Hymnal: The Christian Hymn-Book
Date: 1829
Compiler: B W Stone and T Adams
Publisher/Printer: N L Finnell
First Line: Behold the wretch whose lust and wine
Topic: Penitential
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 26
Page Number: 030, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsBehold the wretch, whose lust and wine,
Have wasted his estate,
He begs a share among the swine,
To taste the husks they eat.
"I die with hunger here," he cries,
"I starve in foreign lands;
"My father's house has large supplies,
And bounteous are his hands.
"I'll go, and with a mournful tongue,
"Fall down before his face;
"Father, I've done thy justice wrong,
"Nor can deserve thy grace."
He said, and hasten'd to his home,
To seek his father's love;
The father saw the rebel come,
And all his bowels move.
He ran, and fell upon his neck,
Embrac'd and kiss'd his son;
The rebel's heart with sorrow brake,
For follies he had done.
"Take off his clothes of shame and sin,"
(The father gave command,)
"Dress him in garments white and clean,
"With rings adorn his hand.
"A day of feasting I ordain,
"Let mirth and joy abound,
"My son was dead and lives again;
"Was lost and now is found."