The Pharisee and the Woman.

IT happened that a Pharisee

Invited Christ to eat,

When a poor, sinful woman came

And worshipped at His feet;

And washed them with her copious tears,

And wiped them with her hair,

And kissed them, and anointed them

With ointment rich and rare.

The Pharisee, within himself,

Said: "If this man were wise,

And were a prophet, he would know

This sinner to despise."

And Jesus, answering his thought,

Explained the woman's love:

She was a sinner who, now saved,

Her gratitude would prove.

And while the guests in wonder gazed,

He to the woman spoke:

"Thy sins are all forgiven—thy faith

Hath broken Satan's yoke."