1 What means this eager anxious throng,
Which moves with busy haste along,
These wondrous gath'rings day by day?
What means this strange commotion, say?
In accents hush'd the throng reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;"
In accents hush'd the throng reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;"

2 Who is this Jesus? why should he
The city move so mightily?
A passing stranger, has he skill
To move this multitude at will?
Again the stirring tones reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;"
Again the stirring tones reply:
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;"

3 Ho! all ye heavy laden come!
Here's pardon, comfort, rest, and home;
Ye wand'ers from a Father's face,
Return, accept his proffer'd grace,
Ye tempted, there's a refuge nigh,
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;"
Ye tempted, there's a refuge nigh,
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by"

4 But if you still this call refuse,
And all his wondrous love abuse,
Soon will he sadly from you turn,
Your bitter prayer for pardon spurn,
"Too late, too late'" will be the cry,
"Jesus of Nazareth passeth by;'
'Too late, too late!" will be the cry,
"Jesus of Nazareth has pass'd by;"