When the world’s unbelievers reject thee,

            and are so forsaken by thee

   that thou callest them no more,

   it is to thine own thou dost turn,

   for in such seasons of general apostasy

   they in some measure backslide with the world.

O how free is thy grace

   that reminds them of the danger that

     confronts them

   and urges them to persevere in adherence

     to thyself!

I bless thee that those who turn aside

   may return to thee immediately,

   and be welcomed without anything

     to commend them,

   notwithstanding all their former backslidings.

I confess that this is suited to my case, for of late

   I have found great want,

   and lack of apprehension of divine grace;

   I have been greatly distressed of soul

     because I did not suitably come to the fountain

     that purges away all sin;

   I have laboured too much for spiritual life,

     peace of conscience, progressive holiness,

     in my own strength.

I beg thee, show me the arm of all might;

Give me to believe

   that thou canst do for me more than

     I ask or think,

   and that, though I backslide, thy love will never

     let me go,

   but will draw me back to thee with everlasting

     cords;

   that thou dost provide grace in the wilderness,

   and canst bring me out, leaning on the arm

     of my Beloved;

   that thou canst cause me to walk with him

   by the rivers of waters in a straight way,

   wherein I shall not stumble.

Keep me solemn, devout, faithful, resting

   on free grace for assistance, acceptance,

   and peace of conscience.