See how great a flame aspires,
kindled by a spark of grace!
Jesus’ love the nations fires,
sets the kingdoms all ablaze;
fire to bring on earth he came;
kindled in some hearts it is:
O that all might catch the flame,
all partake the glorious bliss!
2. When the work was first begun,
small and hidden was its day:
see the word now swiftly run,
as it wins its widening way;
more and more it spreads and grows,
ever mighty to prevail,
Satan’s strongholds overthrows,
shakes the trembling gates of hell.
3. Sons of God, your Saviour praise;
he the door has opened wide,
he has given the word of grace,
Jesus’ word is glorified;
Jesus, mighty to redeem,
he alone the work has wrought;
worthy is the work of him,
him who spoke a world from nought.
4. Did you see the cloud arise,
little as a human hand?
Now it spreads throughout the skies,
over all the thirsty land;
see! the promise of a shower
drops already from above;
but the Lord will surely pour
all the Spirit of his love.