June 22, 2019 (Saturday)
Much has happened in this world since 1842, when this hymn was written. Today’s sermons seem to be more tactful, emphasizing God’s love and comfort. This hymn gets right down to the “nitty gritty” issue of personal choice concerning salvation. Just as He knocked at the door of the church in the Book of Revelation, He knocks at your heart’s door, and mine. He wants us to invite Him to be our Savior, to yield to His offer of mercy, to partake of the grace He gives to all who will receive Him. This hymn speaks plainly of hard hearts, deluded sight, and requited love. It also offers light for your path, words of salvation, expressions of pity and an invitation to all to be saved.
Words, Eliza Holmes Reed
Music, J. Calvin Bushey
1842
CHORUS
Oh, why not tonight? Why not tonight?
Wilt thou be saved?
Then, why not tonight?
VERSES
1 Oh, do not let the Word depart,
And close thine eyes against the light;
Poor sinner, harden not thy heart;
Be saved, Oh, tonight.
2 Tomorrow’s sun may never rise
To bless thy long deluded sight;
This is the time, O then, be wise;
Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?
3 Our God in pity lingers still;
O wilt thou thus his love requite?
Renounce at length thy stubborn will;
Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?
4 Our blessèd Lord refuses none
Who would to him their souls unite;
Then be the work of grace begun;
Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?
Eliza Holmes Reed was born in London, March 4, 1794; married to the Rev. Andrew Reed in 1816; and died July 4, 1867. Mrs. Reed entered fully and earnestly into her husband’s extensive charitable works. Her publications include Original Tales for Children; and The Mother’s Manual for the Training of her Children, 1865. Her hymns, 20 in all, were contributed to her husband’s collection, and were republished with his in the Wycliffe Chapel Supplement, 1872.