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THE FIELD WORK

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · May 23, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 21.

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THE FIELD WORK

By Frederic E. Dewhurst

The Song of the Syrian Guest

FREDERIC E. DEWHURST

THE shepherd goeth on before the sheep. His mindful footsteps lead the trusting flock; He chooseth meadows fresh with tender green, And findeth cisterns hewn within the rock.
The happy sheep lie down in fragrant fields, Hunger and thirst and weariness forgot; And, when the wanderers seek forbidden ground, Upon the shepherd's arm from loss they're brought.
And where, at last, the ways grow blind and strange, Or lead, perchance, toward dangers for their feet, The shepherd, knowing well his shepherd's skill, Chooseth the path. He knoweth what is meet.
Yea, when the paths are right, but sometimes lead Through troublous places and through valleys dark, The shepherd's voice keeps terror from the flock; His rod and staff their faltering footsteps mark.
And, where with noxious weeds the grass is choked, Or peril waits in hidden den and cave, There in the presence of the lurking foe The shepherd makes the pasture sweet and safe.
At last the night. The weary day is done; And, O, the shepherd's love and care behold! He knoweth all his trusting flock by name; He standeth at the doorway of the fold.
For bruised limbs he bringeth oil and balm, And water for the faint in brimming cup. Their weariness his comfort maketh less; Their wounds with tender hand he bindeth up.
So through the day by mead and vale and stream, And through the night beneath the starry host, The patient shepherd watcheth o'er his own, And not one lamb from all the flock is lost.
O Lord, thou art the Shepherd of the world! Thy sheep are named and numbered in thy sight. Thou goest on before; with watchful care Thou choosest for our feet the paths of right.
The paths of right! But these, O Shepherd, lead Thy flock betimes to peril and to pain. Yet onward go thy feet; and now thy voice Heartens the flock with hope and strength again.
We trust thee, Shepherd God; we follow on. Grant us to see thy goodness in our gain, Grant us to feel the guidance of thy staff, And so to see thy goodness in our pain.
And, when the day is done, and at thy fold Thou standest with the balm and water sweet, Thy flock, still guarded by thy sleepless care, Shall earn the gift of rest for weary feet.
—Selected.