Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 99

99.
The Good Samaritan. Luke, x, 33—35.

1 How kind the good Samaritan
To him who fell among the thieves!
Thus Jesus pities fallen man,
And heals the wounds the soul receives.

2 Oh! I remember well the day
When, sorely wounded, nearly slain,
Like that poor man, I bleeding lay,
And groan'd for help, but groan'd in vain.

3 Men saw me in this helpless case,
And pass'd without compassion by;
Each neighbour turn'd away his face,
Unmoved by my mournful cry.

4 But He whose name had been my scorn
(As Jews Samaritans despise)
Came, when he saw me thus forlorn,
With love and pity in his eyes.

5 Gently he raised me from the ground,
Press'd me to lean upon his arm,
And into every gaping wound
He pour'd his own all-healing balm.

6 Unto his church my steps he led,
The house prepared for sinners lost,
Gave charge I should be clothed and fed,
And took upon him all the cost.

7 Thus saved from death, from want secured,
I wait till he again shall come
(When I shall be completely cured,)
And take me to his heavenly home.

8 There, through eternal, boundless days,
When Nature's wheel no longer rolls,
How shall I love, adore, and praise
This good Samaritan to souls!