Poems (Shipton)/The Sinner Saved
THE SINNER SAVED.
"Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."—Matt. xi. 28.
"Tell me, happy Pilgrim, How you sought and found All your peace and gladness, On this barren ground. Why are all our pleasures Dull and tame to you; And your anxious hours Seem so far and few?"
"Not from Earth or Nature, Stranger, doth it spring; Birds that build the lowest Soar aloft to sing. So my strain is gladdest When aloft I rise, Farthest from my earth-nest, Nearest to the skies!
"Once, like you, I questioned: Life seemed nothing worth; Death, a gloomy vision!— And I wandered forth, Seeking something better Than the worldling's lot; Rest, and peace, and pardon; But I knew not what."
"Thus I worked and fretted, Strove to keep God's law; Vows new-made, and broken, All the fruit I saw. Then I heard of Jesus! And, while drowned in tears, He drew gently near me, Quieting my fears."
"'Come,' He said, 'poor sinner,' (Oh, that welcome word Seemed the sweetest message My poor heart had heard,) 'Come! My work is finished, And thy labor lost; See thy soul's redemption, And the price it cost.'"
"Then I told Him over All my life of sin; 'Now,' I said, 'or never, Will He let me in!' Not one thought I'd given, All those long years past, To the dear Redeemer I had found at last.
"So I spoke, all trembling' Lord! it is not fit That a ragged beggar At Thy table sit. I would mend my garments, And would fitted be For the King's own presence, Who takes heed of me.'
"Soft He spake, so sweetly, 'Seek no other dress; Not a thread is lacking In My righteousness. I a mantle give thee None beside hath wove; Take it—be partaker Of My Father's love!
"'All the wrath—thy portion I have borne from God; From thy sins I wash thee In my cleansing Blood.' Then I cried, 'O Saviour! In Thy boundless grace, For the chief of sinners Thou hast found a place.'
"From that day I knew Him,— Christ! my Priest and King! Father! Friend! Physician! Can I cease to sing? Nay, until He call me From my work below, I will tell His praises Wheresoe'er I go.
"Enter, stranger! Welcome! See, the way is clear! 'Tis the Friend of sinners, That awaits thee here. Come! believe, and trust Him! Grace He'll ne'er deny, Since He saved a sinner, Such an one as I!"