1. Where cross the crowded ways of life, Where sound the cries of race and clan, Above the noise of selfish strife, We hear Thy voice, O Son of man! 2. In haunts of wretchedness and need, On shadowed thresholds dark with fears, From paths where hide the lures of greed, We catch the vision of Thy tears. 3. The cup of water given for Thee Still holds the freshness of Thy grace; Yet long these multitudes to see The sweet compassion of Thy face. 4. O Master, from the mountainside Make haste to heal these hearts of pain, Among these restless throngs abide, O tread the city's streets again. 5. 'Til sons of men shall learn Thy love And follow where Thy feet have trod: 'Til, glorious from Thy heaven above, Shall come the city of our God.
Lyrics: Frank Mason North
Music: William Gardiner's "Sacred Melodies"
Tune: GERMANY
Meter: L.M.
Franklin Mason North, 1850–1935
The author of this text, Franklin North, was a Methodist minister in New York City. He wrote this hymn in response to a request from the Methodist hymnal committee for a hymn about big city life, which Pastor North knew well and to which he was most sympathetic. This hymn first appeared in 1903 in the publication The Christian City, of which North was the editor.