Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not.
Jeremiah 45:5
Words: J. J. Maxfield, in Gospel Hymns No. 6, by Ira D. Sankey et al. (Cincinnati, Ohio: John Church, 1891), number 44.
Music: William A. Ogden (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Maxfield’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
This was a favorite hymn of Mr. Moody during our last campaign in Scotland. As we went from place to place the choirs which had sung at our meetings would often gather at the stations and sing this and other hymns at our parting.
Sankey, p. 338
I do not ask for earthly store
Beyond a day’s supply;
I only covet, more and more,
The clear and single eye,
To see my duty face to face,
And trust the Lord for daily grace.
Refrain
Then shall my heart keep singing,
While to the cross I cling;
For rest is sweet at Jesus’ feet,
While homeward faith keeps winging,
While homeward faith keeps winging.
I care not for the empty show
That thoughtless worldlings see;
I crave to do the best I know,
And leave the rest with Thee—
Well satisfied that sweet reward
Is sure to those who trust the Lord.
Refrain
Whate’er the crosses mine shall be,
I will not dare to shun;
I only ask to live for Thee,
And that Thy will be done;
Thy will, O Lord, be mine each day,
While pressing on my homeward way.
Refrain
And when at last, my labor o’er,
I cross the narrow sea,
Grant, Lord, that on the other shore
My soul may dwell with Thee,
And learn what here I cannot know,
Why Thou hast ever loved me so.
Refrain