Martha her love and joy expressed

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Martha her love and joy expressed

By care to entertain her guest;

While Mary sat to hear her Lord,

And could not bear to lose a word.

The principle in both the same,

Produced in each a different aim;

The one to feast the LORD was led,

The other waited to be fed.

But Mary chose the better part,

Her Savior's words refreshed her heart;

While busy Martha angry grew,

And lost her time and temper too.

With warmth she to her sister spoke,

But brought upon herself rebuke;

One thing is needful, and but one,

Why do thy thoughts on many run?

How oft are we like Martha vexed,

Encumbered, hurried, and perplexed!

While trifles so engross our thought,

The one thing needful is forgot.

LORD teach us this one thing to choose,

Which they who gain can never lose;

Sufficient in itself alone,

And needful, were the world our own.

Let groveling hearts the world admire,

Thy love is all that I require!

Gladly I may the rest resign,

If the one needful thing be mine!

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