HYMN #0431 SSS #431 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #431: Nothing but leaves

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1

Nothing but leaves! The Spirit grieves
O’er years of wasted life;
O’er sins indulged while conscience slept,
O’er vows and promises unkept;
And reaps, from years of strife,
Nothing but leaves! nothing but leaves!

2

Nothing but leaves! No gathered sheaves
Of life’s fair ripening grain:
We sow our seeds; lo, tares and weeds,
Words, idle words, for earnest deeds:
Then reap, with toil and pain,
Nothing but leaves! nothing but leaves!

3

Nothing but leaves! Sad memory weaves
No veil to hide the past:
And as we trace our weary way,
And count each lost and misspent day,
We sadly find at last—
Nothing but leaves! nothing but leaves!

4

Ah! who shall thus the Master meet,
And bring but withered leaves?
Ah! who shall at the Saviour’s feet,
Before the awful Judgment-seat,
Lay down, for golden sheaves,
Nothing but leaves, nothing but leaves?

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Nothing but leaves"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #431 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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