WHAT DEBT OF SIN THAT NONE CAN PAY

       St Matthew the Evangelist

What debt of sin that none can pay 
on Matthew's burdened conscience lay:
what longings deep within him stirred, 
awakened at the Baptist's word,
	to turn, and from his past be free, 
	when Jesus called him, `Follow me!'

As in a dream, forsaking all, 
he rose and answered Jesus' call. 
By mountainside and shore and town 
he set his Master's teaching down:
	a coming kingdom, known of old, 
	and in the Scriptures long foretold.

And we with Matthew hear and see 
and walk with Christ in Galilee, 
the Son at last of David's line, 
the promised Saviour, King divine,
	by whom alone are sins forgiven, 
	whose throne is evermore in heaven.

So may we follow Christ today, 
his work to do, his word obey, 
the Lord on whom our sins are laid, 
by whom our debt is freely paid, 
	who died and rose and lives again:
	O Son of Man, return and reign!