John & Charles Wesley · 230 of 258

The Backslider’s Confession

“Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.”

When I was a little child, O, what sweetness did I prove? Then on me my Father smiled, Clasp’d me in the arms of love; Bore me all my infant days, Gently by His Spirit led, Dandled me upon His knees, Made me on His promise feed.

But, alas! I soon rebell’d, Would not cast on Him my care; Swell’d with pride, with passion swell’d, I could neither fall nor err. I was strong and able grown, I could for myself provide, I had wisdom of my own: Let the weaker seek a guide.

When to Him I would not look, Grieved and hardly forced away, Me my Guide at length forsook, Me my Father left to stray. Angrily He hid His face: Careless of His smile or frown, I pursued my evil ways, Frowardly in sin went on.

Back recall’ d, I know not how, Father, I my folly mourn: If Thou art my Father now, Now assist me to return. Freely my backslidings heal, Once again become my Guide; Save me from my wayward will, Empty of myself and pride.

Thou who all my ways hast seen, Since I would from Thee depart, Suffer me no more to lean To my own deceitful heart. O, repair my grievous loss, Comfort to my soul restore: Once a little child I was: Lift me up to fall no more.

Give me back my innocence, Give me back my filial fears, Humble, loving confidence, Praying sighs, and speaking tears. Weak and helpless may I be, To Thy only will resign’d, Ever hanging upon Thee, Simple, ignorant, and blind.

Abba, Father! Hear my cry, Look upon Thy weeping child: Weeping at Thy feet I lie; Kiss me, and be reconciled: Take me up into Thine arms, Let me hang upon Thy breast, Hide me there secure from harms, Lull my sorrowing soul to rest.