English poem
A Nation born in a Day; or The rapid Progress of the Gospel desired. Isaiah lxvi. 8
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Behold with pleasing Extacy The Gospel-Standard lifted high, That all the Nations from afar May in the great Salvation share.
Why then, Almighty Saviour, why Do wretched Souls in Millions die? While wide th' infernal Tyrant reigns O'er spacious Realms in pond'rous Chains.
And shall he still go on to boast, Thy Cross its Energy hath lost? And shall thy Servants still complain, Their Labours, and their Tears are vain?
Awake, all-conqu'ring Arm, awake, And Hell's extensive Empire shake; Assert the Honours of thy Throne, And call this ruin'd World thine own.
Thine all-successful Pow'r display; Produce a Nation in a Day; For at thy Word this barren Earth Shall travail with a gen'ral Birth.
Swift let thy quick'ning Spirit breathe On these Abodes of Sin and Death; That Breath shall bow ten thousand Minds, Like waving Corn before the Winds.
Scarce can our glowing Hearts endure A World, where thou art known no more; Transform it, LORD, by conqu'ring Love, Or bear us to the Realms above.
More by Philip Doddridge
- A Church seeking Direction from God in the Choice of a Pastor
- A filial Temper the Work of the Spirit, and a Proof of Adoption. Galat. iv. 6
- A Glance from GOD bringing us down to the Solitude of the Grave. Job vii. 8
- Abiding in CHRIST necessary to our Fruitfulness. John xv. 4
- Abraham's Faith in leaving his Country at the divine Command. Heb. xi. 8
- ABRAHAM'S Intercession for SODOM. Genesis xviii. 32
- Abundant Life by CHRIST our Shepherd. John x. -10
- Acting, as seeing him, who is Invisible. Heb. xi.-27