Peter came to Jesus and asked,
Matthew 18:21–22Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?
Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Words: Clara De La Verite, in Glorious Things in Sacred Song, edited by Tullius C. O’Kane (Delaware, Ohio: T. C. O’Kane, 1886), number 5.
Music: Edward T. O’Kane (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of De La Verite or O’Kane (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
May I draw nigh, with empty hands,
When grain was near my arms to fill?
And are they true, those words of love,
“He loves thee still! He loves thee still!”
I, who have loitered by the way,
And trifled by each petty rill,
Nor hastened t’ward the Sea of Life,
Can it be true, He loves me still?
Why did I scorn the narrow path,
And murmur at each rugged hill?
O list, my heart, to those sweet words,
“He loves thee still! He loves thee still!”
What can I do? The day is gone!
With trembling heart and broken will,
I turn to Him—for O ’tis true,
He waits for me—He loves me still!