Afflictions, though they seem severe;

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Afflictions, though they seem severe;In mercy oft are sent;They stopped the prodigal’s career,And forced him to repent.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Although he no relentings feltTill he had spent his store;His stubborn heart began to meltWhen famine pinched him sore.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. “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.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. I’ll go, and tell him all I’ve done,And fall before his faceUnworthy to be called his son,I’ll seek a servant’s place.”

5. 5

   Stanza 5. His father saw him coming back,He saw, and ran, and smiled;And threw his arms around the neckOf his rebellious child.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. “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.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. 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.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. ’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.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 104. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-104