My soul is happy in its choice

1 My soul is happy in its choice,
With Christ's dear flock enroll'd;
I hear my Shepherd's soothing voice,
And rest within his fold,
And rest within his fold.

2 He leads me through the pastures sweet
Beside the flowing rills,
And all my longing wishes meets,
And all my spirit fills.

3 Daily I find his love the same,
And run at his command;
He knows and calls me by my name,
And guides me with his hand.

4 Had I but dream'd how great the joys
Of those who Jesus know,
I should have made his love my choice,
And sought him years ago.

5 But vainly, madly did I stray,
A stranger to his grace,
Far from the fold--from bliss away,
In sin's wide wilderness.

6 When round me wolves with fury strove,
The wanderer to destroy,
My Shepherd ran with hast and love,
And brought me home with joy.

7 Now safe return'd, my wanderings past,
My soul adores his charms,
Who laid me on his pitying breast,
And shields me with his arms.

8 Redeemer--Shepherd--guard my soul
From every future ill:
While storms without and thunders roll,
Be mine, my Saviour, still.

Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #123