lyrics for "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
This
Methodist hymn is actually from the 7
th through 12
th stanzas of a poem by
Charles Wesley.
Wesley wrote the poem in 1739 to commemorate his conversion one year earlier, in 1738, under the title "
For the Anniversary Day of One's Conversion"; however, the exact wording of the original 18 stanzas has been lost.
This hymn has translated into Spanish by
Federico J. Pagura in 1987 under the title "
Mil Voces Para Celebrar". The Spanish translation has a copyright of 1989 by
The United Methodist Publishing House.
Music:
Carl G. Cläser; arranged by
Lowell Mason, 1839
O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread though all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms out fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears
'tis life, and health, and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.