James Montgomery · 286 of 363
Hymn 283: As from the winter sky
HYMN CCLXXXIII.
As from the winter sky, When keen the tempests blow, O'er fields that waste and barren lie, Descends the softening snow;
Not with ice-binding cold To chill the stubborn soil, But crumble and prepare the mould To meet the plougher's toil.
Then dew, rain, thunder-showers With milk and honey feed The infant family of flowers, And nurse the sower's seed.
Till autumn-sunshine bland, The grateful ground receives, And harvest-moonlight, o'er the land, Brings home the reaper's sheaves:--
Thus, in the reign of , Come gospel-blessings down, And where they fall or shine, the place With love, joy, peace, they crown.
God's word, His will performs, And in this world, destroy'd By sin and death, through calms or storms, Returns not to Him void.
May our great union-field, Where precious seed is sown, Harvests of souls in season yield To gather round His throne.