Timeless Truths ‎#522

522. I Cannot Be Idle

1 I cannot be idle, for Jesus says, “Go
And work in My harvest today;
And then at the evening, when labor is done,
Whatever is right I will pay.”

Refrain:
Then away to the work I will go,
And join in the reaping of grain,
And back from the harvest with beautiful sheaves,
I’ll come with rejoicing again.

2 I cannot be idle, the fields are so white,
And numberless sheaves will be lost;
They perish for want of more reapers to save,
How awful to think of the cost! [Refrain]

3 I cannot be idle, soon time will be o’er,
And reaping be ended for aye;
I’ll gather the lost from the byways of sin
To walk in the beautiful way. [Refrain]

4 I cannot be idle, no time for repose,
My resting shall be over there,
Where all of the faithful in heaven above
A crown of bright glory shall wear. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: I cannot be idle, for Jesus says, "Go
• Title: I Cannot Be Idle
• Author: W. J. H. (1897)
• Refrain First Line: Then away to the work I will go
• Meter: 11.8.11.8 R
• Scripture:
  Matthew 20:1-16
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Cannot_Be_Idle); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Hymnal of the Church of God, 1953 (211); Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (311); The Gospel Trumpet Company

Tune Information

• Name: [I cannot be idle, for Jesus says, "Go"]
• Composer: William J. Henry (1897)
• Harmonizer: Andrew L. Byers (1911)
• Meter: 11.8.11.8 R
• Key: G Major
• Source: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Cannot_Be_Idle); The Gospel Trumpet Company, Hymnal of the Church of God, 1953 (211); Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (311); The Gospel Trumpet Company