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You bring the Hymnal, I'll bring the History
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Today's hymn, "Come Ye, Thankful People," was born from the heart of a man who ceaselessly gave thanks to God for his blessings. Henry Alford, born in 1810 was an Anglican minister in England. Each of the stanzas of the hymn is centered on a theme of harvest. First is the invitation to give thanks in God's church. Verse two and three are Alford's commentary on the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matt 13). And verse four is a prayer for the Lord's return. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:6).

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Come, ye thankful people, come
Raise the song of harvest-home:
All is safely gathered in
Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God's own temple, come
Raise the song of harvest-home.

Even so Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest-home:
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,
In Thy presence to abide:
Come, with all Thine angels, come
Raise the glorious harvest-home.

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