1 Lord, when wilt Thou extend Thy sway
O’er every human heart?
When wilt Thou take the veil away,
And bid the gloom depart?

2 Behold how thick a cloud is spread
Over this world of woe;
How sin lifts up her shameless head,
And reigns with pompous show.

3 See how degraded and forlorn
Thy church on earth appears;
While foes insult with bitter scorn,
And triumph in her tears.

4 Arise, O Lord, lift up Thy hand,
And break the hearts of stone;
Thy conquests spread, till every land
Thy saving love shall own.

5 Let grace light up the utmost bound
Of Satan’s dark domain;
And sinners at the Gospel sound,
Awake to life again.