Scripture Verse

In due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Introduction

illustration
Harvest Field
George Cole, Sr.
1810–1883

Words: James El­li­ot, 1888.

Music: John R. Swe­ney (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of El­li­ot (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
John R. Sweney (1837–1899)

Lyrics

I saw the reapers one by one
Their sheaves in triumph bear;
I knew their labor at an end,
And prayed their joy to share;
Be thou content, and bide thy time,
I heard a voice reply;
Thou too shalt go where they have gone,
Not now, but by and by.

Refrain

Not now, but by and by,
I heard a voice reply;
There’s home and rest, and joy for thee,
Not now, but by and by.

Dear Lord, I said, Thy precious words
My waning strength renew;
But O, I grieve and mourn to think
My harvest sheaves are few.

Toil on, the same sweet voice replied,
Thy days are gliding by,
And thou shalt join the reapers’ song,
Not now, but by and by.

Refrain

No more, no more, dear Lord, I said,
Will I impatient be;
But through Thy grace I’ll do my work,
And leave it all with Thee.

Tho’ gath’ring clouds may sometimes cast
Dark shadows o’er the sky,
My feet shall tread the fields of light,
Not now, but by and by.

Refrain