Timeless Truths ‎#466

466. The Backslider

1 Sad and lonely, weak and weary,
Down life’s rugged path I roam;
Heart is bleeding, soul is weeping,
Seeking rest and finding none;
Father, once I dearly loved Thee,
In the happy days of yore,
But of love this world has robbed me,
Shall I never love Thee more?

Refrain:
O backslider, there is pardon,
Christ will save you from your sin,
Fill your yearning heart with gladness,
And receive you back again;
Come, oh, come, then, to the Savior,
Cast your doubts and fears away,
Plunge into the healing fountain,
There to save your soul today.

2 Here’s a withered flow’r and faded,
Emblem of my lonely heart,
Once so full of love and duty,
Now lies crushed by human art;
Father, once my prayers were answered,
In the happy days of yore,
When in faith and love I sought Thee,
Wilt Thou never hear me more? [Refrain]

3 Life’s a burden, Lord, without Thee,
Peace I nevermore can know,
All this world a sea of trouble,
All a wilderness of woe;
Father, leaving all, I seek Thee,
Plead once more to be forgiv’n;
Wash away my sins and sorrows,
Father, give me hope of heav’n. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Sad and lonely, weak and weary
• Title: The Backslider
• Author: Charles E. Orr
• Author (refrain): A. L. B. (1911)
• Refrain First Line: O backslider, there is pardon
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D R
• Scripture:
  Hosea 14:4
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Backslider); Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (407); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Select Hymns, 1911 (22)

Tune Information

• Name: [Sad and lonely, weak and weary]
• Composer: Andrew L. Byers (1911)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D R
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Backslider); Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (407); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Select Hymns, 1911 (22)