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He took the dear child in his arms, and bursting into tears,
"My conduct has been wrong," he said, "how sinful it appears!"
Just then his mother entered, with her heart quite full of joy
And gratitude to God above, who had kept her darling boy;
She had been alone to thank him, and offer up a prayer
That God who had preserved her son, would keep him in his care.
"Dear mother, will you pray," said he, "and read in God's own Word
That story of the Prodigal, which I have often heard;
For I have wandered far away, but now desire to come
And love and serve that Being who hath safely brought me home?"
Her prayer was heard; and Alfred Bell is now a Christian man,
Serving his God with faithfulness, and doing all he can
