Scripture Verse

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecclesiastes 11:6

Introduction

portrait
Charles C. Case
1843–1918

Words: Charles E. Poll­ock, in Won­drous Love, ed­it­ed by George F. Root & Charles Case (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1885), num­ber 61.

Music: Charles C. Case (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Poll­ock (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Only a word for the Master,
Lovingly, quietly said;
Only a word, yet the Master heard,
And some fainting hearts were fed.

Refrain

Only a word, only a word,
Only a word, yet the Master heard.

Only some act of devotion,
Willingly, joyfully done;
Surely ’twas naught, so the proud world thought,
But yet souls for Christ were won.

Refrain

Only an hour with the children,
Pleasantly, cheerfully giv’n;
Yet seed was sown in that hour alone,
Which would bring forth fruit for Heav’n.

Refrain

Only—but Jesus is looking
Constantly, tenderly down
To earth, and sees those who strive to please,
And their love He loves to crown.

Refrain