Feed my Sheep by Mary Baker Eddy
The work is a poetic reflection on spiritual leadership and guidance, emphasizing the responsibilities of a shepherd figure in nurturing and caring for their flock. It begins with a plea for divine direction in navigating life's challenges, symbolized by steep hills and rugged paths. The speaker expresses a commitment to listen for divine guidance to avoid straying from the right path. The poem addresses the need for transformation, highlighting the struggle against stubbornness, self-righteousness, and apathy. It acknowledges the isolation and labor of those seeking spiritual fulfillment, reinforcing the idea of a welcoming entrance to a spiritual community. As darkness and adversity approach, the speaker calls for divine intervention to protect and nurture the vulnerable. The imagery of gathering the lambs and providing sustenance reflects a deep concern for the spiritual and emotional well-being of others. The work culminates in a vision of purification and renewal, emphasizing the importance of healing and preparation for a brighter future. Overall, it encapsulates themes of guidance, care, and the transformative power of spiritual leadership.
By Mary Baker Eddy · First published 1901 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Inspirational Writing · 246 words
First lines
Lines penned when I was pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston.
Shepherd, show me how to go O'er the hillside steep, How to gather, how to sow, -- How to feed Thy sheep; I will listen for Thy voice, Lest my footsteps stray; I will follow and rejoice All the rugged way.
Thou wilt bind the stubborn will, Wound the callous breast, Make self-righteousness be still, Break earth's stupid rest. Strangers on a barren shore, Lab'ring long and lone, We would enter by the door, And Thou know'st Thine own.
What this Textopian page supports
Feed my Sheep is listed on Textopian as an essay by Mary Baker Eddy, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Mary Baker Eddy
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Inspirational Writing, Christian Literature, Devotional Literature
- Length: 246 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses themes of faith, guidance, and spiritual nourishment, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on spiritual growth and the relationship between the shepherd and the flock, aligning with spiritual literature.
- Inspirational Writing — The poem aims to inspire and uplift through its messages of hope and divine guidance.
- Christian Literature — The references to shepherding and caring for the flock are rooted in Christian themes and teachings.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Theology · Philosophy · Self-Help · Personal Development · Faith · Inspiration · Motivation · Religion · Moral Guidance · Ethics