806A    8.6.8.8.     J. Hart
“Return, thou backsliding Israel.” Jer. 3. 12, 14

1 Come, ye backsliding sons of God,
  For many such there are,
  Who long the paths of sin have trod,
  Come, cast away despair;
  Return to Jesus Christ, and see
  There’s mercy still for such as we.

2 ’Tis true we can’t pretend to much
  Of usefulness or fruit;
  But yet the love of Christ is such,
  We still retain the root;
  Returning prodigals shall find,
  Though they are base, their Father’s kind.

3 The indignation of the Lord
  Awhile we will endure,
  For we have sinned against his word;
  But still his grace is sure;
  ’Tis all a gift; let no man boast;
  For Jesus came to save the lost.