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The Open Hymnal · No. 160 · Words: Frederick William Faber · Tune: In Babilone
Souls of Men! Why Will Ye Scatter
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →Written by Frederick William Faber in 1862, this hymn proclaims the boundless mercy and love of God, urging believers not to stray from a Savior who gently calls them back. It is best known for the stanza beginning 'There's a wideness in God's mercy, like the wideness of the sea.'
Verse 1
Souls of men!
why will ye scatter Like a crowd of frightened sheep?
Foolish hearts!
why will ye wander From a love so true and deep?
Was there ever kinder shepherd Half so gentle,
half so sweet,
As the Savior who would have us Come and gather round His feet?
Verse 2
It is God: His love looks mighty,
But is mighti'r than it seems;
'Tis our Father:
and His fondness Goes far out beyond our dreams.
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea;
There's a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
Verse 3
There is no place where earth's sorrows Are more felt than up in Heav'n;
There is no place where earth's failings Have such wondrous judgment giv'n.
There is welcome for the sinner,
Grace poured out as in a flood There is mercy with the Savior;
There is healing in His blood.
Verse 4
There is grace enough for thousands Of new worlds as great as this;
There is room for fresh creations In that upper home of bliss.
For the love of God is broader Than the measure of man's mind;
And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind.
Verse 5
There is plentiful redemption In Christ's blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members In the sorrows of the Head.
Not just all we owe to Jesus;
It is something more than all;
Greater good because of evil,
Larger mercy through the fall.
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