Sheep

I

The Saviour calls his people sheep,
And bids them on his love rely;
For he alone their souls can keep,
And he alone their wants supply.

II

The bull can fight, the hare can flee,
The ant in summer food prepare;
But helpless sheep, and such are we,
Depend upon the shepherd’s care.

III

Jehovah is our Shepherd’s name,
Then what have we, though weak, to fear?
Our sin and folly we proclaim
If we despond while he is near.

IV

When Satan threatens to devour,
When troubles press on every side,
Think on our Shepherd’s care and power,
He can defend, He will provide.

V

See the rich pastures of his grace,
Where in full streams salvation flows!
There he appoints our resting-place,
And we may feel secure from foes.

VI

There, ’midst the flock, the Shepherd dwells,
The sheep around in safety lie;
The wolf in vain with malice swells,
For he protects them with his eye.

VII

Dear Lord, if I am one of thine,
From anxious thoughts I would be free;
To trust and love and praise is mine,
The care of all belongs to thee.