Introduction
Words: William B. Collyer, Hymns (London: 1812).
Music: Return (Squires) William H. Squires, 1895 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Squires (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Turn Thou me, and I shall be turned; for Thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.
Jeremiah 31:18–19
Words: William B. Collyer, Hymns (London: 1812).
Music: Return (Squires) William H. Squires, 1895 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Squires (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Return, O wanderer, return,
And seek an injured Father’s face;
Those warm desires that in thee burn
Were kindled by reclaiming grace.
Return, O wanderer, return,
And seek a Father’s melting heart,
Whose pitying eyes thy grief discern,
Whose hand can heal thine inward smart.
Return, O wanderer, return,
He heard thy deep repentant sigh,
He saw thy softened spirit mourn
When no one else is nigh.
Return, O wanderer, return,
Thy Savior bids thy spirit live;
Go to His bleeding feet, and learn
How freely Jesus can forgive.
Return, O wanderer, return,
And wipe away the falling tear;
’Tis God who says, No longer mourn,
’Tis mercy’s voice invites thee near.