Wesley Corpus

[Luke 15:21.] “Father, I have sinned against heaven ...” Source: Hymns and Sacred Poems (1740), Part I Author: Charles Wesley (attributed) --- [Luke xv. 21.] “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 smil’d, 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, Griev’d and hardly forc’d 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 me of self 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 ly, Kiss me, and be reconcil’d:66 66John Wesley marks this verse for omission in his personal copy of the 5th edn. (1756).