How oft, alas, this wretched heart

How oft, alas, this wretched heart. Anne Steele* (1716-1778).  In Volume I of Steele’s Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional (1760) this hymn was entitled ‘Pardoning Love’. The title was followed by two references, ‘Jer.III.22. Hos. XIV.4.’:  How oft, alas, this wretched heart  Has wandered from the Lord!How oft my roving thoughts depart,  Forgetful of his word!  Yet sovereign mercy calls, Return:   Dear Lord, and may I come! My vile ingratitude I mourn;   Oh take the wanderer home.  And canst thou, wilt thou yet forgive,   And bid my crimes remove? And shall a pardon’d rebel live   To speak thy wonderous love!  Almighty grace, thy healing power   How glorious how divine! That can to...

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