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Weeping Goes Forth the Sower

Sow Seed

Christopher Newman Hall was an English Nonconformist leader in the nineteenth century and one who dedicated much of his ministry to writing poetry and songs. I previously shared his poem “Thy Way Is Best” and today wanted to share another of his—a simple sonnet based on a verse from Psalm 126: “He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Here is his poetic interpretation, his poetic encouragement:

Weeping goes forth the sower on his way;
Weeping—although he beareth precious seed;
Weeping—because he knows his utter need;
Weeping through many a dark and stormy day.
He weeps for goodly grain cast quite away;
For barren footpath, and delusive soil
Where rocks, scarce hidden, all his labour foil;
For early bloom of hopes that will not stay;
For thriving plants choked up by many a weed;
Yet ceases not to sow, and watch, and pray.
The Saviour, as He sowed, did weep and bleed,
But now rejoices with the fruit alway:
So, like the Master, he who sows and grieves,
Shall doubtless come again with joyful sheaves.


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