Spread, o spread, thou mighty word - J. F. Bahnmaier

Spread, o spread, thou mighty word.
Spread the kingdom of the Lord;
Wheresoe'er His breath h.as given
Life to beings meant for heaven.

Tell them how the Father's will
Made the world and keeps it still;
How He sent His Son to save
All who help and comfort crave.

Tell of our Redeemer's love.
Who for ever doth remove.
By His holy sacrifice.
All the guilt that on us lies.

Tell them of the Spirit given
Now to guide us up to heaven;
Strong and holy, just and true.
Working both to will and do.

Word of life most pure and strong,
Lo: for thee the nations long;
Spread till, from its dreary night.
All the world awakes to light.

Up! the ripening fields ye see.
Mighty shall the harvest be;
But the reapers still are few.
Great the work they have to do.

Lord of harvest, let there be
Joy and strength to work for Thee;
Let the nations far and near
See Thy light and learn Thy fear.

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J. F. [Jonathan Friedrich] Bahnmaier (1774 - 1841) Germany
Translated by Catherine Winkworth
Source: Methodist Free Church Hymns, A.Crombie [publisher], 1889