The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world.
Matthew 13:38–40
Words: Mary A. Baker, in Pure Diamonds, edited by James R. Murray (Cleveland, Ohio: S. Brainard’s Sons, 1872), page 60.
Music: Horatio R. Palmer (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Baker (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Palmer,
Satan the tares is sowing;
So earnestly sowing, sowing,
And with the wheat they’re growing,
Together growing here.
Refrain
And the angels will gather,
By and by, by and by,
The wheat for the garner
Of the Master on high;
The angels will gather,
By and by, by and by,
The wheat for the garner
Of the Master on high;
God for the wheat is caring,
So tenderly caring, caring,
And while the tares He’s sparing,
The harvest draweth near.
Refrain
Yes, He the wheat is keeping,
So lovingly keeping, keeping,
Safe for the time of reaping,
For garners built above.
Refrain
When He the wheat doth sever,
Eternally sever, sever,
May we be His forever,
To sing His grace and love.
Refrain