LOVEST THOU ME? by James C. Clemens

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 15, 1875

“LOVEST THOU ME?”

By James C. Clemens

How oft this question to my heart do I propound: Lovest thou the Lord supremely? doth this love abound As well when care and sorrow weigh thy spirit down As when thy joyous eyes almost behold the crown?

True love ’twixt friend and friend by grief is purified, Its once impetuous waves by trial pacified; A placid stream it flows, but far more deep and strong Than when its current swept so recklessly along.

So God, with wisdom that we cannot fathom now, Ofttimes requires us beneath his rod to bow, That we a deeper, holier love for him may feel, And, grateful, kiss the hand that only smites to heal.

Would we the test endure, and prove our love sincere, We may not fold our hands and sit down idly here; The charge to Peter given his love to manifest To each regenerate heart in some form is addressed.

Feed thou my sheep. How blest the charge thus given; O God, Well may we humbly bow and meekly kiss the rod, If by its scourging we at length may fitted be To feed thy scattered flock, and lead them home to thee.

Not those alone who stand as teachers of the word May have their names enrolled as shepherds of the Lord; The humblest child to God some straying soul may lead, And thus each day may help the Master’s flock to feed.

JAMES C. CLEMENS. Allegan, Mich.