Explore "Chief Shepherd of Thy Chosen Sheep" by John Newton on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
I: Chief Shepherd of thy chosen sheep, / From death and sin set free; / May every under shepherd keep / His eye intent on thee!
II: With plenteous grace their hearts prepare / To execute thy will --
Compassion, patience, love, and care, / And faithfulness and skill.
III: Inflame their minds with holy zeal / Their flocks to feed and teach; / And let them live, and let them feel / The sacred truths they preach.
IV: Oh, never let the sheep complain, / That toys, which fools amuse, / Ambition, pleasure, praise, or gain, / Debase the shepherd's views.
V: He that for these forbears to feed / The souls whom Jesus loves, / Whate'er he may profess, or plead, / An idle shepherd proves.
VI: The sword of God shall break his arm, / A blast shall blind his eye; / His word shall have no power to warm, / His gifts shall all grow dry.
VII: Lord, avert this heavy woe!
Let all thy shepherds say; / And grace and strength on each bestow, / To labour while 'tis day.