Classic Poem

Captives, in exile groaning
Beneath your galling chains!
Or still in darkness roaming
O'er Afric's thirsty plains!
Ye poor of ev'ry nation!
Ye patrons of the slave!
Oh! shout with adoration,
For Jesus comes to save.

Praise him with songs of gladness,
Let ev'ry tear be dry,
He comes, to banish sadness,
And ev'ry want supply;
He comes, in radiant beauty,
To burst each bond in twain,
To teach mankind their duty,
And break the captive's chain.

O Jesus! let thy story
Throughout the world be known,
Wake up the song of glory,
And break the heart of stone
Till ev'ry soul is lighted,
Till ev'ry slave is free,
Till ev'ry realm benighted,
Bows down, O Lord! to thee.