The Prodigal Son

Afflictions though they seem severe,

In mercy oft are sent,

They stopp’d the prodigal’s career,

And caus’d him to repent.

What have I gained by sin, he said,

But hunger, shame and fear?

My father’s house abounds with bread,

While I am starving here.

I’ll go and tell him all I’ve done,

Fall down before his face,

Unworthy to be called his son,

I’ll seek a servant’s place.

His father saw him coming back,

He saw, and ran, and smiled,

And threw his arms around the neck

Of his rebellious child.

Father, I’ve sinned, but O forgive!

Enough! the father said;

Rejoice, my house, my son’s alive,

For whom I mourned as dead.

Now let the fatted calf be slain,

And spread the news around;

My son was dead, and lives again;

Was lost, but now is found.

‘Tis thus the Lord His love reveals,

To call poor sinners home;

More than a father’s love He feels,

And welcomes all that come.