Do not worry, saying,
Matthew 6:31–33What shall we eat?
or What shall we drink?
or What shall we wear?
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Words: Georgiana M. Taylor (1847–1915).
Music: Pitcairn (Cairns) George Cairns, in Victorious Life Hymns, edited by Charles M. Alexander (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Sunday School Times, 1919), number 144 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Cairns (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Taylor,
Seek ye first, not earthly pleasure,
Fading joy and failing treasure,
But the love that knows no measure,
Seek ye first, seek ye first.
Seek ye first God’s peace and blessing;
Ye have all if this possessing:
Come, your need and sin confessing,
Seek Him first, seek Him first.
Seek this first—be pure and holy;
Like the Master, meek and lowly;
Yielded to His service wholly:
Seek this first, seek this first.
Seek the coming of His kingdom;
Seek the souls around, to win them,
Seek to Jesus Christ to bring them;
Seek this first, seek this first.
Seek this first, His promise trying,
It is sure—all need supplying—
Heav’nly things—on Him relying—
Seek ye first, seek ye first.