You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

CDXI. The goodness of God acknowledged in giving Pastors after his own heart

1 Shepherd of Israel, thou dost keep
With constant care thy humble sheep;
By the inferior pastors rise
To feed our souls, and bless our eyes.

2 To all thy churches such impart,
Modell'd by thy own gracious heart;
Whose courage, watchfulness and love,
Men may attest, and God approve.

3 Fed by their active tender care,
Healthful may all thy sheep appear;
And, by their fair example led,
The way to Zion's pastures tread!

4 Here hast thou listen'd to our vows,
And scatter'd blessings on thy house;
Thy saints are succour'd and no more
As sheep without a guide deplore.

5 Completely heal each former stroke
And bless the shepherd and the flock;
Confirm the hopes thy mercies raise,
And own this tribute of our praise.

Text Information
First Line: Shepherd of Israel, thou dost keep
Title: The goodness of God acknowledged in giving Pastors after his own heart
Author: Dr. Doddridge
Meter: L. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1792
Scripture:
Topic: The Church: Ordination; Ordination hymns
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.