The success of the Gospel in our days

"Let there be light:" thus spake the Word;
The Word was God; "and there was light:"
Still the creative voice is heard;
A day is born from every night.

And every night shall turn to day,
While months, and years, and ages roll;
But we have seen a brighter ray
Dawn on the chaos of the soul.

Nor we alone; its wakening smiles
Have broke the gloom of pagan sleep;
The Word hath reach'd the utmost isles,
God's Spirit moves upon the deep.

Already from the dust of death,
Man in his Maker's image stands;
Once more inhales immortal breath,
And stretches forth to heaven his hands.

From day to day, before our eyes,
Glows and extends the work begun;
When shall the now creation rise
On every land beneath the sun?

When, in the Sabbath of His love,
Shall God amidst his labours rest;
And, bending from His throne above,
Again pronounce His creatures bless'd?