THE SHEPHERD'S CALL

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 11, 1878

THE SHEPHERD'S CALL.

A shepherd on the mountain bare Leads forth his flock to pastures fair; And soon with watchful care and guard He brings them to the river ford. The fields beyond are fresh and green, But swift the river runs between; Then, crossing first the rapid stream, He calls each one to follow him.

The timid flock upon the brink Now for a moment stand, and shrink; Then forward all with one consent, Upon that winning voice intent, And keeping close the path he tried— The most are safely at his side— But some with weak and careless step Arrive at length with many a slip.

And some in fear go shiv'ring through, But gain the shore in safety too; And others, though they buffet strong, Far down the stream are borne along; Yet, still above the waves, they hear That constant call ring sweet and clear: And, though the billows rush and roar, They struggle on and reach the shore.

If we our Shepherd's call obey, And closely follow in the way, Then safe will be our passage o'er; For he has told the path before. Should trouble, like a flood, prevail, And all our efforts seem to fail, Remember, he is calling yet, He never will his own forget. That tender voice, so sweet, so clear, Reveals his presence ever near; And we may then fresh courage take, He never will his own forsake. —The Illustrated Christian Weekly.