Scripture Verse

Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee…make me as one of thy hired servants. Luke 15:18–19

Introduction

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Thomas Campbell (1777–1844)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: Hel­en Hunt Jack­son, 1885 (writ­ten four days be­fore her death).

Music: Sa­gi­na Tho­mas Camp­bell, Bou­quet 1825 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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Helen Hunt Jackson
1830–1885

Lyrics

Father, I scarcely dare to pray,
So clear I see, now it is done,
How I have wasted half my day,
And left my work but just begun.
So clear I see that things I thought
Were right or harmless were a sin;
So clear I see that I have sought,
Unconscious, selfish aims to win.

So clear I see that I have hurt
The souls I might have helped to save;
That I have slothful been, inert,
Deaf to the calls Thy leaders gave.
In outskirts of Thy kingdoms vast
Father, the humblest spot give me;
Set me the lowliest task Thou hast,
Let me repentant work for Thee.