“Feed thou My lambs,” the Saviour said

To one whose spirit burned to prove

By toils endured, or life-blood shed,

The strength of his devoted love.

“Feed thou My lambs;” oh! sacred trust

E’en for a great apostle meet,

To raise the feeble from the dust,

And guide them to the Saviour’s feet.

“Feed thou My lambs.” And ever thus

His flock the heavenly Shepherd tends;

His mild command He breathes to us,

And to our care His sheep commends.

“Feed thou My lambs;” despised on earth

The friendless little one may be,

But who can tell the priceless worth

Of one soul, Lord, redeemed by Thee!