Seeking the Lost

By William A. Ogden

Lyrics

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.

Bible Reference

Luke 19:10

About This Hymn

Hymn Background: Seeking the Lost
Words & Music: William A. Ogden (1841–1897)
Year: 1886

Seeking the Lost is a heartfelt evangelistic hymn written and composed by William Augustine Ogden, a gifted American musician and composer of the 19th century. Born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1841, Ogden showed early musical talent—able to read music by age ten and later transcribe melodies by ear. His musical skills were further honed through formal study under notable instructors such as Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings, pioneers of American church music.

Ogden served in the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, where he organized a male choir that became widely known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, he resumed his musical career, teaching, composing, and directing, and went on to work with institutions like the Iowa Normal School and the Toledo Public School System.

“Seeking the Lost” was written during the height of the late 19th-century revival movement and reflects the deep evangelical zeal of the time. Inspired by Christ’s mission “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), the hymn is a call to active soul-winning. Its joyful and resolute tone encourages believers to follow Christ’s example in reaching out to the spiritually lost with compassion and urgency.