Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 45

"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much."

1 Were not the sinful Mary's tears An offering worthy heaven, When, o'er the faults of former years, She wept, and was forgiven?

2 When, bringing every balmy sweet Her day of luxury stored, She o'er her Saviour's hallowed feet The precious ointment poured;

3 Were not those sweets so freely shed, That shame, those weeping eyes, And the sunk heart which inly bled, Heaven's n.o.blest sacrifice?

4 Thou that hast slept in error's sleep, O wouldst thou wake to heaven, Like Mary kneel, like Mary weep; "Love much," and be forgiven!

274. 7s. M. Anonymous.

To the Prodigal Son.

1 Brother, hast thou wandered far From thy father's happy home?

With thyself and G.o.d at war?

Turn thee, brother, homeward come.

2 Hast thou wasted all the powers G.o.d for n.o.ble uses gave?

Squandered life's most golden hours?

Turn thee, brother, G.o.d can save!

3 Is a mighty famine now In thy heart and in thy soul?

Discontent upon thy brow?

Turn thee, G.o.d will make thee whole!

4 Fall before him on the ground, Pour thy sorrow in his ear, Seek him, while he may be found, Call upon him, while he's near.

275. S. M. Episcopal Coll.

Gospel Invitations.

1 The Spirit, in our hearts, Is whispering, "Sinner, come!"

The Bride, the Church of Christ, proclaims To all his children, "Come!"

2 Let him that heareth say To all about him, "Come!"

Let him that thirsts for righteousness, To Christ, the Fountain, come!

3 Yes, whosoever will, O, let him freely come, And freely drink the stream of life; 'Tis Jesus bids him come.

4 Lo, Jesus, who invites, Declares, "I quickly come:"

Lord, even so! I wait thine hour: Jesus, my Saviour, come!

276. C. M. Watts.

The Blessings of the Gospel.

1 Blest are the souls that hear and know The gospel's joyful sound; Peace shall attend the paths they go, And light their steps surround.

2 Their joy shall bear their spirits up, Through their Redeemer's name; His righteousness exalts their hope, Nor dares the world condemn.

3 The Lord, our glory and defence, Strength and salvation gives; Israel, thy King forever reigns, Thy G.o.d forever lives.

277. C. M. Doddridge.

All Things Ready.

1 The King of heaven his table spreads, And dainties crown the board: Not Paradise, with all its joys, Could such delight afford.

2 Ye hungry poor, that long have strayed In sin's dark mazes, come; Come from your most obscure retreats And grace shall find you room.

3 Millions of souls, in glory now, Were fed and feasted here; And millions more, still on the way, Around the board appear.

4 Yet are his house and heart so large, That millions more may come; Nor could the whole a.s.sembled world O'erfill the s.p.a.cious room.

278. S. M. Pratt's Coll.

Coming to Christ.

1 Ye sons of earth, arise, Ye creatures of a day; Redeem the time--be bold--be wise, And cast your bonds away.

2 The year of gospel grace With us rejoice to see, And thankfully in Christ embrace Your proffered liberty.

3 Blest Saviour, Lord of all, G.o.d help us to receive; Obedient to thy gracious call, O, bid us turn and live.