Afflictions, tho’ they seem severe, Are oft in mercy sent;
They stopt the prodigal’s career And caused him to repent,
Altho’ he no relenting felt Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt When famine pinch’d him sore.
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.
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.
The father saw him coming back, he looked, he ran, he smiled;