Elmer KarrWhat but the love of God could have softenedAnd made forgiving the people of Spoon RiverToward me who wronged the bed of Thomas MerrittAnd murdered him beside?Oh, loving hearts that took me in againWhen I returned from fourteen years in prison!Oh, helping hands that in the church received meAnd heard with tears my penitent confession,Who took the sacrament of bread and wine!Repent, ye living ones, and rest with Jesus.
What but the love of God could have softenedAnd made forgiving the people of Spoon RiverToward me who wronged the bed of Thomas MerrittAnd murdered him beside?Oh, loving hearts that took me in againWhen I returned from fourteen years in prison!Oh, helping hands that in the church received meAnd heard with tears my penitent confession,Who took the sacrament of bread and wine!Repent, ye living ones, and rest with Jesus.