Scripture Verse

Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Psalm 80:1

Introduction

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Friedrich A. Krummacher (1767–1845)

Words: Fried­rich A. Krum­mach­er, Fest­büch­lein, 3rd edi­tion, part 1, 1813, page 118 (Ja fur­wahr! uns führt mit sanft­er Hand): It is giv­en in the sto­ry of the fes­tal re­de­di­ca­tion of a vil­lage church de­stroyed in time of war, as a cho­ral hymn sung by boys and girls af­ter the Ho­ly Com­mun­ion (Ju­li­an, p. 634). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Jane L. Borth­wick, Hymns from the Land of Lu­ther, first ser­ies, 1854, page 59. The stan­zas be­low are based on Borth­wick’s trans­la­tion.

Music: James R. Mur­ray, in Heart and Voice, ed­it­ed by Will­iam F. Sher­win (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1881), page 151 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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James R. Murray (1841–1905)

Lyrics

Yes, our Shepherd leads with gentle hand,
Thro’ the dark pilgrim land,
His flock so dearly bought,
So long and fondly sought.

Refrain

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Amen.

When in clouds and mists the weak ones stray,
He again shows the way,
And points to them afar
A bright and guiding star.

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Tenderly He watches from on high,
With an unwearied eye,
He comforts and sustains,
In all their fears and pains.

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Thro’ the weary desert He will guide;
To the green fountain side;
Thro’ the dark and stormy night,
To ev­er­last­ing light.

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Yes! the little flock is ne’er forgot,
His mercy changes not;
Their home is safe above,
Within His arms of love.

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