This Shaker hymn is in in Gather 3rd ed. in the “Christian Life” section.
It was written by Joseph Brackett (1979-1882). While a fine old folk song, I can’t think of any use for it in liturgy. I don’t think the text is as clear now as it may have been when written. It now reads like a precursor to “How Sweet to Be an Idiot”.
The sheet music is at Hymnary. Mary at Godsongs has looked at this song further – I was sure she would have, it’s right up her alley.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
‘Tis the gift to come down where I ought to be;
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed;
to turn, turn, will be my delight.
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
I know this is to misunderstand the song but: