First Line: Afflictions, though they seem severe,

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 !
“Enough ! 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.