Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: How oft alas this wretched heart
Topic: The New Life/Temptations and Conflicts
Writer: <no first name given> Steele
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 868
Page Number: 511, 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 pard'ning love--so free, so sweet,
Dear Saviour, I adore;
O! keep me at thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more.