He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:6
Words: Emily H. Chapman, in The Gospel Singer, by Philip Phillips (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Lee & Walker, 1874), number 150.
Music: Silas J. Vail (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Chapman or Vail (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
In the morning, when the dew is sparkling,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed;
Ere the sun, too redly glowing;
Ere the wind, too roughly blowing,
Blight the tender germ, and thus thy sowing,
Be in vain, be in vain.
When with welcome show’rs the earth is watered,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed;
That the gentle rain distilling;
All the germ with new life filling,
Bring a gladsome harvest for thy tilling,
Rich and rare, rich and rare.
With a heart where hope and love are dwelling,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed;
Let not earnest zeal be wanting;
Press through trials, nothing daunting,
Trusting in the blessèd Lord for granting
Thy request, thy request.
In life’s morning, when the heart is tender,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed,
And the ground, thy words receiving,
May through humble faith, believing,
Blossom rich and fair in garnered sheaving,
Fair to view, fair to view.
Teacher, strong in faith and earnest effort,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed;
Be thy task with prayer anointed;
Steadfast at thy post appointed,
Find at last the glorious harvest granted,
Thy reward, thy reward.
In the name of Christ, thy Lord and master,
Sow thy seed—sow thy seed;
He a loving watch is keeping;
He to joy will change thy weeping,
And in Heav’n behold with joy the reaping,
Of thy toil, of thy toil!