Saint Matthew

From earthly toils lift up thine eye;
Behold, thy Savior passeth by!
With pleasing voice he calleth thee,
"Leave cares behind, and follow me."

One heard him calling long ago,
And straightway left all things below,
Counting his earthly gain as loss
For Jesus and his blessèd cross.

That "follow me" his faithful ear
Seemed every day afresh to hear;
Its echoes stirred his spirit still,
And fired his hope, and nerved his will.

Praise, Lord, to thee, for Matthew's call,
At which he rose and left his all:
Thou gently call'st us every day:
Why should we then our bliss delay?

William Walsham How, 1871; alt.
Tune: ABENDS (L.M.)
Herbert S. Oakeley, 1874




Eight Years Ago: Come sing, ye choirs exultant

Seven Years Ago: He sat to watch o'er customs paid

Six Years Ago: Arise and follow me

One Year Ago: By all your saints still striving

Also, for the UN Int'l Day of Peace: Years are coming, speed them onward