One day the Lord stood by the shore
Of lake Gennesaret;
And watched the fishermen, as there
They pulled the outspread net.
And, as He stood, the people came,
And pressed upon Him round,
To hear Him preach the Gospel news,
Which they so precious found.
Then Jesus, seeing Simon's ship
Was anchored close at hand,
Stepped quick aboard, and gave command
To push a space from land.
And, sitting down, He taught the throng
Who crowded on the shore,
And heard, with joy, such heavenly truth
As ne'er was preached before.
The sermon ended, the He bade
Simon launch out for fish;
And Simon answered that he would,
If 'twere the Master's wish.
But added : "We have toiled all night,
Nor sleep nor rest have sought,
But through the water dragged our nets,
And yet no fish have caught."
Still, while he spoke, he launched the ship
Out on the waters wide,
And let the net down in the sea,
The vessel's rail beside.
And lo! at once, with fish 'twas filled,
A multitude so great
That the strong net came wide apart,
So heavy was their weight.
The fishermen their partners called
To bring another ship;
And soon both vessels were quite full,
And sinking in the deep.
Then Simon Peter, in amaze,
At Jesus' knees fell down;
And said : "O Lord, depart from me,
My sins to Thee are known."
But Jesus gently said to him :
"Thou need'st not be afraid;
From henceforth thou shalt sinners catch,
By my Almighty aid."
And when they brought their ships to land,
They--Peter, James and John--
Forsook their vessels and their friends
And followed Christ alone.
