Afflictions, Though They Seem Severe

Afflictions

though they seem sev­ere

In mer­cy oft are sent;

They stopped the pro­di­gal’s ca­reer

And forced him to re­pent.

Although he no re­lent­ings felt

Till he had spent his store;

His stub­born heart be­gan to melt

When fa­mine pinched him sore.

“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

And fall 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!

I’ve heard enough

he 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

but 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.