Bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:23–4
Words & Music: Frank L. Bristow, in Triumphant Songs No. 2, by Edwin O. Excell (Chicago, Illinois: E. O. Excell, 1889) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Bristow (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
Joyfully march along, and shout the song
To the earth’s remotest bound,
Salvation’s come, the wanderer’s home.
The lost one now is found.
Rejoice! Rejoice! with heart and voice;
Repeat the welcome sound!
Refrain
With songs of joy, your tongues employ,
And repeat the welcome sound,
Salvation’s come! The wanderer’s home,
The lost one now is found!
Wanderer far away from love today,
In the sea of sin so low,
A call from home now bids you Come,
Arise and say, I’ll go.
Your vacant chair is waiting there,
And raiment white as snow!
Refrain
Joyfully angels bring the signet ring,
Of a Father’s pardoning grace,
And royal fare, they now prepare,
Before His smiling face,
Away with fears! away with tears!
Receive His fond embrace!
Refrain
Heavenly home! sweet home!
How sweet to roam
Thro’ thy realm of beauty rare,
With angel throng, join in a song
Of joy beyond compare.
Redeemer! King!
forever sing
The loved ones gathered there!
Refrain