As we gear up for a conference which we have each year at Easter time, I have been teaching the youth Seeking the Lost by William A. Ogden which is found in our blue “Sing the Gospel” hymnbooks.
From the first time that we listened to this song in order to sing along with it, the youth enjoyed it. Not only does the song have wonderful words, but it has a nice up beat and catchy tune with bass parts for the boys and an alto part for the girls which the youth absolutely loved.
William A. Ogden was a gifted musician who started learning about music at the tender age of 8 and was soon able to sight read music and even write down a melody by only hearing it. When he grew up he became a teacher of music in many schools through out the US and Canada and even went on to publish his own song book called “The Silver Song” in 1870 which according to hymnary.org went on to sell more than 500,000 copies! Seeking the Lost was one of the songs in that book.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
Verse 1:
Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
“Come unto Me,” His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.Chorus:
Going afar (going afar)
Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)
Bringing the wanderer back again, (back again)
Into the fold (into the fold)
Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)
Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain. (for sinners slain)Verse 2:
Seeking the lost and pointing to Jesus
Souls that are weak and hearts that are sore,
Leading them forth in ways of salvation,
Showing the path to life evermore. [Chorus]Verse 3:
Thus would I go on missions of mercy,
Following Christ from day unto day,
Cheering the faint and raising the fallen,
Pointing the lost to Jesus, the Way. [Chorus]
