Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#291

291. Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them

1 Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them,
Thou art Lord of winds and waves;
They were bound, but Thou hast freed them;
Now they go to free the slaves:
Be Thou with them!
'Tis Thine arm alone that saves.

2 Friends, and home, and all forsaking,
Lord, they go at Thy command,
As their stay Thy promise taking,
While they traverse sea and land:
O be with then!
Lead them safely by the hand.

3 When they reach the land of strangers,
And the prospect dark appears,
Nothing seen but toils and dangers,
Nothing felt but doubts and fears,
Be Thou with them!
Hear their sighs and count their tears.

4 Where no fruit appears to cheer them,
And they seem to toil in vain,
Then in mercy, Lord, draw near them,
Then their sinking hopes sustain:
Thus supported,
Let their zeal revive again.

5 In the midst of opposition
Let them trust, O Lord, in Thee;
When success attends their mission,
Let Thy servants humbler be:
Never leave them:
Till Thy face in heaven they see.

Text Information

• First Line: Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them
• Author: Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Missionaries, farewell to; Prayer: For Missionaries; Travellers' Hymns; The Church and the Kingdom of God: Missions

Tune Information

• Name: REDEMPTION
• Composer: Charles F. Gounod, 1818-1893
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.4.7
• Key: E♭ Major