“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters.”
THOUGH in a world of sin,
With pain and sorrow round,
The Shepherd’s fold I stand within―
―Blessings abound!
And in His pastures green
He maketh me to lie,
His countenance by me is seen,
His watchful eye!
Yes, and by waters still,
He gently leadeth me,
My heart with heavenly draughts doth fill,
So plenteously!
Jesus my Shepherd is,
The eternal Son of God!
How great the cost to make me His,―
His precious blood!
The word of God is where
I feed from day to day;
(Anoint mine ear, O God, to hear
What Thou dust say!
And from that book divine
Refresh my thirsting soul:
Thy words, like old and choicest wine,
Do make me whole!)
Oft am I faint and weak,
And often lose my way,
But when that wondrous word doth speak
I cease to stray!
What heights and depths are there,
What wisdom is declar’d,
What cordials strong for every care,
By God prepar’d!
Of Christ it testifies
And of the accursed tree,
Records His stripes and agonies
So dear to me!
His glories and reward,
His kingdom and renown,
Are written in that holy word,
And there alone!
Sweeter than honey far,
More choice than finest gold,
Those Scriptures which to me declare
Secrets untold!
My soul, then be thou found
A frequent joyful guest,
Where wine and milk and oil abound;
How rich a feast!
He who that word hath penn’d
Must thy sole Teacher be,
Upon His help alone depend,
The Spirit He!