John Newton & William Cowper · 105 of 356
104. Afflictions, though they seem severe;
Hymn 104
Afflictions, though they seem severe; In mercy oft are sent; They stopped the prodigal’s career, And forced him to .
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.