I CANNOT COME TO THE BANQUET

A certain man held a feast 
on his fine estate in town,
He laid a festive table
and wore a wedding gown;
He sent invitations to his neighbours
far and wide,
But when the meal was ready,
each of them replied,
I cannot come

CHORUS
I cannot come to the banquet
Don’t trouble me now;
I have married a wife,
I have bought me a cow,
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum -
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

The master rose up in anger called
his servants by name,
Said, Go into the town, fetch the blind
and the lame;
Fetch the peasant and the pauper
for this I have willed:
My banquet must be crowded
and my table must filled.

Now, God has written a lesson
for the rest of mankind,
If we’re slow in responding
He may leave us behind;
He’s preparing a banquet
for that great and glorious day
When the Lord and Master calls,
be certain not to say, I cannot (come.)