Thanksgiving Day 423. We plow the fields, and scatter

[1623]Claudius:

Johann A. P. Schulz, 1800

Refrain

German; Matthias Claudius, 1782;

Tr. Jane M. Campbell, 1861

We plow the fields, and scatter

The good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God's almighty hand;

He sends the snow in winter,

The warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine,

And soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above;

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord

For all his love.

He only is the Maker

Of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower,

He lights the evening star;

The winds and waves obey him,

By him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, his children,

He gives our daily bread.

We thank thee, then, O Father,

For all things bright and good,

The seedtime and the harvest,

Our life, our health, our food:

No gifts have we to offer

For all thy love imparts,

But that which thou desirest,

Our humble, thankful hearts.

Amen.