For the Sunday-School Jubilee, the Birthday of Robert Raikes, the Founder of Sunday Schools, Sept. 14th, 1831

I.
Let songs of praise arise;
Teachers, your tribute bring;
Let hallelujahs fill the skies,
Earth with hosannas ring.

Once, by the river-side,
A little fountain rose;
Now, like the Severn's sea-ward tide,
Round the broad world it flows.

One heaven-directed mind
Reveal'd the simple plan:
Now, in the glorious task combined,
Ten thousand are one man.

Though poor and mean the place,
And small the band he taught:
Millions since then have shared the grace;
Behold what God hath wrought.

Through Albion's ocean-isles,
In near and distant lands,
Where'er the Christian Sabbath smiles,
The Sabbath School-house stands.

Heralds of peace proclaim
The year of jubilee;
Now in the Babe of Bethlehem's Name,
Bid every child go free.