How Oft, Alas! This Wretched Heart HEBER—George Kingsley HERMON—Lowell Mason AVON—Hugh Wilson BALERMA—Robert Simpson How Oft, Alas! This Wretched Heart 1 How oft, alas! this wretched heart Has wandered from . . the Lord! How oft my roving tho’ts depart, Forgetful of His word! 2 Yet sovereign mercy calls, “Return;” Dear Lord, and may I come? My vile ingratitude I mourn; O take the wanderer home. 3 And canst Thou, wilt Thou, yet forgive, And bid my crimes remove? And shall a pardoned rebel