HARK the voice of man’s derision,
When the Saviour was with men,―
“Yes, this man receiveth sinners,
And He eateth, too, with them.”
List! the voice of God replying,
“Yes, the sinner I receive,
‘Tis my joy the lost, the rebel,
And the outcast, to receive.”
“Yes, my joy.” O wondrous tidings!
Tis the pleasure of our God
To forgive, for Christ has suffered,
He has borne Jehovah’s rod.
Christ has met the claims of justice,
Met it in His precious blood;
When the sinner’s willing surety,
‘Neath God’s righteous wrath He stood.
Yes, the voice of man’s derision
God endorses thus― “‘Tis true”
Christ receiveth outcast sinners,
Sinner, still He waits for you
Waits, that heavenly tongues, rejoicing,
May return the happy strain, ―
“He, who once was lost is welcomed―
He, once dead’s alive again!
A. M.