John Viii. 11. Poem by Mary Anne Browne

SHE stood beneath the temple's sacred roof,
Trembling, and bowed, and silent: o'er her cheek,
Passion, and fear, and shame alternate passed,
Changing its hues each moment.??Her soft eyes
Were full of tears, and east upon the earth;
She dared not lift them to the stern, dark crowd,
Whose hands had dragged her there; she dared not look
Into the pure, benignant, holy face,

Whose mild eye shone on her with pitying light;
But with her hands clasped on her throbbing heart,
And her rich hair half veiling her slight form,
She stood subdued and still.??She heard His voice
Speaking conviction to the consciences
Of her accusers—heard retreating feet—
And felt as if a burden left her heart,
And some great glory streamed into her soul:
Then did He speak those words of pardon—'Go,
And sin no more.'

'Sin no more,' the angels sang;
'Our gracious Lord hath touched thy heart,
Healed thy bosom's burning pang,
Made thee blessed as thou art:
Now the power of sin is o'er,
Go, forgiven—and sin no more!
'Sin no more! thy soul is free,
All thy guilt is washed away;
Sinner, he hath ransomed thee,
And the utmost price will pay:
Bow in spirit, and adore
Him who bids thee sin no more.

'Sin no more! yet freely weep,
Weep for holy gratitude;
Pray for His great power to keep
Passion in thy heart subdued:
Shun the snares that lured before,
Trembling, go, and sin no more.

'Sin no more! His blood hath bought thee,
Else hadst thou been ever lost;
Think on what His love hath wrought thee,
Think on what thy soul hath cost:
Tears, and prayers, and sorrow pour,
'Gainst His Spirit sin no more!

'Sin no more! this deed of His
Shall through Time be chronicled;
In the seats of heavenly bliss,
Its deathless records shall be held;
In all tongues, from shore to shore,
Shall echo, 'Go, and sin no more!'

'Penitents, with downcast eyes,
Courage from the tale shall take;
Many fearful souls shall rise,
Fearless for His mercy's sake;
And joy to them shall He restore,
Saying, 'Go and sin no more!''