(Luke 15.)
What joy there is in heaven
When sinners lost are found;
When Satan’s cruel chains are riven
From those whom he had bound.
The angels, wondering, gaze,
And share the holy bliss,
As they observe God’s gracious ways,
And mark the Father’s kiss.
The saints of God rejoice:
Possessing Christ’s own mind,
They gladly own the Shepherd’s choice,
As He His sheep doth find.
The Saviour’s joy, how great!
When by the Spirit taught,
With conscience purg’d, and heart elate,
A soul to God is brought.
And O! with what delight
The Father sees the Son,
Now reaping fruit from that dread fight
Which on the cross He won.
The Saviour longs and seeks
To bring the wanderer home.
O! sinner, now to thee He speaks,
His Word says, sweetly, Come.
ML 08/26/1917