Ye sons of earth prepare the plow

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Ye sons of earth prepare the plow,Break up your fallow ground!The Sower is gone forth to sow,And scatter blessings round.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. The seed that finds a stony soil,Shoots forth a hasty blade;But ill repays the sower’s toil,Soon withered, scorched, and dead.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. The thorny ground is sure to baulkAll hopes of harvest there;We find a tall and sickly stalk,But not the fruitful ear.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. The beaten path and highway sideReceive the trust in vainThe watchful birds the spoil divide,And pick up all the grain.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But where the Lord of grace and pow’rHas blessed the happy field;How plenteous is the golden storeThe deep–wrought furrows yield!

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Father of mercies we have needOf thy preparing grace;Let the same hand that gives the seed,Provide a fruitful place.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 85. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-85