Where have the shepherds gone? Why have they left you out here alone? Why don't they gather you into the fold?
Where are your leaders who chase away wolves and bind up your wounds and bring you all safely in?
Where are the pastors who obey first their God and not the arbitrary rules of men?
I see you, dear sheep, some lonely and weak, tempted to fall back into the mire from which you were pulled. And I see the hirelings as they cower in their homes, speaking their platitudes of being good subjects of Governors and bad laws.
But where are the shepherds? I see none in this wood where I stand. Oh, God, raise them up! Raise them up soon. For the darkness approaches and these hirelings'll never do.
Artwork: Sheep in a Forest by Charles Emile Jacque
Look at you! The sun is coming out and now you wish to dance and sing in the fresh air. We cannot have it! Nay, put on the black cloak of mourning and wear the garment of despair as we do. Take off those joyful clothes that reek of hope and faith and strength! How dare you not believe us when we say that death is everywhere! How dare you doubt our wisdom!
Well, we shall not allow it. You must quit your dancing, do you hear? It's us you must obey.
Come along now. Quiet down and go back inside your house, for the darkness is much safer. It's dangerous for you to be out here dancing in the sun. You'll regret it if you do. Oh, you dancing ones are the hardest ones of all for us to tame.
Artwork: At the First Touch of Winter, Summer Fades Away by Valentine Cameron Prinsep
