I’ve Found the Pearl

The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45–46

Words: Possibly by John Mason, Spiritual Songs 1683. Some sources give the author as John Newton (1725–1807).

Music: Carton Thomas A. Geary (1775–1801) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

Martyrdom Hugh Wilson, 1800 (🔊 pdf nwc)
Yaoundé Philip P. Bliss (1838–1876). Appeared in Gospel Hymns No. 3, edited by Ira D. Sankey, James McGranahan & George C. Stebbins (New York; Cincinnati Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois: Biglow & Main, John Church, and Root & Sons Music, 1878), number 79 (🔊 pdf nwc) (repeats last two lines of each verse as a refrain).

If you know where to get a good picture of Mason or Geary (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),

I’ve found the pearl of greatest price,
My heart doth sing for joy;
And sing I must, for Christ is mine;
Christ shall my song employ.

Christ is my prophet, priest and king;
A prophet full of light,
My great high priest before the throne,
My king of heav’nly might.

For He indeed is Lord of lords,
And He the King of kings;
He is the sun of righteousness,
With healing in His wings.

Christ is my peace; He died for me,
For me He gave His blood;
And as my wondrous sacrifice,
Offered Himself to God.

Christ Jesus is my all in all,
My comfort and my love,
My life below, and He shall be
My joy and crown above.

Scripture Verse

Introduction

Lyrics