For the Beauty of the Earth

This hymn of thanksgiving, which is particularly appropriate for Harvest celebrations, was written by English schoolmaster, poet and hymn-writer Folliot Sandford Pierpont (1835-1917). It was first published in 1864 in the poetry book "The Sacrifice of Praise".

With meter 7.7.7.7.7.7, tunes it is set to include:

DIX, arranged from Conrad Kocher (1838) by William H Monk (1823-1889)- most commonly used for congregational singing
ENGLAND'S LANE adapted by Geoffrey Shaw (1919)
LUCERNA LAUDONIAE by David Evans (1874-1948)

A choral arrangement on a different tune, by John Rutter, is also widely used.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Lead sheet (melody + guitar chords)

PowerPoint slides

Digital Download setting for piano, voice and guitar (chords) - published by Hal Leonard

Examples

Solo singer with band - contemporary arrangement:

Singer, self-accompanied on piano:

Lyrics

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Refrain:
Lord of all, to you we raise,
This our sacrifice of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent child.
Friends on earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.

For your Church that evermore
Lift its holy hands above,
Off'ring up on ev'ry shore
A pure sacrifice of love.

For yourself, O Gift Divine!
To our world so freely giv'n;
For that love, from which will shine,
Peace on earth and joy in heav'n.