Introduction
Words: Ellen M. Gates, in Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs, by Philip P. Bliss & Ira D. Sankey (New York: Biglow & Main, 1875), number 38.
Music: W. Howard Doane (🔊 pdf nwc).
I will arise and go to my father.
Luke 15:18
Words: Ellen M. Gates, in Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs, by Philip P. Bliss & Ira D. Sankey (New York: Biglow & Main, 1875), number 38.
Music: W. Howard Doane (🔊 pdf nwc).
In Victoria Hall, Sunderland, England, Mr. Moody one evening closed his sermon with the story of a prodigal son, who was reconciled to his father—as he stood by the bed of his dying mother. Then Mr. Sankey sang—
Oh, prodigal child, come home.
When the audience had been dismissed, there came into the enquiry meeting a young man who had long played the part of the prodigal son, to the great grief of his godly parents.
With a face marked with deepest penitence he came up to his father and mother, and throwing his arms about them, with many tears asked their forgiveness and also the pardon of God for his sins. The prodigal child had a double welcome from God and man.
Crafts, pp. 46–47
Come home! come home!
You are weary at heart,
For the way has been dark,
And so lonely and wild.
O prodigal child!
Come home! oh come home!
Refrain
Come home!
Come, oh come home!
Come home! come home!
For we watch and we wait,
And we stand at the gate,
While the shadows are piled.
O prodigal child!
Come home! oh come home!
Refrain
Come home! come home!
From the sorrow and blame,
From the sin and the shame,
And the tempter that smiled,
O prodigal child!
Come home! oh come home!
Refrain
Come home! come home!
There is bread and to spare,
And a warm welcome there,
Then, to friends reconciled,
O prodigal child!
Come home! oh come home!
Refrain