William Walsham How (1823–1897)

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.”
—Rev. iii. 20.

O JESU, Thou art standing

Outside the fast-closed door,

In lowly patience waiting

To pass the threshold o’er.

Shame on us, Christian brothers,

His name and sign who bear,

Oh, shame, thrice shame, upon us,

To keep Him standing there!

O Jesu, Thou art knocking;

And lo! that Hand is scarred,

And thorns Thy Brow encircle,

And tears Thy Face have marred.

O love that passeth knowledge

So patiently to wait!

O sin that hath no equal

So fast to bar the gate!

O Jesu, Thou art pleading

In accents meek and low—

“I died for you, My children,

And will ye treat Me so?”

O Lord, with shame and sorrow

We open now the door:

Dear Saviour, enter, enter,

And leave us nevermore.