The Shepherd’s Voice by Miss M. B. Sleight

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1879

The Shepherd’s Voice.

By Miss M. B. Sleight

“Come unto me,” with loving voice at morn I heard the Shepherd call; But narrow seemed the fold, and fair the fields Beyond the frowning wall.

Again, at mid-day, came the gentle voice; But far my feet had strayed, And, weary with the heat, I only longed To find the forest shade.

Once more it came, but cool the shadows lay Across the grassy wold, And resting there, content with present ease, I scorned the sheltering fold.

Soon fell the night, with neither silver star Nor song of happy bird. And through the gloom no more, with pleadings sweet, The Shepherd’s voice I heard.

Affrighted then I turned, and blindly sought To cross the pathless lea, Till faint with fear, in sorest need, I cried, “O Shepherd, come to me!”

No answering voice the sullen silence cleft, But lo, beside me stood One who with sorrowing brow had followed close; Unseen, through wold and wood;

Then all the night grew light, and soft and sweet The stars shone overhead, While homeward by the Shepherd’s tender hand The wandering sheep was led. —Miss M. B. Sleight.