From the Gospel. [Jn.10:11]

7,7,7,7,7,7

Guter Hirte willst du nicht

[88]Angelus.1657.

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855

Loving Shepherd, kind and true,

Wilt Thou not in pity come

To Thy Lamb? As shepherds do,

Bear me in Thy bosom home;

Take me hence from earth's annoy

To Thy home of endless joy.

See how I have gone astray

In this earthly wilderness;

Come and take me soon away

To Thy flock who dwell in bliss,

And Thy glory, Lord, behold,

Safe within Thy heavenly fold.

For I fain would gaze on Thee,

With the lambs to whom 'tis given

That they feed, from danger free,

In the happy fields of heaven;

Praising Thee, all terrors o'er,

Never can they wander more.

Here I live in sore distress,

Fearing, watching, hour by hour;

For my foes around me press,

And I know their craft and power:

Lord, Thy lamb can never be

Safe one moment, but with Thee.

O Lord Jesus, let me not

'Mid the ravening wolves e'er fall,

Help me as a shepherd ought,

That I may escape them all:

Bear me homeward in Thy breast,

To Thy fold of endless rest.