CPWI Hymnal ‎#722

722. The Sower went forth sowing

1 The Sower went forth sowing,
the seed in secret slept
through weeks of faith and patience,
till out the green blade crept;
and warmed by golden sunshine,
and fed by silver rain,
at last the fields were whitened
to harvest once again.
O praise the heavenly Sower,
who gave the fruitful seed,
and watched and watered duly,
and ripened for our need.

2 Behold! the heavenly Sower
goes forth with better seed,
the word of sure salvation,
with feet and hands that bleed;
here in his church ’tis scattered,
our spirits are the soil;
then let an ample fruitage
repay his pain and toil.
Oh, beauteous is the harvest
wherein all goodness thrives,
and this the true thanksgiving,
the first-fruits of our lives.

3 Within a hallowed acre
he sows yet other grain,
when peaceful earth receiveth
the dead he died to gain;
for though the growth be hidden,
we know that they shall rise;
yea even now they ripen
in sunny paradise.
O summer land of harvest,
O fields for ever white
with souls that wear Christ’s raiment,
with crowns of golden light!

4 One day the heavenly Sower
shall reap where he hath sown,
and come again rejoicing,
and with him bring his own;
and then the fan of judgement
shall winnow from his floor
the chaff into the furnace
that flameth evermore.
O holy, awful Reaper,
have mercy in the day,
thou puttest in thy sickle,
and cast us not away.

Text Information

• First Line: The Sower went forth sowing
• Author: William St. Hill Bourne, 1846-1929
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Scripture:
  Matthew 13:3-9
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Harvest

Tune Information

• Name: ST BEATRICE
• Composer: John Frederick Bridge, 1844-1924
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.6 D
• Key: C Major