Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:22–24
Words: Christian H. Bateman (1813–1889). Appeared in his Children’s Hymnal and Christian Year (London: John Hodges, 1872), number 45.
Music: Bangor William Tans’ur, 1734 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Bateman (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Father and canst Thou me receive,
So deep by sin defiled?
And canst Thou let the rebel live
And own Thy wandering child?
All sin, all rags, just as I am,
My Father, will I come,
All over guilt, I blush with shame,
And yet through Christ I come.
Thy choicest robe shall deck me well
Thy smile, my spirit cheer,
Bright angels loud my welcome tell,
Thy voice disperse my fear.
Oh wondrous grace! Oh love divine!
That lets the sinner live,
Father, receive me now as Thine,
And now Thy welcome give!