Hymnal: The Pilgrim's Hymn Book
Date: 1816
Compiler: Joseph Thomas
Publisher/Printer: J Foster
First Line: Afflictions tho' they seem severe
Topic: <no topic given>
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: XXI
Page Number: 030, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsAfflictions, tho' they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent;
They stopp'd the prodigal's career,
And caus'd him to repent.
Altho' he no relentings felt,
Till he had spent his store-
His stubborn heart began to melt,
When famine pinch'd him sore.
What have I gain'd by sin, he said,
But sorrow 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,
And fall before his face;
Unworthy to be call'd a son,
I'll seek a servant's place.
The father saw him coming back-
He look'd, he ran and smil'd,
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his returning child.
Father I've sinn'd, but O forgive-
Enough the father said,
Rejoice my house, my son's alive,
For whom I mourn'd as dead.
Now let the fatted calf be slain,
Go spread the news around,
My son was dead but lives again,
Was lost but now is found.
'Tis thus the Lord his grace reveals,
To call poor sinners home-
More than a father's love he feels,
And bids the needy come.