Over the Line

O tender and sweet was the Father's voice

Author: Ellen Knight Bradford
Tune: [O tender and sweet was the Master's voice] (Phelps)
Published in 37 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Oh, tender and sweet was the Father’s voice
As He lovingly called to me,
“Come over the line, it is only a step—
I’m waiting, My child, for thee.”

Refrain 1-3:
“Over the line,” hear the sweet refrain,
Angels are chanting the heavenly strain;
“Over the line!”—Why should I remain
With a step between me and Jesus?

2 “But my sins are many, my faith is small”;
Lo! the answer came quick and clear:
“Thou needest not trust in thyself at all,
Step over the line, I’m here.” [Refrain]

3 “But my flesh is feeble,” with tears I said,
“And the way I cannot see;
I fear if I try I may sadly fail,
And thus may dishonor Thee.” [Refrain]

4 The world is so cold that I cannot go back,
Press forward I surely must;
I’ll lay my weak hand in His wounded palm,
Step over the line, and trust.

Refrain 4:
“Over the line,” hear the sweet refrain,
Angels are chanting the heavenly strain;
“Over the line!”—I will not remain,
I’ll cross it and go to Jesus.

The Gospel in Song, 1926 (Timeless Truths)

Author: Ellen Knight Bradford

Author, poet, was born in Ypsilanti, Mich. NN Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: O tender and sweet was the Father's voice
Title: Over the Line
Author: Ellen Knight Bradford
Meter: 10.7.10.7.9.10.9.8
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Over the line, hear the sweet refrain
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #5487
  • Adobe Acrobat image (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer score (NWC)
  • XML score (XML)
Timeless Truths #605
  • Over_the_Line.pdf (PDF)

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)
TextScoreAudio

The Cyber Hymnal #5487

TextAudio

Timeless Truths #605

Include 35 pre-1979 instances
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