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HO! EVERY THIRSTING ONE, DRAW NIGH
Anthem for SATB Choir and Organ (or Piano)

LEVEL: MEDIUM EASY
Music by Christopher M. Lee (2008)
Text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt.
Themes/imagery in text: God’s invitation, living water, salvation
Scriptural Reference: Isaiah 55:10
[Also available with original text, "Seek for the Kingdom" (words by Thomas H. Troeger)]

Description:
This well-known reading from Isaiah – expertly versed by the great hymnist Charles Wesley – is paired with dramatic music that soars and stomps with the vigor of a rustic dance.

Text:
1. Ho! ev’ry thirsting one*, draw nigh:
God invites the fallen race.
Mercy and free salvation buy;
buy milk and wine and gospel grace.

2. Come to the living waters, come!
Sinners, obey your Maker’s call;
turn, ye weary wand’rers, home;
find my grace is free for all.

3. See from the rock a fountain rise!
In healing streams for you it rolls;
money ye need not bring, nor price,
all ye lab’ring, burdened souls.

4. Nothing ye in exchange shall give;
leave all you have and are behind.
Frankly the gift of God receive;
pardon and peace in Jesus find.

                                   - Charles Wesley, alt.

* Original text reads, "Ho! everyone that thirsts (thirsteth), draw nigh."

Notes:
Music commissioned by Bethesda Lutheran Church (New Haven, CT) to celebrate the music ministry of William C. Speed.
Hear music**:
Click to see score excerpt:
** Recording uses the original text: ‘Seek for the kingdom with all of your powers’ by Thomas Troeger. Live performance by the choir of Bethesda Lutheran Church, New Haven, CT; Margaret Astrup, Interim Music Director.

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