Work, For the Night Is Coming

This hymn, written in 1854 by Annie Louise Coghill and sung to a Lowell Mason tune, is not in many of the latest hymnals. It is based on John 9:1-4 and Psalm 104:23.

As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples questioned Him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9:1-4 HCSB

Man goes out to his work and to his labor until evening.
Psalm 104:23 HCSB

Coghill was eighteen years old when she wrote this hymn, and from what I can tell, this is the only hymn she wrote. She died in 1907.

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work ’mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man’s work is done.

Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon;
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man’s work is o’er.

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