Afflictions, though they seem severe, In mercy oft are sent ; They stopped the prodigal's career, And caused him to repent.
" I'll not pine here for bread, I'll not pine here for bread," he cries ; " Nor starve in foreign lands : My father's house has large supplies, And bounteous are his hands."
2. " What have I gained by sin," he said, " But hunger, shame, and fear ? My father's house abounds in bread, While I am starving here ! "
3. " 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."
4. His father saw him coming back ; He saw, he ran, he smiled, And threw his arms around the neck Of his rebellious child !
5. " O father, I have sinned-----forgive ! " âEnough ! " the father said : " Rejoice, my house ; my son's alive, For whom I mourned as dead ! "
6. '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.