THE LEGEND OF MARY MAGDALEN REV. C. DONALD M'LEOD. Her sins are forgiven her, for she loved much. "T WAS within a Hebrew palace, Magdalen the ointment poured. Even than the costly ointment, Humbly weeping, humbly loving, Meek she kneeled beside Him there; Tears and perfume both removing With her soft and clustering hair. But there wakened thoughts of evil In the minds of the Eleven; And the first to scorn or cavil Spake the traitor-cursed of Heaven :"How much better were this ointment "Vended, and the money given "For the poor to share!" Thus Iscariot reproved her, Thinking, "'T would my store increase:" But when JESU looked, He loved her, And He bade their murmurs cease; Saying. "Not for her preferment Doth she here before Me bow, But it is for Mine interment That she thus anoints Me now." Then he uttered, turning toward her That divine and gentle brow, Lamb of GOD! Our Priest and Pastor. Who canst bid all evil cease, Ever dear and holy Master, Make our feeble love increase! So that when we seek Thee, owning That Thy wrath is our deserts, Thou, blest Lord, at whose atonement All iniquity departs, Mayest speak from thine enthronemen! To our rent and wearied hearts, "Sinner, go in peace! HUNTINGTON, I. I. |