A cry, as of pain, again and again
Is borne o’er the deserts and wide spreading main
A cry from the lands that in darkness are lying
A cry from the hearts that in sorrow are sighing
It comes unto me; it comes unto Thee
Oh wha oh what shall the answer be?

Oh! Hark to the call; it comes unto all
Whom Jesus hath rescued from sin’s deadly thrall
“Come over and help us! In bondage we languish”
“Come over and help us! We die in our anguish!”
It comes unto me; it comes unto Thee
Oh wha oh what shall the answer be?

It comes to the soul that Christ hath made whole
The heart that is longing His name to extol
It comes with a chorus of pitiful wailing
It comes with a plea which is strong and prevailing
“For christ’s sake” to me; “for christ’s sake” to Thee
Oh wha oh what shall the answer be?

We come, Lord, to Thee, thy servants are we
Inspire Thou the answer, and true it shall be!
If here we should work, or afar Thou should send us
Oh grant that thy mercy may ever attend us
That each one may be a witness for Thee
Till all the earth shall thy glory see!