The Penitent Son.
1 O, richly, Father, have I been
Blest evermore by Thee!
And morning, noon, and night Thou hast
Preserved me tenderly.
2 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.
3 Unworthy to be called Thy son,
I come with shame to Thee,
Father!--O, more than Father, Thou
Hast always been to me!
4 Help me to break the heavy chains
The world has round me thrown,
And know the glorious liberty
Of an obedient son.
5 That I may henceforth heed whate'er
Thy voice within me saith,
Fix deeply in my heart of hearts
A principle of faith,--
6 Faith that, like armor to my soul,
Shall keep all evil out,
More mighty than an angel host,
Encamping round about.