Scripture Verse

The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9

Introduction

Words: James Ed­mes­ton, Mis­sion­ary Hymns 1822.

Music: Lym­ing­ton Ro­bert Jack­son (1842–1914) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Ed­mes­ton (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), or a bet­ter one of Jack­son,

portrait
Robert Jackson (1840–1914)

Lyrics

Roll on, though mighty ocean!
And, as thy billows flow,
Bear messengers of mercy
To every land below.
Arise, ye gales, and waft them
Safe to the destined shore;
That man may sit in darkness,
And death’s black shade no more.

O Thou eter­nal Ruler,
Who holdest in Thine arm
The tempests of the ocean,
Protect them from all harm!
Thy presence, Lord, be with them,
Wherever they may be;
Though far from us who love them,
Still let them be with Thee.