1. Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim, And publish abroad His wonderful name; The name, all victorious, of Jesus extol: His kingdom is glorious, He rules over all. 2. God ruleth on high, almighty to save, And still He is nigh, his presence we have; The great congregation His triumph shall sing, Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King. 3. "Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!" Let all cry aloud and honor the Son; The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim, Fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb. 4. Then let us adore and give him His right All glory and pow'r, all wisdom and might, All honor and blessing, with angels above, And thanks never ceasing, and infinite love.
Lyrics:
Charles Wesley
Music:
William Croft
Tune: HANOVER
Meter: 10.10.11.11.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
Charles Wesley wrote this text in 1744, a year of unusually severe persecution for the Wesleys and their followers. During that trying year, the Wesleys wrote several hymn pamphlets titled Hymns for Times of Trouble and Persecution. One of these booklets included “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim.” The text was based on Psalm 93:1–4 and Revelation 7:9–12. The purpose of this text was to encourage their persecuted followers to concentrate on the One “whose kingdom is glorious—who rules over all.” The more severe the opposition, the stronger became their proclamation of the gospel.