Will L. Thompson was born at East Liverpool Ohio, on November 7, 1847. His father, Josiah Thompson, was a member of the Ohio State Legislature for two terms. Will attended the Boston Music School from 1870-73. He continued to study music in Germany. His desire was to be a music writer. After a very successful career in secular music, Thompson began to write gospel hymns. He also started a publishing and music store business in East Liverpool and in Chicago, Illinois. Even though he earned a lot of money, his business associates described him as having a kind, quiet and unassuming nature of a “Christian gentleman. ” Thompson was also known for driving around by horse and buggy from one small town to another throughout Ohio singing his songs to people everywhere.

Will Thompson was a personal friend of D. L. Moody. This particular hymn was a one of Moody’s favorites. It is said that on his deathbed while being visited by Mr. Thompson, Moody feebly whispered, “Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life. ” This hymn was widely used as an invitation hymn in the great evangelistic meetings conducted by Moody and Sankey throughout Great Britain and in the United States.

I love this song so much. thank God for his wonderful mercy. I am going to sing this song with my dad. i'm 12, and thank God that I can understand his appreciate his mercy!

Reminds me of my father, the world's most gracious man. He'd select this as a closing hymn after many of his sermons. And he meant it, pleaded for sinners to seek refuge in the cross, and Christ alone. Great hymn!

Awesome song.. touching

The many times I have willfully sinned still He keeps Calling on me to return to Him. And I find comfort in this song.

Tough many times I let Him down, his love never fails. How wonderful our God is.

Sitting at the hospital with my friend who's husband is crtical. At 33 God seems to be ready for him and this song brings comfort.

Glory to God at a time like this, the song ministers to me as I sing throgh

I was reading in Proverbs 9:1-6 and this hymn came to mind; God has specifically prepared a Spiritual feast for us in His Word: He longs to meet with us there and nourish us in His Presence. There is a similar invitation in Matthew 11:28-30.

I was taught this song as a child in Church and it's still one of my favorite Christian songs today. I am so thankful I grew up and was submerged in the Christian faith by two parents who were also raised in Christian homes themselves. Thanks be to God.