“The Prodigal.” — Luke 15
IN rags and in ruin — without and within
A terrible mass of pollution and sin
By harlots deserted, of fortune bereft,
He turns to the home he once eagerly left.
Oh! none can restore, or such deep sin efface,
But the One who comes forth in such infinite
grace:
For grace is above all his sin and distress,
And he’s nothing to do — save his sin to confess!
What an earnest and seal of unspeakable bliss
Is conveyed in the Father’s affectionate kiss;
The lost one is found! and the servants must
bring,
At the Father’s command — the shoes, and the ring,
And the very best robe, and the failing, and wine
(What a change from the rags, and the husks,
and the swine),
With music and dancing — ‘tis something so new
Such a fullness of blessing — and nothing to do!
Ah, nothing to do! for the sinner that’s dead
Must needs have another to work in his stead:
And Jesus in Calvary’s terrible hour,
Redemption accomplished in marvelous power,
Which shut up the world to it’s folly and
strife,
But opened a passage from death unto life.
Are you ruined and helpless? God offers to YOU,
A free, full salvation — and nothing to do!
Not a tittle of WORK till we’re saved from our sins!
For then is the moment when labor begins,
With the message of mercy we eagerly run,
Till glory shall perfect what grace has begun.