Backsliding

O LORD,

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.

Valley of Vision is copyrighted. Please do not reproduce this text in any form without permission from the Banner of Truth.