The Christian Hymnary. Bks. 1-4 ‎#542

542. The Time for Toil

1 The time for toil is past, and night has come,
The last and saddest of the harvest eves;
Worn out with labor long and wearisome,
Drooping and faint, the reapers hasten home,
Each laden with his sheaves,
Each laden with his sheaves.

2 Few, light, and worthless—yet their trifling weight
Thro' all my frame a weary aching leaves;
For long I struggled with my hapless fate,
And staid and toiled till it was dark and late,
Yet these are all my sheaves,
Yet these are all my sheaves.

3 Full well I know I have more tares than wheat,
Brambles and flow'rs, dry stalks and withered leaves;
Wherefore I blush and weep, as at thy feet
I kneel down reverently, and repeat,
"Master, behold my sheaves,"
"Master, behold my sheaves."

4 So do I gather hope and strength anew;
For well I know thy patient love perceives
Not what I did, but what I strove to do—
And though the full ripe ears be sadly few,
Thou wilt accept my sheaves,
Thou wilt accept my sheaves.

Text Information

• First Line: The time for toil is past, and night has come
• Title: The Time for Toil
• Author: Elizabeth Akers
• Meter: 10.10.10.9.6.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1972
• Scripture:
  Psalm 126:6
• Topic: Book One: Hymns, Songs, Chorales; Commission: Reward for Labor
• Notes: He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing in sheaves with him. Ps. 126:6.

Tune Information

• Name: BRINGING HOME OUR SHEAVES
• Composer: Henry S. Rupp, 1826-1898
• Meter: 10.10.10.9.6.6.
• Incipit: 11232 32165 11234
• Key: F Major
• Notes: M.M. 60