He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:2
Words: W. F. McNamara, in Crown of Gold, edited by William Giffe & Frank M. Davis (Logansport, Indiana: Home Music, 1892), number 40.
Music: Sierra Nevada William T. Giffe, 1892 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know McNamara’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
By waters cool and sweet,
From living fountains fed,
My Shepherd leads my eager feet,
To fresher meads ahead.
The tender verdure springs
And blossoms where we stray;
And at each step my glad heart sings,
So sweet I find the way.
The heat of burning noons
Is tempered to my need;
And all His wisely given boons
Are mine before I plead.
More of His love and care
I learn from day to day,
And more of His rich bounty share,
As by His side I stay.
Dear Shepherd, if from Thee
My erring feet should rove,
O chide me kindly, tenderly,
And bring me back in love.