Philemon: He therefore departed for a season, &c

Wuart depths of wisdom and of grace
Do we in Jesus find,
Reflecting on His wondrous ways,
And dealings with mankind!
He marks our unavailing pain,
While far from Him we rove,
And carries on the secret plan
Of His mysterious love.
Left to myself, in paths of vice
I scarce began to run,
When Jesus did His stray surprise,
And claim'd me for His own:
To save my soul, He came unsought,
True liberty to give,
And in the arms of mercy caught
His thoughtless fugitive.

Saviour, with thankful awe I see
Thy mercy's strange design,
Which let me swerve awhile from Thee,
To make me always Thine:
A servant and a son restored
Thou kindly dost receive;
And happy with my heavenly Lord
I shall for ever live.