1 Not far, not far from the kingdom,
Yet in the shadow of sin;
How many are coming and going,
How few are entering in!

Chorus:
Not far, not far from the kingdom,
Yet lingering still at the gateway;
O wait not to get nearer,
But enter while you may.

2 Not far, not far from the gateway
Where voices whisper and wait;
But bearing to enter in boldly,
They linger still at the gate. [Chorus]

3 They catch the strains of music
That floats so sweetly along;
Tho' knowing the song they are singing,
Yet joining not in the song. [Chorus]

4 They're in the dark and the danger,
They're in the night and the cold,
Tho' Jesus is longing to lead them
So kindly into his fold. [Chorus]