The Apple Tree
For SATB Choir a cappella. Text from Divine Hymns or Spiritual Songs, compiled by Joshua Smith, New Hampshire, 1784. An easy and effective setting of this famous text. Often used for a Lessons and Carols service, but can also be utilized during the Easter season (or anytime, really!). Two keys here - F and Gb. Try them both with your choir and see which one works best.
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.
His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.
For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
Tis found in Christ the apple tree.
I'm weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.