Softly And Tenderly

“Softly and Tenderly,” which was originally known as “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,” is a classic invitation hymn from the 19th century. It was written by Will Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909) who was a composer of the gospel, secular, and patriotic songs.

Due to his earlier songs being rejected, Thompson formed his own music publishing company, and “Softly and Tenderly” was first published in a collection titled Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2. It quickly became a popular hymn and was incorporated into many church hymnals.

Thompson was inspired to devote himself to writing while attending a meeting by popular evangelist Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899). When Moody was dying in the hospital he told Thompson, “Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.”

https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1027

“Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen.”
Revelation 1:7