The Cyber Hymnal ‎#39

39. Afflictions, Though They Seem Severe

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

2. Although he no relentings felt
Till he had spent his store;
His stubborn heart began to melt
When famine pinched him sore.

3. “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.

4. 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.

5. His father saw him coming back,
He saw, and ran, and smiled;
And threw his arms around the neck
Of his rebellious child.

6. 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.

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.

Text Information

• First Line: Afflictions, though they seem severe
• Title: Afflictions, Though They Seem Severe
• Author: John Newton (1779)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 104
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. MAGNUS
• Composer (attributed to): Jeremiah Clarke (1707)
• Harmonizer: William H. Monk (1868)
• Meter: CM
• Incipit: 51275 12323 13452
• Key: G Major
• Source: The Divine Companion, second edition, by Henry Playford (London: 1707)
• Copyright: Public Domain