Delay Not Delay Not O Sinner Draw Near

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near

Delay Not Delay Not O Sinner Draw Near is a hymn text by George F. Root (1871) in 7.7.7.7 with refrain meter. Found in lw 349, tlh 278.

The hymn emphasizes the Lutheran doctrine of justification by grace through faith, presenting the urgency of responding to God's free offer of salvation. It reflects the Law-Gospel proclamation characteristic of revival preaching while maintaining theological orthodoxy regarding human sinfulness and divine mercy.

History & Background

Written by American composer George F. Root in 1871, this hymn exemplifies the urgent evangelistic style of nineteenth-century American hymnody. It appeared in numerous gospel songbooks and continues in Lutheran hymnals as a call to immediate repentance.

Hymnal Appearances

Lutheran Worship — 349
The Lutheran Hymnal — 278

Bulletin Note

Composed by George F. Root in 1871, this revival hymn balances the urgency of repentance with the comfort of free grace—a characteristically Lutheran tension between accusation and absolution.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the tension between Law and Gospel: it names delay itself as sin while simultaneously assuring the sinner that God's grace is ready and waiting now.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Of Justification Augsburg Confession

AI-assisted draft These study notes were drafted with AI from the hymn text and have not yet been reviewed line by line. Treat them as a starting point and check them against the sources.

Overview

A hymn of urgent invitation by Thomas Hastings, the American church musician who composed the tune for 'Rock of Ages.' Each stanza begins 'Delay not, delay not': the waters of life flow freely, salvation is free (st. 1); mercy calls today, but not from the grave (st. 2); the long-resisted Spirit of grace may depart (st. 3); the Judgment is near (st. 4); why abuse Jesus' love when the fountain of his blood is open? (st. 5). It is a sermon in verse on 'today' (2 Cor 6:2).

Central theme: The free offer of salvation and the danger of delaying repentance until it is too late

Structure

Five four-line stanzas (11.11.11.11), each beginning 'Delay not, delay not.' Free grace (1) — today (2) — the Spirit resisted (3) — judgment (4) — the fountain open (5).

Law & Gospel Shape

Alternating. Gospel: 'No price is demanded… salvation is free' (1); 'A fountain is opened' (5). Law: the grave, the Spirit's departure, the Judgment (2-4).

Confessional Connections

Universal grace: 'salvation is free' to every sinner (FC XI.28). St. 3's warning that the resisted Spirit may 'take His sad flight' corresponds to FC XI.40-42, 83: God's grace can be refused, and those who persistently despise the Word may be hardened — not because God wills their damnation, but because they reject his call. The urgency is Law serving the Gospel; conversion itself remains the Spirit's work through the Word (FC II), not a 'decision' we produce. 'Abuse the love… of Jesus, thy God' — despising God's kindness (Rom 2:4).

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Lent; revival/mission services; preaching on repentance; general.

Historical Notes

Hastings (1784-1872), a prolific American hymn writer and composer, published it in 1831. Acts 24:25 recalls Felix, who put off Paul with 'when I get an opportunity I will summon you.'

About the Tune

MALDWYN (Welsh melody; TLH c. 1600).

Scripture References

Acts 24:25 Isa 55:1 Rev 22:17 John 7:37 2 Cor 6:2 Heb 3:7-8, 15 Eccl 9:10 Luke 16:26 Eph 4:30 Gen 6:3 Acts 7:51 Heb 10:29 2 Pet 3:10 Rev 20:12 Rom 2:4 Zech 13:1 1 John 1:7

Stanza by Stanza

1 Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near,…

Don't delay, sinner — come near; the waters of life are flowing for you now. No price is asked; the Savior is here; redemption is bought, salvation is free.

Isa 55:1: 'Come, everyone who thirsts… buy wine and milk without money and without price.' Rev 22:17; John 7:37. 'Redemption is purchased' — by Christ, not by us. Acts 24:25 (TLH's text): Felix delayed.

Scripture: Isa 55:1, Rev 22:17, John 7:37, 1 Pet 1:18-19, Acts 24:25
Imagery & language: Waters of life; no price.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — free salvation.
Connection to previous: Free salvation.

invitation grace universal grace

2 Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come,…

Don't delay coming, sinner, for mercy still lingers and calls you today. Her voice is not heard in the valley of the tomb; her message, ignored, will soon pass away.

'Now is the day of salvation' (2 Cor 6:2). 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts' (Heb 3:7-8). There is no second chance after death (Luke 16:26; Heb 9:27).

Scripture: 2 Cor 6:2, Heb 3:7-8, 15, Luke 16:26, Heb 9:27
Imagery & language: Lingering mercy; tomb.
Law / Gospel: Law — the time is short.
Connection to previous: Today.

repentance urgency death

3 Delay not, delay not! The Spirit of Grace,…

Don't delay! The Spirit of grace, long grieved and resisted, may sadly fly away and leave you in darkness to finish your race and sink into the gloom of eternity's night.

'Do not grieve the Holy Spirit' (Eph 4:30). 'You always resist the Holy Spirit' (Acts 7:51). 'Outraged the Spirit of grace' (Heb 10:29). FC XI.83: those who despise the Word and resist the Spirit may be hardened. The warning is real but serves the invitation.

Scripture: Eph 4:30, Acts 7:51, Heb 10:29, Gen 6:3
Imagery & language: Spirit grieved; darkness.
Law / Gospel: Law — the danger of resisting the Spirit.
Connection to previous: The Spirit resisted.

Holy Spirit hardening Law

4 Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;…

Don't delay! The hour is near; the earth will dissolve and the heavens will fade. The dead, small and great, will stand in the Judgment; what power, sinner, will help you then?

'The heavens will pass away with a roar… the earth… will be exposed' (2 Pet 3:10). 'I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne' (Rev 20:12). No power can help except Christ.

Scripture: 2 Pet 3:10, Rev 20:11-12, Heb 9:27
Imagery & language: Dissolving earth; Judgment.
Law / Gospel: Law — the Judgment.
Connection to previous: The Judgment.

Last Judgment urgency

5 Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse…

Don't delay! Why go on abusing the love and compassion of Jesus, your God? A fountain is opened; how can you refuse to wash and be cleansed in his forgiving blood?

'Do you presume on the riches of his kindness… not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?' (Rom 2:4). 'Jesus, thy God' — his deity. 'A fountain opened' (Zech 13:1; cf. TLH 157). The hymn ends on the Gospel.

Scripture: Rom 2:4, Zech 13:1, 1 John 1:7, John 20:28
Imagery & language: Abused love; open fountain.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — the fountain open.
Connection to previous: The fountain.

invitation forgiveness blood of Christ

Themes

Repentance and conversion Urgency of salvation God's grace and mercy Call to discipleship

Look Further

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