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Then for his aged father he did send,
To whom he said my father and my friend,
My time is short that I have here to dwell,
Lord keep me from the burning lake of hell,
While tears like fountains trickled down his face
His father said my child this spark of grace;
Does cheer my soul, I'll join with thee in prayer,
And hope the Lord will our petition here.
Father I have been disobedient son,
A very wicked course of life I've run,
My end is drawing nigh, and let me have,
My father's blessing, that is all I crave.
Father what shall I do for to to be sav'd,
Since there is no repentance in the grave,
Suppose this wicked crime forgiven be,
Can I be pardon'd for my sins to thee.
Childish disobedience is a dreadfull thing;
Strictly does the Lord forbid that sin,
Honour your parents and you shall be,
Long is thee hand the Lord doth give to thee.
But I have the law of God transgress'd
My tender sister I of her life bereft,
I'm old in sin tho' in years but young
Father I've been a disobedient son.
Son, I pray to God both night and day,
For you while in this world you stay,
And I with the lord may pardon you,
Your crime is of the blackest hue.
O blessed Lord, great is the parent's care,
In mercy hear my father's prayer,
Then on their knees they straight way fell down,
The mournful father and the crying son.
