Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#392

392. When wilt Thou save the people?

1 When wilt Thou save the people?
O God of mercy, when?
Not kings alone, but nations!
Not thrones and crowns, but men!
Flowers of Thy heart, O God, are they;
Let them not pass, like weeds,
Their heritage a sunless day.
God save the people!

2 Shall crime bring crime for ever,
Strength aiding still the strong?
Is it Thy will, O Father,
That man shall toil for wrong?
"No," say Thy mountains; "No," Thy skies;
Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise,
And songs ascend instead of sighs.
God save the people!

3 When wilt Thou save the people?
O God of mercy, when?
The people, Lord, the people,
Not thrones and crowns, but men:
God save the people; Thine they are,
Thy children, as Thine angels fair;
From vice, oppression, and despair,
God save the people!

Text Information

• First Line: When wilt Thou save the people?
• Author: E. Elliott, 1781-1849
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: People, the; The Church and the Kingdom of God: Social Service; Prayer: For the People

Tune Information

• Name: COMMONWEALTH
• Composer: J. Booth, 1852-
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.8.8.8.5
• Key: e minor or modal