The Cyber Hymnal ‎#15923

15923. Willing Hearts and Ready Hands

1 If we can not plant our cottage
’Mid an Eden’s blooming bowers,
Whiling life’s delightful summer
Gaily ’mid unfading flowers,
We with holy love can labor,
Tilling Zion’s fertile land,
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 or beauty,
Wealth nor wisdom, might 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 cannot 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 suffering,
Jesus numbers every tear.
See! the pearly gates are opening,
Lo! the splendor from above;
List to loved ones yonder singing,
Welcome to the land of love.

Text Information

• First Line: If we can not plant our cottage
• Title: Willing Hearts and Ready Hands
• Author: Daniel D. Buck
• Meter: 87.87 D
• Language: English
• Source: Garlands of Praise (Philadelphia: Asa Hull, 1876)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: TANGIER
• Composer: Asa Hull (1876)
• Meter: 87.87 D
• Key: F Major or modal
• Copyright: Public Domain