,
Was left ajar for me.

3
Press onward, then, tho’ foes may frown,
While mercy’s gate is open;
Accept the cross, and win the crown,
Love’s everlasting token.
What depths of mercy! O how free!
That gate was left ajar for me;
For me, for me,
Was left ajar for me.

4
Beyond the river’s brink we’ll lay
The cross that here is given,
And bear the crown of life away,
And praise the King of heaven.
O height of glory! yes, I see
A crown of life reserved for me;
For me, for me,
A crown reserved for me.