He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.
Isaiah 40:11
Words: J. B. Ferguson, in Fount of Blessing, edited by Robert G. Staples (Chicago, Illinois & Cincinnati, Ohio: Central Book Concern, 1880), page 155. Death of a Scholar. In memory of Miss M. C. McClure.
The last four lines of each verse were written for a duet.
Music: Henan J. B. Ferguson, 1880 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Ferguson’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Still they go and leave us
Struggling on the road;
Still the angels bear them
Safely home to God.
We weep, but not despairing,
As thus we see them go,
For we know their spirits
Are as white as snow.
When a cherished blossom,
Blooming into life,
Called by death’s stern bidding,
Quits this world of strife,
Tho’ sorrowful the parting
From one who’s loved so dear,
Yet we feel the presence
Of our Savior near.
When we part from schoolmates
Whom we’ve learned to love,
Tho’ our hearts are stricken,
Soon we’ll meet above.
Where bright and ransomed spirits
Stand near the great white throne,
Flashing in their radiance,
Greet us, Welcome home!