TEXTS AND TUNES proposed for inclusion in the Hymn Sing Hymnal
FeedbackAfflictions, though they seem severe
John Newton
Hymnary text authority (174 instances)
Cyber Hymnal™ page1 Afflictions, tho' they seem severe, In mercy oft are sent; They stopp'd the prodigal's career, And forc'd him to repent;Refrain (Sankey): I’ll die no more for bread, he cried, Nor starve in foreign lands; My father’s house has large supplies, And bounteous are his hands. Refrain (Sacred Harp): Oh, I die for hunger here, he cries, Oh, I die for hunger here, he cries, And starve in a foreign land. My father's house hath large supplies, And bounteous are his hands.2 Altho' he no relenting felt Till he had spent his store; His stubborn heart began to melt, When famine pinch'd him sore. 3 "What have I gain'd by sin," he said, "But hunger, shame and fear? My father's house abounds in bread, Whilst I am starving here. 4 I'll go and tell him all I've done, Fall down before his face; Unworthy to be call'd his son, I'll seek a servant's place" 5 His father saw him coming back, He saw, and run, and smil'd; And threw his arms around the neck, Of his rebellious child. 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. 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.Tune:
THE PRODIGAL SON [Sacred Harp]
THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN [Ira D. Sankey]