The Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley 229The Backslider’s Confession

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.