The one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it. He produces a crop.
Matthew 13:23
Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., in Songs of Love and Praise No. 5, by John Sweney, J. Howard Entwisle & Frank M. Davis (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John J. Hood, 1898).
Music: John R. Sweney (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Oatman,
Do your best while life’s pilgrim way you tread,
Scattering sunshine while you may;
Bear in mind, while the precious seed you spread,
Only once you pass this way.
Refrain
Only once you pass this way,
Only once you pass this way;
Be a blessing while you may,
Only once you pass this way.
Ev’ry day poor and needy you will find,
Filled with sorrow and dismay;
Do your best some poor, broken hearts to bind,
Only once you pass this way.
Refrain
Tell the world that the Savior died for all,
Bid them ever watch and pray;
Lift your voice, shout aloud the Gospel call,
Only once you pass this way.
Refrain
Be a brave, earnest soldier in the strife,
Then when comes the close of day,
May the world be the better for your life,
Only once you pass this way.
Refrain