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

A heart so vile 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.