Thus spake the Savior, when he sent

1 Thus spake the Savior, when he sent
His ministers to preach his word;
They through the world obedient went,
And spread the gospel of their Lord.

2 "Go forth, ye heralds, in my name;
Bid the whole earth my grace receive;
The gospel jubilee proclaim,
And call them to repent and live.

3 "The joyful news to all impart,
And teach them where salvation lies;
Bind up the broken, bleeding heart,
And wipe the tear from weeping eyes.

4 "Be wise as serpents where you go,
But harmless as the peaceful dove;
And let your heav'n-taught conduct show,
That you're commission'd from above.

5 "Freely from me ye have receiv'd;
Freely in love to others give;
Thus shall your doctrines be believ'd,
And by your labor sinners live."

6 Happy those servants of the Lord,
Who thus their Master's will obey!
How rich, how full is their reward,
Reserv'd until the final day!

Source: A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship #337