Scripture Verse

As long as it is day, I must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

Introduction

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Anna L. Coghill (1836–1907)

Words: An­na L. Cog­hill, 1854. Pub­lished as The Night Com­eth in Leaves from the Back­woods (Mon­tré­al, Ca­na­da: John Lo­vell, 1862), pag­es 42–43. Adapt­ed and pub­lished as a hymn by Low­ell Ma­son, 1864.

Music: Work Song Lo­well Ma­son, 1864 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Lowell Mason (1792–1872)

Lyrics

Work, for the night is com­ing,
Work through the morn­ing hours;
Work while the dew is spark­ling,
Work ’mid spring­ing flow­ers;
Work when the day grows bright­er,
Work in the glow­ing sun;
Work, for the night is com­ing,
When man’s work is done.

Work, for the night is com­ing,
Work through the sun­ny noon;
Fill bright­est hours with la­bor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give ev­ery fly­ing min­ute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is com­ing,
When man works no more.

Work, for the night is com­ing,
Under the sun­set skies;
While their bright tints are glow­ing,
Work, for day­light flies.
Work till the last beam fad­eth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is dark­en­ing,
When man’s work is o’er.