SHEPHERD of the Father’s flock,
To Thine heart so precious,
Shield us from the tempest’s shock,
Feed us and refresh us.
Thou our souls dost ever keep,
With an eye unsleeping,
Ev’ry lamb and ev’ry sheep
Watching o’er and keeping.
Thou of shepherds, first and chief,
True and faithful Pastor,
Keep us from the wolf and thief,
Save from each disaster;
Nourish us with tender grass,
Give us heavenly diet,
And by waters, clear as glass,
Grant us holy quiets
With Thy blood, of worth untold,
Thou in love halt bought us,
And within the heavenly fold
Safe wilt soon have brought us;
Till that day, from ev’ry foe
Thou wilt still defend us,
And in all our wants below,
Graciously attend us.
When Thy sheep no more shall roam,
Safe from snares and dangers,
Gatber’d round Thee in Thy home,
Far from foes and strangers,
Then wilt Thou Thyself disclose,
All Thy glories showing,
Joy impart (as they repose),
Deep and overflowing.
T.