Christ My Song - 1159
Go forth to sow, O sowers - Sowing the Seed
(Hannah K. Burlingham/Johannes Thomas Rüegg)
Sowing the Seed.
"Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters;
that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass."
(Isaiah 32,20)
1. Go forth to sow, O sowers,
'tis precious seed ye bear!
Where lie the plough's deep furrows,
scatter it in with care.
Sow broadcast by the wayside, –
some among thorns may fall,
some in God's fencèd gardens,
he keepeth watch o'er all. PDF - Midi
2. Blessèd if "by all waters,"
ye have the heart to sow;
see! oxen "strong to labour",
forth to this service go:
though patient toil is needed,
none can too lowly be, –
too much despised, O Master,
to do thy work for thee.
3. O sowers, be not weary,
the Lord hath need of you;
keep ever 'mid your labour
the harvest day in view;
your Lord will guide your footsteps,
he'll teach you where to go,
ye shall return with singing,
who erst in tears did sow.
4. Whence the wind comes ye know not,
not whither it may blow,
watch not the clouds above you,
your part is but to sow.
God freely gives his sunshine,
he sends his rain in showers;
sow the small seed, have patience,
and he will bring the flowers.
5. Morn is the time of sowing,
toward night is not to late;
no labourer, willing-hearted,
need linger at the gate.
Go forth, go forth, O sowers!
'tis precious seed ye bear;
go! at your Master's bidding,
the "field" is everywhere.
Hannah K. Burlingham, Wayside Songs, 1901, 99-101.
(4,1 orig.: "Whence the wind comes up ye know not,")