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 treasur'd 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!