The Shepherd's Cry

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Like sheep in the desert we're straying

Author: William A. Ogden
Tune: [Like sheep in the desert we're straying]
Published in 3 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Like sheep in the desert we’re straying
O’er mountains wild and bare,
Away from the fold of the Shepherd,
And from His tender care.

Refrain:
Return, return, return!
O hear the Shepherd’s cry;
Return, return, return!
For why will ye die?

2 In tones that are gentle and pleading,
We hear Him kindly say,
“Come hither, my sheep that have wandered
From me so far away.” [Refrain]

3 Oh, heed the sweet voice of the Shepherd,
“Return ye to the fold,
Come dwell with my flock safely guarded
From danger, storm, and cold.” [Refrain]

Source: Northfield Hymnal: for use in evangelistic and church services, conventions, sunday schools, and all prayer and social meetings of the church and home #145

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Author: William A. Ogden

William Augustine Ogden USA 1841-1897. Born at Franklin County, OH, his family moved to IN when he was age six. He studied music in local singing schools at age 8, and by age 10 could read church music fairly well. Later, he could write out a melody by hearing it sung or played. He enlisted in the American Civil War in the 30th IN Volunteer Infantry. During the war he organized a male choir which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, he returned home, resumed music study, and taught school. He married Jennie V Headington, and they had two children: Lowell and Marian. He worked for the Iowa Normal School, Toledo Public School System. Among his teachers: Lowell Mason, Thomas Hastings, E E Baily and… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	Like sheep in the desert we're straying
Title:	The Shepherd's Cry
Author:	William A. Ogden
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Return, return, return, O hear the shepherd's cry
Copyright:	Public Domain