A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) 203. O, Richly, Father, have I been

Text:	The Penitent Son
Author:	Furness

203. The Penitent Son

O, richly, Father, have I been
Blest evermore by Thee!
And morning, noon, and night Thou hast
Preserved me tenderly.

And yet the love which Thou shouldst claim
To idols I have given;
Too oft have bound to earth the hopes
That know no home but heaven.

Unworthy to be called Thy son,
I come with shame to Thee,
Father!—O, more than Father, Thou
Hast always been to me!

Help me to break the heavy chains
The world has round me thrown,
And know the glorious liberty
Of an obedient son.

That I may henceforth heed whate’er
Thy voice within me saith,
Fix deeply in my heart of hearts
A principle of faith,—

Faith that, like armor to my soul,
Shall keep all evil out,
More mighty than an angel host,
Encamping round about.

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