The one thing needful, that good part
The one thing needful, that good part. Benjamin Ingham* (1712-1772).
This unusual hymn was published in The Gospel Magazine (July 1768), and was included in A Collection of Hymns sung in the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapels, Bath (Bristol, ca. 1774). It is based on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42, in which Martha was ‘cumbered about much serving’, but ‘one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’ It had six stanzas:
The one thing needful, that good part,Which Mary chose with all her heart,I would pursue with heart and mind,And seek unweary’d till I find.
Hidden in Christ the treasure lies,That goodly pearl of so great...
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MLA style (see MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd Ed.)
. "The one thing needful, that good part."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press. Web. 13 May. 2025.<
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/t/the-one-thing-needful,-that-good-part>.
Chicago style (see The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Ed.)
. "The one thing needful, that good part."
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press, accessed May 13, 2025,
http://www.hymnology.co.uk/t/the-one-thing-needful,-that-good-part.