Gospel Praise Book. ‎#48

48. Willing Hearts, Ready Hands

1 If we can not plant our cottage
‘Mid an Eden’s blooming bow’rs,
Whiling life’s delightful summer
Gaily ‘mid unfading flow’rs—
We with holy love can labor,
Tilling Zion’s fertile lands;
We can consecrate to duty
Willing hearts and ready hands.

2 If we can not win a title
To enwreathe our humble name;
If we boast not birth nor beauty,
Wealth nor wisdom, mighty nor fame—
We can still be kindly-hearted,
Acting well our lowly part;
And, tho’ men may be ungrateful,
God will prize the humble heart.

3 If we can not read the future,
Whether weal or woe betide,
If within the veil of darkness
Mercy from our vision hide,—
We can understand our mission,
What is here to do or bear;
We can love and help each other,
And the cross with Jesus share.

4 Let us, then, be ever doing;
Day declineth, night is near;
Short the time of toil and suff’ring;
Jesus numbers every tear.
See! the pearly gates are opening;
Lo! the splendor from above;
List to lov’d ones yonder singing,
Welcome to the land of love.

Text Information

• First Line: If we can not plant our cottage
• Title: Willing Hearts, Ready Hands
• Author: D. D. Buck, D.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1885
• Topic: Christian Work

Tune Information

• Name: [If we can not plant our cottage]
• Composer: Asa Hull