Scripture Verse

Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Luke 15:21

Introduction

Words: Will­iam F. Cos­ner, in The Song Vic­tor, ed­it­ed by R. A. Glenn (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: F. W. Hel­mick, 1878), num­ber 129.

Music: Sand Hill Road R. A. Glenn, 1878 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

If you know Glenn’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
William F. Cosner
1845–1880

Lyrics

The Sav­ior invites you, poor wanderer, come,
The Fa­ther is waiting to welcome you home;
Now cease from your wand’ring, so lonely and wild,
Return to your Fa­ther, O prodigal child.

Refrain

O come, trembling mourner, oh, come, and be blest,
Here lay down your bur­den that you may find rest.
Be cleansed from your sin, and to God reconciled,
Return to your Fa­ther, O prodigal child.

Return to the Fa­ther who holds you so dear;
Say, why will you perish when plenty is near?
Tho’ poor and unworthy, with sin all defiled,
The Fa­ther will welcome His prodigal child.

Refrain

Poor wanderer, haste, for the night draweth nigh;
Say, will you linger still there in darkness and die?
Oh, leave the lone desert, where shadows are piled;
Return to your Fa­ther, O prodigal child.

Refrain