Hymnal: New Christian Hymn and Tune Book
Date: 1882
Compiler: Fillmore Brothers
Publisher/Printer: Fillmore Brothers
First Line: How oft alas this wretched heart
Topic: Reclaimed
Writer: Anne Steele
Composer: R Simpson
Meter: CM
Tune: Balerma
Hymn Number: 258
Page Number: 086, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsHOW oft, alas! this wretched heart
Has wandered from the Lord!
How oft my roving thoughts depart,
Forgetful of his word!
Yet sovereign mercy calls, "Return!"
Dear Lord, and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn-
O take the wanderer home!
And canst thou, wilt thou yet forgive,
And bid my crimes remove?
And shall a pardoned rebel live
To speak thy wondrous love?
Almighty grace! thy healing power
How glorious-how divine,
That can to life and bliss restore
A heart so vile as mine.
Thy pardoning love-so free, so sweet-
Dear Saviour, I adore;
O keep my at thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more.