A Lent Hymn

Alas, which way I turn I err, My thoughts are vile within, Ah how shall earth’s poor voyager, Escape the paths of sin.

Lord, I have wandered and to thee Have been a faithless son, But father, still a father be, And spare thine erring son.

Through His dear love, by whom alone, We may thy children be, And by the sorrows He hath known, My soul from sorrow free.

And smile, my Father, through the gloom That wraps my suppliant hour, Nor quench the glowing soul’s perfume, Nor break the drooping flower.