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Afflictions, tho' they seem severe,

The prodigal Son. LUKE xv. 11-24.

Poet: John Newton, 1779
Meter: Common Meter (8,6,8,6)
Location in The Sacred Harp
Stanza Denson Cooper
1
Afflictions, tho' they seem severe,
In mercy oft are sent;
They stopp'd the prodigal's career,
And forc'd him to repent.


The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 1

The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 1
2
Altho' he no relentings felt
Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinch'd him sore.


The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 2

The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 2
3
"What have I gain'd by sin, he said,
But hunger, shame, and fear;
My father's house abounds with bread,
While I am starving here.


The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 3

4
I'll go, and tell him all I've done,
And fall before his face;
Unworthy to be call'd his son,
I'll seek a servant's place."


The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 4

5
His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smil'd;
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.


The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 5

6
"Father, I've sinn'd--but O forgive!"
"I've heard enough, he said,
Rejoice my house, my son's alive,
For whom I mourn'd as dead.



The Prodigal Son 113, Stanza 3
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.




Newton, John, and William Cowper Olney Hymns in Three Books. 6th ed. London: J. Johnson, 1797.