Once a Woman Silent Stood

Once a wo­man si­lent stood

While Je­sus sat at meat;

From her eyes she poured a flood

To wash His sac­red feet:

Shame and won­der

joy and love

All at once pos­sessed her mind

That she e’er so vile could prove

Yet now for­give­ness find.

How came this vile wo­man here?

Will Je­sus no­tice such?

Sure

if He a pro­phet were

He would dis­dain her touch!

Simon thus

with scorn­ful heart

Slighted one whom Je­sus loved

But her Sav­ior took her part

And thus his pride re­proved.

If two men in debt were bound

One less

the oth­er more;

Fifty

or five hun­dred pound

And both alike were poor;

Should the lend­er both for­give

When he saw them both dis­tressed;

Which of them would you be­lieve

Engaged to love him best?

Surely he who much did owe

The Pha­ri­see re­plied;

Then our Lord

“By judg­ing so

Thou dost for her de­cide:

Simon

if like her you knew

How much you for­give­ness need;

You like her had act­ed too

And wel­comed Me in­deed!

When the load of sin is felt

And much for­give­ness known;

Then the heart of course will melt

Though hard be­fore as stone:

Blame not then

her love and tears

Greatly she in debt has been:

But I have re­moved her fears

And par­doned all her sin.

When I read this wo­man’s case

Her love and hum­ble zeal;

I con­fess

with shame of face

My heart is made of steel;

Much has been for­giv’n to me

Jesus paid my hea­vy score

What a crea­ture must I be

That I can love no more!