28 TENNESSEE - Southern Harmony

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Southern Harmony
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Afflictions, though they seem severe, in mercy oft are sent.
They stopp'd the prodigal's career and caused him to repent.
Although he no relenting felt 'til he had spent his store,
His stubborn heart began to melt when famine pinched him sore.

"What have I gain'd by sin," he said, "but hunger, shame, and fear?
My father's house abounds with bread whilst I am starving here.
I'll go and tell him all I've done, fall down before his face,
Not worthy to be called his son, I'll seek a servant's place."

He saw his son returning back; he look'd, he ran, he smiled.
And threw his arms around the neck of his rebellious child.
"Father, I've sinn'd, but O forgive," and thus the father said:
"Rejoice, my house! my son's alive for whom I mourn'd as dead.

Now let the fatted calf be slain, go spread the news abroad,
My son was dead, but lives again; was lost, but now is found."
'Tis thus the Lord himself reveals to call poor sinners home,
More than a father's love he feels and bids the sinner come.