858    L.M.     J. Hart
“Return, thou backsliding Israel.” Jer. 3. 12, 14, 22

1 Backsliding souls, return to God;
  Your faithful God is gracious still;
  Leave the false ways ye long have trod,
  For God will your backslidings heal.

2 Your first espousals call to mind;
  ’Tis time ye should be now reclaimed.
  What fruit could ever Christians find
  In things whereof they’re now ashamed?

3 The indignation of the Lord
  Awhile endure, for ’tis your due;
  But firm and steadfast stands his word;
  Though you are faithless, he is true.

4 The blood of Christ, a precious blood!
  Cleanses from all sin, doubt it not,
  And reconciles the soul to God,
  From every folly, every fault.