A Backslider’s Return by W. A. Morris

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1904

A Backslider’s Return

By W. A. Morris

W. A. MORRIS

THE Lord’s my shepherd and I’m his sheep. He leads me by still waters deep, He makes me lie in pastures green, And by his hand he guides unseen.

I wandered off on mountains far, With neither light nor gleaming star; He followed on, the lost to win From wanderings drear, in paths of sin.

Just listen to my story, pray: I did not mean to stray away; When I was cold and started back, I found I’d lost the Shepherd’s track.

“I’ll leave in safety the ninety-nine, To search for one that’s lost of mine; Soon, in the desert I heard its cry Almost lifeless — ready to die.”

With longing heart and bleeding feet, He crossed through water, snow, and sleet; And almost breathless, followed on, To seek the one that’s strayed and gone.

Soon, He returned through frost and cold, And laid it safely in the fold; The cry went up from all around, “Rejoice with us, for the lost is found.”

Ho! every one that wanders lone, Come back to Father’s love and home, There, wash away each guilty stain, In Jesus’ precious blood again.

Then, in green pastures you will feed, Where hunger and thirst find every need; O, starving lamb, return to-day, And from your Lord no longer stray!