Come you Sinners Poor and Wretched Lyrics
Tune Name: RESTORATION
Composer: Early American melody
Meter: 8.7.8.7
Hymnbook Source: Southern Harmony (1835)
Verse 1
Come, you sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with pow’r.
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Verse 2
Come, you thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Verse 3
Come, you weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Verse 4
View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Verse 5
Lo! Th’incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Verse 6
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.
Chorus
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Come You Sinners Poor and Wretched |
| Author / Lyricist | Joseph Hart (1712–1768) |
| Composer / Tune | William Bradbury (1816–1868) / “Restoration” |
| Date Written / Published | Mid-18th century (lyrics); tune 19th century |
| Historical Context | Written in England; focused on urgent call to salvation for sinners. |
| Theme / Message | God’s invitation to repentance and salvation through Christ. |
| Notable Features | Strong evangelical tone; direct address to the listener encourages reflection and response. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Prominent in Methodist and evangelical hymnals; still sung in revival meetings. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Joseph Hart, English Hymn Writer, 1712–1768 | Hart authored the hymn, stressing repentance and the call to mercy for sinners. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights the hymn’s strong evangelical message and its use in awakening sinners. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s writings on conversion and grace closely parallel the hymn’s themes. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton emphasized the assurance of pardon for repentant sinners, reflected in this hymn. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint comments on the hymn’s simplicity and effectiveness in pastoral ministry. |
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