Author: William J. Henry Meter: 7.7.7.6.7.7.7.6 with refrain Appears in 3 hymnals Scripture: Matthew 11:13 First Line: Nothing but leaves I've gathered Refrain First Line: Gathering nothing but leaves Lyrics: 1 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
Yes, nothing but worthless leaves,
When from the field of labor
Others bring golden sheaves;
Then in the day of judgment
Shall I be found with tares,
When God rewards the faithful
With crowns of shining stars.
Refrain:
Gathering nothing but leaves,
Gathering nothing but leaves;
Spending life’s precious moments
Gathering nothing but leaves.
2 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
So sad, but, alas, ’tis true,
What I have done I never,
Nevermore can undo;
Past is the harvest season,
The summer has come and gone,
Reaping for future burning
The thorns and briars I’ve sown. [Refrain]
3 Nothing but leaves I’ve gathered,
Dear sinner, oh, hear the cry;
Swiftly your days are passing,
Soon you’ll be called to die;
What are the seeds you’re sowing?
What will you reap at last?
Sometime you’ll surely gather
Sheaves from the seeds you’ve cast. [Refrain] Topics: Sowing/Reaping Used With Tune: [Nothing but leaves I've gathered] Text Sources: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Nothing_but_Leaves); Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (385); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Select Hymns, 1911 (40)
Nothing but Leaves