A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship ‎#316

316. Desire for the Spread of the Gospel

1 Great God! the nations of the earth
Are by creation thine;
And in thy works, by all beheld,
Thy radiant glories shine.

2 But, Lord, thy greater love has sent
Thy gospel to mankind,
Unveiling what rich stores of grace
Are treasured in thy mind.

3 Lord! when shall these glad tidings spread
The spacious earth around,
Till ev'ry tribe, and ev'ry soul
Shall hear the joyful sound?

4 O when shall Afric's sable sons
Enjoy the heav'nly word,
And vassals, long enslav'd, become
The freemen of the Lord?

5 When shall th'untutor'd heathen tribes,
A dark bewilder'd race,
Sit down at our Immanuel's feet,
And learn and feel his grace?

6 Haste, sov'reign mercy, and transform
Their cruelty to love;
Soften the tiger to a lamb,
The vulture to a dove.

7 Smile, Lord, on each divine attempt
To spread the gospel’s rays;
And build, on sin’s demolish'd throne,
The temples of thy praise.

Text Information

• First Line: Great God! the nations of the earth
• Title: Desire for the Spread of the Gospel
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1845
• Topic: The Church: General and Missionary Hymns

Tune Information

(No tune information)