'How backward is my heart' (hymn) written by John Berridge

Based on the Song of Songs 1: 4 - "Draw me, we will run after thee"


How backward is my heart

In search of endless life!

How loth with toys to part,

Which only bring me grief!

Small riddance in the race I make,

Yet pant for breath each step I take.


I cannot well abide

The cross's daily load,

It makes me start aside,

And leave the narrow road;

Like some raw bullock not well broke,

My shoulders frets beneath the yoke.


Erewhile I sit and sigh,

And loathe my folly too;

Then up I get and try

What human might can do;

Lay to my arm, but all in vain;

No arm of mine can break the chain.


Ah! wither must I go,

Since flesh and reason fail?

No help on earth, I know,

Can o'er my heart prevail;

No arm can reach my desperate case

But his whose name is Truth and Grace.


To him I lift my eyes;

Thou Son of David, hear,

And let my feeble cries

Bring thy salvation near;

My froward heart is in thy hand,

And it will move at thy command.


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