Scripture Verse

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Introduction

Words: Stel­la M. Thomp­son, in New Songs of Praise, by Al­fred E. Hel­ton et al. (Le­noir, North Ca­ro­li­na: Teach­ers’ Mu­sic Pub­lish­ing, 1913), num­ber 63.

Music: Min­nis R. Hayes (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Thomp­son or Hayes (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

If I’ve wounded the heart of another today,
Or have caused a lone teardrop to fall;
If I’ve turned in disdain from the helpless away,
Oh! forgive, Thou blest Father of all!

Refrain

I am bowing before Thee in penitence now,
O compassionate Father, forgive!
Thou alone with Thy peace can my spirit endow,
O compassionate Father, forgive!

My transgressions are many, I humbly confess,
But I long in Thy precepts to live;
With the boon of salvation Thou only can bless,
O compassionate Father, forgive!

Refrain

If, when merciless sorrow o’ershadows my soul,
I have sought not Thy guidance each day,
But in folly have strayed where sin’s billows oft roll,
Oh! forgive me, dear Father, I pray!

Refrain

Tho’ I oft have neglected my duty to do,
Disobeying Thy holy command,
And to Thee and Thy cause I have proven untrue,
With the saved I forgiven would stand.

Refrain