CHRISTIAN CHURCH >> Mission of the church
SDAH 373
Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
“Come unto Me,” His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Seeking the Lost
Written and composed by William A. Ogden, this heartfelt hymn has long stirred the hearts of believers—especially male singers who enjoy its rich bass lines. First published in 1886, it quickly found a home in Adventist worship through Christ in Song (1908). Rooted in Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), the hymn calls us to join the Shepherd in finding and restoring those far from home. As we sing, may our hearts echo the Savior’s compassion and our feet be swift to share His love.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This hymn is much loved by male singers because of the bass solo in the refrain. A slight change has been made in the third stanza, which was originally:
Thus would I go, for Jesus hath called me,
Him would I follow day unto day;
Care for the dying, raise up the fallen. . . .
Both words and music were written by William A. Ogden (1841-1897; see Biographies), successful composer, publisher, and high school music teacher of Toledo, Ohio, in the last half of the nineteenth century. It was published in a Canadian book in 1886, then in Triumphant Songs by E. O. Excell in 1887. From then until 1966, the success of this song is seen by the fact that it was included in more than 100 books. It was published by F. E. Belden (see Biographies) in his Christ in Song, 1908, which became very dear to the hearts of Seventh-day Adventist. The original was in the key of B-flat; in SDAH it has been lowered one step to A-flat.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – Luke 19:10
Matthew 11:28
3 – John 14:6
R – Ezekiel 34:6
Revelation 5:12
Text
1
Seeking the lost, yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
“Come unto Me,” His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.
Refrain
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.
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.
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.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Luke 19:10; Matt 11:28 (c) John 14:6 (r) Eze 34:6; Rev 5:12
Author
William A. Ogden (1841-1897)
Metrical Number
10.9.10.9.Ref.
Composer
William A. Ogden
