392    C.M.     A. Steele
Confession. Jer. 3. 12; Ps. 119. 176; Hos. 6. 1

1 How oft, alas, this wretched heart
  Has wandered from the Lord,
  How oft my roving thoughts depart,
  Forgetful of his word!

2 Yet sovereign mercy calls, “Return!”
  Dear Lord, and may I come?
  My vile ingratitude I mourn;
  O take the wanderer home.

3 And canst thou, wilt thou yet forgive,
  And bid my crimes remove?
  And shall a pardoned rebel live,
  To speak thy wondrous love?

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

5 Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweet,
  Dear Saviour, I adore;
  O keep me at thy sacred feet,
  And let me rove no more.