Author: John Newton Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 176 hymnals Lyrics: 1. Afflictions, though they seem severe;
In mercy oft are sent;
They stopped the prodigal’s career,
And forced him to repent.
2. Although he no relentings felt
Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinched him sore.
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. 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.
5. His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smiled;
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.
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. 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. ’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. Used With Tune: ST. MAGNUS Text Sources: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 104
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