359. Lord of the harvest, once again

Lord of the harvest, once again

We thank Thee for the ripened grain;

For crops safe carried, sent to cheer

Thy- servants through another }^ear;

For all sweet holy thoughts supplied

By seed-time, and by harvest-tide.

The bare dead grain, in autumn sown,

Its re^be of vernal green puts on;

Glad from its wintry grave it springs,

Fresh garnished by the King of kings:

So, Lord, to those who sleep in Thee

Shall new and glorious bodies be.

Nor vainly of Thy Word we ash

A lesson from the reaper's task:

So shall Thine angels issue forth;

The tares be burnt; the just of earth,

To wind and storm exposed no more,

Be gathered to their Father's store.

Daily, O Lord, our prayers be said,

As Thou hast taught, for daily bread;

But not alone our bodies feed,

Supply our fainting spirits' Deed;

O Bread of Life, from day to day

Be Thou their Comfort, Food, and Stay!

{To be used when there is a deficiency in the crops.)

'Although the fields shall yield no meat, . . . yet I will re-

joice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

WHAT our Father does is well;

Blessed truth His children tell!

Though He send, for plenty, want,

Though the harvest-store be scant,

Yet we rest upon His love,

Seeking better things above.

2 What our Father does is well;

Shall the wilful heart rebel?

If a blessing He withhold

In the field, or in the fold,

Is it not Himself to be

All our Store eternally?

3 What our Father does is well;

Though He sadden hill and dell,

Upward yet our praises rise

For the strength His Word supplies;

He has called us sons of Gi-od,

Can we murmur at His rod?

4 What our Father does is well:

Mav the thought within us dwell;

Though nor milk nor honey flow

In our barren Canaan now,

God can save us in our need,

God can bless us, God can feed.

Therefore, unto Him we raise

Hymns of glory, songs of praise;

To the Father, and the Son,

And the Spirit, Three in One,

Honour, might, and glory be,

Now, and through eternity.