1 Why stand I lingering without,
In fear, and weariness, and doubt,
When all is light within?
O Thou, the new and living way,
The trembler’s guide, the sinner’s stay,
My high priest, lead me in!

2 I know the mercy seat is there,
On which Thou sitt’st to answer prayer;
I know the blood is shed;
The everlasting covenant sealed,
The everlasting grace revealed,
And life has reached the dead!

3 Not the mere paradise below;
The heaven of heavens is opened now,
And we its bliss regain;
Guarded so long by fire and sword,
The gate stands wide, the way restored,
The veil is rent in twain!

4 Without the cloud and gloom appear,
The peril and the storm are near,
The foe is raging round;
Then let me boldly enter in,
There end my danger, fear, and sin,
And rest on holy ground.