The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Matthew 9:37
Words: John S. B. MonÂsell, Hymns of Love and Praise (LonÂdon: Bell & DalÂdy, 1863), pagÂes 206–08.
Music: ReÂjoicÂing WillÂiam F. SherÂwin, 1880 (🔊
). ApÂpeared in A SeÂlectÂion of SpirÂitÂual Songs with MuÂsic, edÂitÂed by Charles S. RoÂbinÂson (New York: CenÂtuÂry ComÂpaÂny, 1881), numÂber 29 (1880 comÂpoÂsiÂtion date is in acÂcomÂpaÂnyÂing coÂpyÂright stateÂment). ComÂposÂer is not idenÂtiÂfied: SherÂwin’s name is givÂen in Laudes Domini in 1884.
Earth below is teemÂing,
Heav’n is bright abÂove,
Every brow is beamÂing
In the light of love:
Every eye reÂjoicÂes,
Every thought is praise,
Happy hearts and voices
Gladden nights and days;
Refrain
O alÂmighÂty Giver,
Beautiful and free!
As the joy in harÂvest
Joy we beÂfore Thee!
Every youth and maiden
On the harvest plain,
Round the wagons laden
With their golden grain,
Swell the happy chorus
On the evening air,
Unto Him who o’er us
Bends with constant care:
Refrain
For the sun and showÂers
For the rain and dew,
For the hapÂpy hours
Spring and sumÂmer knew:
For the goldÂen auÂtumn
And its preÂcious stores,
For the love that brought them
Teeming to our doors:
Refrain
Earth’s broad harÂvest whitÂens
In a brightÂer sun,
Than the orb that lightÂens
All we tread uÂpon;
Send out laÂborÂers, FaÂther!
Where fields ripÂenÂing wave;
And the naÂtions gaÂther,
Gather in and save.
Refrain