Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Luke 12:27–28
Words: J. A. Collier, in The Golden Censer, by William B. Bradbury (New York: William B. Bradbury, and Ivison, Phinney & Blakeman, 1864), page 114.
Music: William B. Bradbury (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Collier’s full name, or where to get a good picture of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Hark, the lilies whisper
Tenderly and low,
In our grace and beauty
;
See how fair we grow
Thus our heav’nly Father
Cares for all below.
The lilies of the field,
The beautiful lilies of the field,
Refrain
Your Father cares for them,
And shall He not care for you?
Hark, the roses speaking,
Telling all abroad
Their sweet, wondrous story,
Of the love of God,
In the Rose of Sharon,
Jesus Christ the Lord.
The roses, how they bloom!
The beautiful roses, how they bloom!
Refrain
Buttercups and daisies,
And the violets sweet,
Flowers of field and garden—
All their voices meet;
And their maker’s praises
To our souls repeat.
They sing their maker’s praise,
The beautiful flowers, how they sing!
Refrain
Let us, then, be trustful,
Doubting not, although
Much of toil and trouble
Be our lot below.
Think upon the lilies,
See how fair they grow.
The lilies of the field,
The beautiful lilies of the field;
Refrain