Return, o wanderer, return

195 Woodworth. L. M.

1 Return, O wanderer, return,
   And seek an injur'd Father’s face;
   Those warm desires that in thee burn,
   Were kindled by reclaiming grace.

2 Return, O wanderer, return,
   And seek a Father’s melting heart;
   His pitying eyes thy grief discern,
   His hand can heal thy inward smart.

3 Return, O wanderer, return,
   Thy Savior bids thy spirit live;
   Go to his bleeding feet, and learn
   How freely Jesus can forgive.

4 Return, O wanderer, return,
   And wipe away the falling tear:
   ’Tis God who says, "No longer mourn,"
   ’Tis mercy’s voice invites thee near.
                         Wiliam B. Collyer
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition

<idle musing>
I wasn't too sure where this hymn was going at the beginning of the first verse; far too often when they start with "injur'd Father's face" they go on to rail about an angry god just waiting to smash you. But, the direction he went was refreshing, emphasizing prevenient grace and the love of God. Would that more invitational hymns went that direction! In fact, #197, two hymns later goes the direction of shame.
</idle musing>