Hope

1895

Though scattered far the flock may stray,
His own the Shepherd still shall claim—
The saints who never learned to pray,
The friends who never spoke his name.

When shall his gathered church rejoice
His word of promise to recall—
One sheltering fold, one Shepherd's voice,
One God and Father over all?

Dear Master, while we hear thy voice
That says, "The truth shall make you free,"
Thy servants still by loving choice,
Oh, keep us faithful unto thee.

—Oliver Wendell Holmes.