Methodist-Hymns-967
1: NOW the year is crowned with blessing
As we gather in the grain;
And,our grateful thanks express-ing.
Loud we raise a joyous strain.
Bygone days of toil and sadness
Cannot now our peace destroy;
For the hills are clothed with glad-ness,
And the valleys shout for joy.
To the Lord their first-fruits bringing
All His thankful people come,
To the Father praises singing
For the joy of harvest home.
2: In the spring the smiling meadows
Donned their robes of living green,
As the sunshine chased the shadows
Swiftly o’er the changing scene;
In the summer-time the story
Of a riper hope was told;
Then the rich autumnal glory
Decked the fields in cloth of gold.
3: Shall not we,whose hearts are swelling
With the thought of former days,
Sing a joyous song foretelling
Future gladness, fuller praise?
For the cloud the bow retaineth
With its covenant of peace.
That, as long as earth remaineth,
Harvest-time shall never cease.