Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#280

280. From Greenland's icy mountains

1 From Greenland's icy mountains,
From India's coral strand,
Where Afric's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand,
From many as ancient river,
From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain.

2 What though the spicy breezes
Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle,
Though every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile!
In vain with lavish kindness
The gifts of God are strewn;
The heathen in his blindness
Bows down to wood and stone.

3 Shall we, whose souls are lighted
With wisdom from on high,
Shall we to men benighted
The lamp of life deny?
Salvation! O salvation!
The joyful sound proclaim,
Till earth's remotest nation
Has learnt Messiah's name.

4 Waft, waft, ye winds, His story,
And you, ye waters, roll,
Till, like a sea of glory,
It spreads from pole to pole;
Till o'er our ransomed nature,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
In bliss returns to reign.

Text Information

• First Line: From Greenland's icy mountains
• Author: Bp. R. Heber, 1783-1826
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Salvation: Joyful Sound; The Church and the Kingdom of God: Missions; Gospel: Spread of; Missions (See also Kingdom of Christ)

Tune Information

• Name: MISSIONARY
• Composer: Dr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6
• Key: E♭ Major