Scripture Verse

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Matthew 9:37

Introduction

portrait
Samuel Longfellow (1819–1892)

Words: Sam­uel Long­fel­low, Hymns of the Spi­rit 1864.

Music: St. Mark Hen­ry J. Gaunt­lett, 1872 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Henry J. Gauntlett (1805–1876)
National Portrait Gallery

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Lyrics

O still in accents sweet and strong
Sounds forth the ancient word—
More reapers for white harvest fields,
More laborers for the Lord.

We hear the call; in dreams no more
In selfish ease we lie,
But, girded for our Fa­ther’s work,
Go forth beneath His sky.

Where prophets’ word, and martyrs’ blood,
And prayers of saints were sown,
We, to their labors entering in,
Would reap where they have strown.

O Thou whose call our hearts has stirred!
To do Thy will we come;
Thrust in our sickles at Thy Word,
And bear our harvest home.