Scripture Verse

The business of the Lord, and in the service of the king. 1 Chronicles 26:30

Introduction

portrait
John R. Clements (1868–1946)

Words: Will­iam Shaw & John R. Cle­ments, Ser­vice Songs (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­ch­usetts: Unit­ed So­cie­ty of Chris­tian En­dea­vor, 1913), num­ber 1.

Music: Ca­li­for­nia Ed­win O. Ex­cell (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Shaw (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Edwin O. Excell (1851–1921)

Lyrics

Service is our watchword,
Service for our king;
Service, fruitful service,
Daily ours to bring.
Service for the needy,
Service for the lost,
Self upon the altar;
Counting not the cost.

Service in the homeland
Where’er sounds the call;
Sacrificial service
Reaching unto all;
Service pure, exalted;
Loyal and unpriced;
Living, loving channels,
Bearing forth the Christ.

Service o’er the ocean,
Serving not for gain;
Meeting every duty,
Be it toil or pain;
Service that is Christly,
Giving up to God
Every selfish motive;
Treading where Christ trod.