If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Words: Stella M. Thompson, in New Songs of Praise, by Alfred E. Helton et al. (Lenoir, North Carolina: Teachers’ Music Publishing, 1913), number 63.
Music: Minnis R. Hayes (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Thompson or Hayes (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
If I’ve wounded the heart of another today,
Or have caused a lone teardrop to fall;
If I’ve turned in disdain from the helpless away,
Oh! forgive, Thou blest Father of all!
Refrain
I am bowing before Thee in penitence now,
O compassionate Father, forgive!
Thou alone with Thy peace can my spirit endow,
O compassionate Father, forgive!
My transgressions are many, I humbly confess,
But I long in Thy precepts to live;
With the boon of salvation Thou only can bless,
O compassionate Father, forgive!
Refrain
If, when merciless sorrow o’ershadows my soul,
I have sought not Thy guidance each day,
But in folly have strayed where sin’s billows oft roll,
Oh! forgive me, dear Father, I pray!
Refrain
Tho’ I oft have neglected my duty to do,
Disobeying Thy holy command,
And to Thee and Thy cause I have proven untrue,
With the saved I forgiven would stand.
Refrain