James Montgomery

For the Sunday-School Jubilee, the Birthday of Robert Raikes, the Founder of Sunday Schools, Sept.14th, 1831.

I.

Let songs of praise arise;

Teachers, your tribute bring;

Let hallelujahs fill the skies,

Earth with hosannas ring.

Once, by the river-side,

A little fountain rose;

Now, like the Severn's sea-ward tide,

Round the broad world it flows.

One heaven-directed mind

Reveal'd the simple plan:

Now, in the glorious task combined,

Ten thousand are one man.

Though poor and mean the place,

And small the band he taught:

Millions since then have shared the grace;

Behold what God hath wrought.

Through Albion's ocean-isles,

In near and distant lands,

Where'er the Christian Sabbath smiles,

The Sabbath School-house stands.

Heralds of peace proclaim

The year of jubilee;

Now in the Babe of Bethlehem's Name,

Bid every child go free.