1 When Jesus taught in Galilee, so many years ago,
Around him gathered eager crowds of people poor and low;
“This man receiveth sinners,” did the scribes, accusing, say!
Words grandly true when uttered, they are just as true today.

Refrain:
O blessed proclamation! bear it, speed it, ev’rywhere!
O star that shineth brightly thro’ the night of man’s despair!
What would we do without it, bearing all our guilt and shame!?—
“This man receiveth sinners,” blessed be his holy name.

2 No wonder that I love him, when he saved me from despair;
No wonder I am seeking other souls his grace to share;
O ye that wander far from God, come back, come back, I pray;
“This man receiveth sinners,” you will not be turned away. [Refrain]

3 Go tell the world about it, dwelling yet in hopeless night;
Have pity! they are dying, vainly groping for the light;
As rain upon the parched ground the words on them will fall,
“This man receiveth sinners,” yes he will receive them all. [Refrain]