Martin Wickens

In 1866 Samuel J. Stone penned a hymn that he later described as the one most dear to him.

Samuel was born in 1839 and during his 61 years of life wrote some 57 hymns. The most famous being “The Church’s One Foundation”. His poems, such as The Knight of Intercession and Lays of Iona incorporate several of his hymns.

This hymn, Weary of Earth, and Laden with My Sin, was the one he said people most often referenced as having helped them. It reflects on the forgiveness we have through Christ and the miracle of being accepted by God.

The nard mentioned in the final verse refers to spikenard. In one of the original publications of the hymn the text from Luke 7:47 was included, “Her sins, which were many, are forgiven; for she loved much…”

Weary of earth, and laden with my sin,
I look at Heav’n and long to enter in,
But there no evil thing may find a home—
And yet I hear a voice that bids me Come.

So vile I am, how dare I hope to stand
In the pure glory of that holy land?
Before the whiteness of that throne appear?
Yet there are hands stretched out to draw me near.

The while I fain would tread the heav’nly way
Seems evil ever with me day by day;
Yet on mine ears the gracious tidings fall,
Repent, confess, thou shalt be loosed from all.

It is the voice of Jesus that I hear!
His are the hands stretched out to draw me near,
And His the blood that can for all atone,
And set me faultless there before the throne.

’Twas He who found me on the deathly wild,
And made me heir of Heav’n, the Father’s child,
And day by day, whereby my soul may live,
Giveth His grace of pardon, and will give.

O great Absolver! grant my soul may wear
The lowliest garb of penitence and prayer,
That in the Father’s courts my glorious dress
May be the garment of Thy righteousness.

Yea, Thou wilt answer for me, righteous Lord!
Thine all the merits, mine the great reward;
Thine the sharp thorns, and mine the golden crown;
Mine the life won, and Thine the life laid down!

Naught can I bring, dear Lord, for all I owe,
Yet let my full heart, what it can, bestow;
Like that sweet nard, let my devotion prove,
Greatly forgiven, how greatly I love.