Society hymns, original and selected on evangelical and experimental subjects ‎#XIX

XIX. The Lost Sheep found

1 When some kind shepherd from his fold
Has lost a straying sheep,
Through vales, o'er hills, he anxious roves,
And climbs the mountain's steep.

2 But O the joy! the transport sweet!
When he the wand'rer finds;
Up in his arms he takes his charge,
And to his shoulder binds.

3 Homeward he hastes to tell his joys,
And make his bliss complete:
The neighbours hear the news, and all
The joyful shepherd greet.

4 Yet how much greater is the joy
When but one sinner turns,
When the poor wretch with broken heart
His sins and errors mourns!

5 Pleas'd with the news, the saints below
In songs their tongues employ;
Beyond the skies the tidings go,
And heaven is fill'd with joy.

6 Well-pleas'd the Father sees and hears
The conscious sinner weep;
Jesus receives him in his arms,
And owns him for his sheep.

7 Nor angels can their joys contain,
But kindle with new fire:
"A wandering sheep's return'd," they sing,
And strike the sounding lyre.

Text Information

• First Line: When some kind shepherd from his fold
• Title: The Lost Sheep found
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)