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...
If you have a valid subscription to Dictionary of Hymnology, please log inlog in to view this content. If you require a subscription, please click here.
Cite this article
MLA style (see MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd Ed.)
. "How oft, alas, this wretched heart."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press. Web. 5 Nov. 2024.<
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/h/how-oft,-alas,-this-wretched-heart>.
Chicago style (see The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Ed.)
. "How oft, alas, this wretched heart."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press, accessed November 5, 2024,
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/h/how-oft,-alas,-this-wretched-heart.