Softly and Tenderly

"Softly and Tenderly" is a Christian hymn. It was composed and written by Will L. Thompson in 1880. It is based on the Bible verse Mark 10:49.

Dwight L. Moody used "Softly and Tenderly" in many of his evangelistic rallies in America and Britain. When he was in the hospital and barred from seeing visitors, Thompson had arrived to see him; Moody insisted that Thompson be let in and told him:

Will, I would rather have written "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling" than anything I have been able to do in my whole life.

Thompson was a member of the Churches of Christ, where several of his hymns and gospel songs continue in use. "Softly and Tenderly" is the most widely known of his compositions and has circulated far beyond its origins in the American Restoration Movement. It is among the most prolifically translated gospel songs and is used throughout many denominations of Christianity.

This hymn was sung at the funeral of Martin Luther King Junior.