I Cannot Be Idle

William J. Henry was an early leader in the Holiness Movement. In 1889 he, answered a call to hold revival meetings in eastern Pennsylvania and eventually held meetings in each state and Great Britain. This is one of many hymns written by W. J. Henry. We like it because of it’s missionary emphasis.

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.

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]

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]

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]

-W. J. Henry

Love, The Downing Family