Written by Jesse T. White, 1844. First published in The Sacred Harp. Lyrical source unknown.
lyrics
Here in the vineyard of my Lord
I love to live and labor,
And be obedient to my God
Until my dying hour.
I love to see the lilies grow
And view them all a-standing
In the right place while here below,
Just as the Lord commanded
We ofttimes meet both night and day:
A faithful band of pilgrims;
We read, we sing, we preach and pray
And find the Lord most precious.
But, while we sing this song of love,
Our hearts are deeply wounded;
Perhaps we all may meet no more
Here in a congregation.
But, if on earth we meet no more,
We hope to meet in heaven,
Where congregations ne'er break up,
But dwell in sweet communion;
Where all the ransomed church of God
Shall meet no more to sever,
With not a sorrow, pain or tear:
Sing one sweet chord forever.
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Oh oh oh, this record shocked me- I was not prepared for how deeply this would seep into my heart. It’s a wave/heartbeat/dog running through shallow water/light coming through green leaves. Thank you thank you thank you Riki