The Open Gate

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Straight is the gate and narrow the way That leads unto life eternal

Author: F. D. Barnes
Tune: [Straight is the gate and narrow the way] (Barnes)
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

1 Straight is the gate and narrow the way,
That leads unto life eternal;
Christ is the way to the realms of day,
Where all is bright and vernal.

Chorus:
Come, dear sinner, mercy is free,
That gate stands open wide for thee;
For thee, for thee,
Stands open wide for thee.

2 Through the wide world he sends the glad call,
To every tribe and nation;
There's pardon, peace, and there's life for all,
Who seek thro' him salvation. [Chorus]

3 Straight is the gate and narrow the way,
But let us press on united;
Come, you may enter the gates of day,
For every soul's invited. [Chorus]

Source: The Golden Sheaf: a collection of choice hymns and songs especially designed for Sunday schools, loyal worker's meetings, prayer and social services (Enl. ed.) #71

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Author: F. D. Barnes

Barnes, Franklin D. (Barre, Vermont, 1837--June 5, 1916, Worcester, Massachusetts). When 12, his family moved to Colbrook, Mass. There, in addition to a public school education, he became proficient on the violin. In 1858, he settled in Worcester, Mass. After visiting several different churches, he was baptized in a stream at Lincoln Square in January, 1859, through the ice, after which he walked a half mile with the minister before they could change out of their wet clothing. For more than forty years, he served the Advent Christian Church in Worcester as deacon and song-leader. He was superintendent of their Sunday School from 1875 to 1900. In addition to his musical talent, he was also a successful artist. He composed 70 or more hymns… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	Straight is the gate and narrow the way That leads unto life eternal
Title:	The Open Gate
Author:	F. D. Barnes
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Come, dear sinner, mercy is free
Copyright:	Public Domain