Like as a father pities his child,
by F. E. Belden (1858–1945)
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 66 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
Like as a father pities his child, So the Lord pities the sinner defiled; Waiteth in kindness, Pities our blindness, Longeth to welcome, though often reviled.
Verse 2
Like as a father when we believe, Merciful still, He will gladly receive; Listens to hear us, Blesses to cheer us, Pities whenever His Spirit we grieve.
Verse 3
Like as a father, ever the same, He hath created, and knoweth our frame; Watcheth the straying, Guardeth the praying, Bids us to trust in His almighty name.
Verse 4
Like as a father, constant is He, God in compassion regardeth our plea; In need He cometh, Precious His promise: Father in heaven forever to be.