Softly and Tenderly Hymn
Sacred Song Written and Composed by Will L. Thompson (1847-1909)
Aug 8, 2008
This sacred hymn "Softly and Tenderly" was used widely as an "invitation hymn" in the great evangelistic meetings conducted by famous evangelist Dwight Lyman (D.L.) Moody and Ira Sankey throughout Great Britain and the United States.
Early Years of Will Thompson
Will L. Thompson was born at East Liverpool, Ohio, on November 7, 1847. His father, Josiah Thompson, was a member of the Ohio State Legislature for two terms. Young Thompson attended the Boston Music school from 1870-1873. Later he studied advance music in Germany.
Music Writer and Publisher
His chief ambition always was to write music in which he eminently succeeded. After a very successful career of writing secular music, Thompson turned his talents to writing gospel hymns. Later he started his own publishing and music store business in East Liverpool and Chicago, Illinois. His business earned him a sizable income in his lifetime, yet he was always known as a kind, quiet and unassuming Christian gentleman, greatly loved and admired by his associates.
The Singing Horse Rider
Thompson was also known for his travels by horse and buffy from one small community to another throughout Ohio singing his songs to people everywhere.
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling
In writing about this poignant and loved hymn by Christians, it has often been told that when the renowned preacher, Dwight L. Moody lay dying on his deathbed in his Massachusetts home, Will Thompson visited his personal friend Moody. The attending physician refused to admit him in the room, but Moody, recognizing Thompson's voice, called him to his bedside and whispered, "Will, I would rather have written "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling" than anything I have been able to do in my life."
Trivia
"Softly and Tenderly" hymn was sung in the Academy Award winning movie Trip to Bountiful (1985), and at a memorial service for American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, on April 8, 1968, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
Words of "Softly and Tenderly"
1. "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He's waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Chorus:
Come Home, Come home,
You who are weary come home,
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling –
Calling, "O sinner, come home!"
2. Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?"
Words and Music:
Source:
101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1982
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