O God, by Whom the Seed Is Given

 

O God, by whom the seed is given;
      By whom the harvest blesssed;

O God, by whom the seed is given;
      By whom the harvest blesssed;
Whose word like manna showered from heaven,
      Is planted in our breast;

Preserve it from the passing feet,
      And plunderers of the air;
The sultry sun's intenser heat,
      And weeds of worldly care;

Though buried deep or thinly strown,
      Do thou thy grace supply;
The hope in earthly furrows sown
      Shall ripen in the sky.

~ Reginald Heber