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