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Chief Shepherd of thy chosen sheep

Book 2, Hymn 50 · John Newton · Public-domain words

The words

  1. Stanza 1. Chief Shepherd of thy chosen sheep,From death and sin set free;May every under–shepherd keepHis eye, intent on thee!

  2. Stanza 2. With plenteous grace their hearts prepare,To execute thy willCompassion, patience, love and care,And faithfulness and skill.

  3. Stanza 3. Inflame their minds with holy zealTheir flocks to feed and teach;And let them live, and let them feelThe sacred truths they preach.

  4. Stanza 4. Oh, never let the sheep complainThat toys, which fools amuse;Ambition, pleasure, praise or gain,Debase the shepherd’s views.

  5. Stanza 5. He, that for these, forbears to feedThe souls whom JESUS loves;Whate’er he may profess, or plead,An idol–shepherd proves.

  6. Stanza 6. The sword of God shall break his arm,A blast shall blind his eyeHis word shall have no pow’r to warm,His gifts shall all grow dry.

  7. Stanza 7. O LORD, avert this heavy woe,Let all thy shepherds say!And grace, and strength, on each bestow,To labor while ’tis day.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 50. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-50

About these words

John Newton lived from 1725 to 1807. These historical words are public domain.

This hymn belongs to the complete three-book collection first published in 1779.

The CCEL transcription modernizes spelling and some punctuation. Read this hymn at the source. Checked 23 October 2026.

No sheet music or recordings are included. This web collection is separate from the PrayLock iPhone app.

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