Must I Go -- and Empty-Handed?

Words by Charles C. Luther, 1847-1924

From Sacred Songs and Solos, Revised and Enlarged, compiled under the direction of  Ira D. Sankey, No. 789

(Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.)

After a month of Christian life, nearly all of it passed upon a sick bed, a young man, nearly thirty years of age, lay dying. Suddenly a look of sadness crossed his face, and to the query of a friend, he exclaimed : "No, I am not afraid; Jesus saves me now!  But oh, must I go -- and empty-handed?"

"Must I go -- and empty-handed?"  

Thus my dear Redeemer meet?

Not one day of service give Him,

Lay no trophy at His feet?

Chorus:

"Must I go -- and empty-handed?"

Must I meet my Saviour so?

Not one soul with which to greet Him?

Must I empty-handed go?

Not at death I shrink or falter,

For my Saviour saves me now;

But to meet Him empty-handed,

Thought of that now clouds my brow.

Oh, the years in sinning wasted,

Could I but recall them now,

I would give them to my Saviour,

To His will I'd gladly bow.

Up, ye saints, arouse, be earnest!

Up and work while yet 'tis day;

Ere the night of death o'ertake you,

Strive for souls while yet you may.