WHEN we are not obedient to the voice of God He permits us to become enslaved to unholy passions and evil propensities, that we may learn anew the corruption and untrustworthiness of our own hearts and the need of constant dependence upon Him. Thus sin itself is made to serve. We learn lessons through our failures that some of us refuse to learn at the feet of the Lord.
“How oft, alas, this wretched heart
Has wandered from the Lord!
How oft my roving thoughts depart,
Forgetful of His Word!
Yet sovereign mercy calls, — “Return!”
Dear Lord, and may I come?
My vile ingratitude I mourn:
Oh, take the wanderer home!
Almighty grace, Thy healing power.
How glorious, how divine!
That can to life and bliss restore
A heart so vile as mine.
Thy pardoning love, so free, so sweet,
Dear Saviour, I adore;
Oh, keep me at Thy sacred feet,
And let me rove no more!”
―Steele