An agricultural hymn

To thee, O God, the shepherd kings

Author: J. G. C. Brainard
Tune: WOODSTOCK (Dutton)
Published in 4 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1. To Thee, O God, the shepherd kings
Their earliest homage paid,
And wafted upon angel wings
Their worship was conveyed.

2. And they who watched their flocks by night
Were first to learn Thy grace,
Were first to seek by dawning light,
Their Savior’s dwelling place.

3. The hills and vales, the woods and streams,
The fruits and flowers, are Thine;
Where’er the sun can send its beams
Or the mild moon can shine.

4. By Thee, the spring puts forth its leaves,
By Thee, comes down the rain,
By Thee, the yellow harvest sheaves
Stand ripening on the plain.

5. When winter comes in storm and wrath,
Thy soothing voice is heard;
As round the farmer’s peaceful hearth
Is read Thy holy Word.

6. Thus are we fostered by Thy care,
Supported by Thy hand;
Our heritage is rich and fair,
And this Thy chosen land.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #6956

Author: J. G. C. Brainard

Brainard, John Gardiner Calkins, born at New London, Connecticut, 1791, and died at Hartford, in 1823. He was educated at Yale College, and for some time practised law at Middleton, Connecticut. He also edited a paper at Hartford. His Poems appeared in 1825, 1832, and 1842. The hymn by which he is best known:—"To Thee, O God, the Shepherd Kings," was published in the Congregational Psalms and Hymns for Christian use and Worship, prepared, &c, by the General Association of Connecticut, 1845, No. 645, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines, and headed "An agricultural hymn." [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)  Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: To thee, O God, the shepherd kings
Title: An agricultural hymn
Author: J. G. C. Brainard
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #6956
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The Cyber Hymnal #6956

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