What means this eager, anxious throng,

Which moves with busy haste along,

These wondrous gatherings day by day!

What means this strange commotion, pray

In accents hushed the throng reply:

Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Who is this Jesus? Why should He

The city move so mightily?

A passing stranger, has He skill

To move the multitude at will?

Again the stirring tones reply:

Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Jesus! tis He who once below

Man's pathway trod'mid pain and Woe,

And burdened ones, where'er He came

Brought out the sick, and deaf and lame:

The blind rejoiced to hear the cry.

Jesus of Nazareth. passeth by

Again He comes! from place to place

His holy footprints we can trace,

He pauseth at our threshold - nay,

He enters-condescends to stay;

Shall we not gladly raise the cry?

Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

Ho! all ye heavy laden, come,

Here’s pardon, comfort, rest, and home;

Ye wanderers from a Father’s face,

Return, accept His proffered grace;

Ye tempted ones, there’s refuge nigh

Jesus of Nazareth passeth by,

But if you still His call refuse,

And all His wondrous love abuse,

Soon will He sadly from you turn,

Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn,

Too late! too late! will be the cry

Jesus of Nazareth has passed by.