Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Author – Will L. Thompson, 1847–1909
Composer – Will L. Thompson, 1847–1909
Meter – 11.7.11.7 with Chorus
Scripture Reference – Mark 8:36–37
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36–37, KJV)

Will Lamartine Thompson, author and composer of "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling," was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on November 7, 1847. His father, Josiah Thompson, served two terms in the Ohio State Legislature, providing a strong civic foundation for the young Thompson’s early life. Thompson pursued formal music education at the Boston Music School from 1870 to 1873 and continued his studies in Germany, gaining a well-rounded and disciplined foundation in musical composition. Though he initially found success writing secular songs, Thompson’s deepest ambition was to compose music that would speak to the hearts of everyday people. Eventually, he shifted his focus entirely to gospel hymn writing a calling in which he excelled and became widely respected. Alongside his musical work, Thompson founded his own publishing company and music store, with offices in both East Liverpool and Chicago. His ventures were financially successful, yet Thompson remained known for his gentle character, quiet humility, and devout Christian faith.

A defining trait of Will Thompson’s ministry was his willingness to travel by horse and buggy to even the smallest communities throughout Ohio, sharing his songs and singing them personally to listeners. His life embodied a commitment to reach people wherever they were spiritually and geographically with the message of Christ’s invitation. Thompson was also a close personal friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. This hymn, “Softly and Tenderly,” became one of Moody’s personal favorites. According to reliable accounts, as Moody lay on his deathbed and Thompson came to visit him, the great evangelist whispered with deep emotion, “Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.” The hymn’s gentle and pleading tone made it one of the most effective and frequently used invitation hymns in the great revival meetings held by Moody and Ira D. Sankey throughout both the United States and Great Britain.

“Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” continues to hold a treasured place in the hymnody of the church. Its tender message, inviting sinners to return home and find mercy, echoes the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son and reflects the compassionate heart of the gospel. The hymn’s enduring power lies in its simplicity and heartfelt appeal Jesus is not calling in anger, but in love, softly and tenderly, bidding the weary soul to come home. In the words of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, included poignantly alongside Thompson’s legacy: “We can learn nothing of the gospel except by feeling its truths. There are some sciences that may be learned by the head, but the science of Christ crucified can only be learned by the heart.” Thompson’s hymn, written from the heart and for the heart, continues to speak to generations with the gracious call of the Savior.