How Oft, Alas, This Wretched Heart
Anne Steele, 1716-1778
How oft, alas, this wretched heart
Has wandered from the Lord,
How oft my roving thoughts depart,
Forgetful of His Word.
Yet sov'reign mercy calls, "Return!"
Dear Lord, and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn;
O take the wand'rer 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
So vile a heart as mine.
Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweet,
Dear Savior, I adore;
O keep me at Thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more.
