CHILDREN, HAVE YE ANY MEAT?

THE voice of the master was heard by the men,
As he spoke from the shore, on the morning, when
He found them toiling, and working hard
With their nets, by the morning dawn.
"Cast your nets on the other side":
How the sweet voice echoed over the tide,
How their faith and love arose once more,
As they filled their nets, and pulled for shore.
As they saw the fire of coals, and said:
"His love has prepared the fish and bread."
Oh! the blessed Master taught them there,
To leave their nets and forsake their care,
And prove the power of the Word.
His gentle voice of love divine
Called out to his children, Come and dine."
The feast he prepared was at their feet,
But they made no move to come and eat.
They knew it was Jesus whom they saw,
But their hearts were filled with love and awe.
Then his mighty love appears again;
He takes the bread and gives to them,
And also the fishes he passes to eat.
As they then knelt at the Master's feet.
To day he speaks to his followers few:
"Are you feeding my lambs, as I fed you?
Are you shewing your love by breaking the bread,
By healing the sick, and raising the dead?
Say! lovest thou me? then feed my sheep,
And He who works with you, His promise will keep."
The blinded eyes will waken to see
'Twas error that bound them,
'Tis Truth that sets free,
The prodigal feeding on husks, will arise,
As over the sea the master cries:
"Have ye aught to eat my children dear?
Why toil all night in doubt and fear?
Just cast your net on the other side,
And in His promise sure abide;
Then draw it in, and you shall find
The riches deep of Truth, or Mind."
Oh! His wondrous power is a mine of wealth."
He gives us love, and joy, and health.
He fed the lambs on the mountain steep;
Go thou and feed his wandering sheep
He went on the mountain and called them in,
From the hill of vice and the valley of sin.
Go thou far out on the mountain steep,
And shepherd, and feed, his beloved sheep.