Book of Worship (Rev. ed.) ‎#420

420. How oft, alas! this wretched heart

1 How oft, alas! this wretched heart
Has wander'd from the Lord!
How oft my roving thoughts depart,
Forgetful of His word!

2 Yet sov'reign mercy calls, "Return:"
Dear Lord, and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn;
Oh, take the wanderer home.

3 And canst Thou, wilt Thou yet forgive,
And bid my crimes remove?
And shall a pardon'd rebel live
To speak Thy wondrous love?

4 Almighty grace, Thy healing power,
How glorious, how divine!
That can to bliss and life restore
So vile a heart as mine.

5 Thy pard'ning love, so free, so sweet,
Dear Saviour, I adore:
Oh, keep me at Thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more.

Text Information

• First Line: How oft, alas! this wretched heart
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1870
• Topic: Backsliding; Christians: their life and experience; Confession of Sin; Forgiveness: Of Sin; Pardon
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Author from index: Steele

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