I looked around upon the world,
And saw men prospering here and there,-
The flag "excelsior " wide unfurled,
And proudly waving through the air:
I looked,-but " What is that to thee? "
My Savior said, " Come, follow Me;
There's far above earth's greatest height
A glorious home for thee."

I gazed upon the warlike throng,
Hasting to glory and renown;
Heard the triumphant conqueror's song,
And half desired to share his crown,
Till Jesus said, "What's that to thee?
If thou wouldst conquer, follow Me;
There yet awaits a happier song,
A brighter crown for thee."

I listened to the statesman's voice,
And heard the wisdom of the wise,
And thought this heart would much rejoice
If to their height I could but rise;
But Jesus said, "What's that to thee?
If thou wouldst rise, come, follow Me;
Man's wisdom ne'er can reach the height
Of bliss designed for thee."

Still I desired the world's applause,
And shrank before its threatening frown,-
Well-nigh forgot my Savior's cause,-
The cross, the glory, and the crown.
" The world's applause! what's that to thee?"
He said, " 'tis thine to follow Me;
Tread in My steps, and there's My own
Approving smile for thee."

I mused upon the days of old,
And thought of times long since gone by,-
Of friendships warm, but now grown cold;
My heart was full,-tears dimmed my eyes; "
Why weep? " said Jesus; " what to thee
Are things behind? come, follow Me;
Right onward press, the joy's before
Of endless love for thee."
I sought no more this world so vain,
In which my Savior's blood was shed,
But looked upon the cross again,
Where He was numbered with the dead,
And thought, " What is this world to me?
My peace, my joy's to follow Thee:
There is throughout the narrow path
Rest in Thyself for me."

I looked upon the Church of God,
Scattered, divided, rent, and torn;
My heart was grieved, I felt the load,
And did the desolation mourn.
But Jesus said, " One thing's for thee:
Be faithful thou, and follow Me
On to the end, and I will give
A crown of life to thee."

I've often heard the bitter taunt,
And seen the smile of earthly scorn;
The memory still my soul would haunt,
But He, once mocked and crowned with thorn,
Whispered, "I've borne much more for thee;
Canst thou not thus far follow Me?
Bear now the cross; thou soon shalt wear
The crown laid up for thee."

I waited for my Lord to come,
And oft desired to know the day
When He would take me to His home;
But still the voice was heard to say, "
The day! the hour! what's that to thee?
Watch, mark My path, and follow Me ;
The time's at hand when I will come,
Will come again for thee."

Lord, let me not, with vain desire,
Seek what is unrevealed to know,
Nor let this foolish heart aspire
To wealth or honor here below ;
But let my aim, my object be,
My one desire, to follow Thee;
Whatever the path, the end will bring
Rest with Thyself for me.