Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32
Words: Philip Doddridge (1702–1751). Published posthumously in Hymns Founded on Various Texts in the Holy Scriptures, by Job Orton (Shropshire, England: Joshua Eddowes & John Cotton, 1755), number 208: Christ’s little flock comforted with the views of a kingdom.
Ye little flock whom Jesus feeds,
Dismiss your anxious cares;
Look to the Shepherd of your souls,
And smile away your fears.
Though wolves and lions prowl around,
His staff is your defense;
’Midst sands and rocks, your shepherd’s voice,
Calls streams and pastures thence.
Your Father will a kingdom give,
And give it with delight;
His feeblest child His love shall call,
To triumph in His sight.
Ten thousand praises, Lord, we bring,
For sure supports like these;
And o’er the pious dead we sing,
Thy living promises.