1 Spread, O spread, almighty word,
spread the kingdom of the Lord,
where the breath of God has given
life to people meant for heaven.
2 Tell them how the Father's will
made the world, and keeps it still;
how his only Son he gave
all from sin and death to save.
3 Tell of our Redeemer's love,
who, for ever to remove
all the guilt that on us lies,
gave himself as sacrifice.
4 Tell them of the Spirit given
now to guide us on to heaven,
strong and holy, just and true,
working both to will and do.
5 Up! the ripening fields you see,
mighty will the harvest be;
but the reapers still are few,
great the work they have to do.
6 Lord of harvest, kind and true,
give us strength to work for you,
till the nations everywhere
see your light, and know your care.
Source: Together in Song: Australian hymn book II #450
Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >
Bahnmaier, Jonathan Friedrich, son of J. G. Bahnmaier, Town Preacher at Oberstenfeld, near Bottwar, Württemberg, was born at Oberstenfeld, July 12, 1774. After completing his studies at Tübingen, his first appointment was, in 1798, as assistant to his father. He became Diaconus at Marbach on the Neckar in 1806, and at Ludwigsburg in 1810, where he was for a time the head of a young ladies' school. In 1815 he was appointed Professor of Education and Homiletics at Tübingen, but in the troublous times that followed had to resign his post. He received in 1819 the appointment of Decan and Town Preacher at Kirchheim-unter-Teck, where he continued as a faithful, unwearied, and successful worker for 21 years. He was distinguished as a preacher,… Go to person page >
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