Afflictions, though they seem severe

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

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.