Scripture Verse

I will give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance. Psalm 2:8

Introduction

Words: Ju­lia S. Has­kell, in May­nard’s Se­lect­ed Sab­bath School Hymns, by Tho­mas May­nard (Uti­ca, New York: Ro­berts, 4th edi­tion, 1858).

Music: Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Has­kell (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
William B. Bradbury (1816–1868)

Lyrics

Over the ocean wave, far, far away,
There the poor heathen live, waiting for day;
Groping in ignorance, dark as the night,
No blessèd Bi­ble to give them the light.

Refrain

Pity them, pity them, Christians at home,
Haste with the bread of life, hasten and come.

Here in this happy land we have the light
Shining from God’s own Word,
Free, pure and bright;
Shall we not send to them Bibles to read,
Teachers, and preachers,
And all that they need?

Refrain

Then, while the mission ships glad tidings bring,
List! as that heathen band joyfully sing,
Over the ocean wave, oh, see them come,
Bringing the bread of life, guiding us home.

Refrain