Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
Words: Mrs. M. J. Bittle, in Songs of Glory, edited by James Fillmore (Cincinnati, Ohio: Fillmore Brothers, 1874), number 30, alt.
Music: Martha’s Vineyard James H. Fillmore, Sr., 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Bittles’ full name, or where to get a good photo of her (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Long ago, in old Judea,
By the shores of Galilee,
Jesus spake unto the fishers:
Leave your nets, and follow Me.
Little children, hear the story,
Pealing through the ages dim;
Who of you will leave your pleasures,
Take your cross, and follow Him?
Now no more in old Judea,
Jesus walks beside the sea;
But He calleth, ever calleth,
Who will come and follow Me?
Come to Jesus—time may tarnish
Many dreams of beauty fair;
What He offers fadeth never—
Life eternal over there.
Over there, beyond life’s billows,
Eyes of faith can plainly see
The bright mansions where He promised
All His followers would be.
Children, listen to the story,
Pealing through the ages dim;
Jesus loves you! died to save you!
Give up all, and follow Him.