English poem
O'Er The Gloomy Hills Of Darkness.
by Hezekiah Butterworth (1839–1905)
Dros y brinian tywyl niwliog.
This notable hymn was written, probably about 1750, by the Rev. William Williams, a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist, born at Cefnycoed, Jan. 7, 1717, near Llandovery. He began the study of medicine, but took deacon's orders, and was for a time an itinerant preacher, having left the established Church. Died at Pantycelyn, Jan. 1, 1781.
His hymn, like the two preceding, antedates the great Missionary Movement by many years.
O'er the gloomy hills of darkness Look my soul! be still, and gaze! See the promises advancing To a glorious Day of grace! Blessed Jubilee, Let thy glorious morning dawn!
Let the dark, benighted pagan, Let the rude barbarian see That divine and glorious conquest Once obtained on Calvary. Let the Gospel Loud resound from pole to pole.
This song of anticipation has dropped out of the modern hymnals, but the last stanza lingers in many memories.
Fly abroad, thou mighty Gospel! Win and conquer, never cease; May thy lasting wide dominion Multiply and still increase. Sway Thy scepter, Saviour, all the world around!