James Montgomery's (mini) Story and the writing of this beautiful hymn!
"Born in Scotland, parents left him in school while they set off as missionaries to the West Indies never to be heard from again. The lad ran away form school, and as a teenager he worked in a bakery for eighteen months from January 1788 - June 19, 1789.
He did little work, preferring to spend his time writing poetry - including this great hymn, which was based on Psalm 113. Later he wandered into London and tried to sell his poems. Montgomery ended up as a journalist who was occasionally imprisoned because of his outspoken views. In the end he became a zealous believer, a great advocate for Christian missions and as he author of four hundred hymns, including Christmas carol "Angels from the Realms of Glory."
-Near To the Heart of God Meditations
"Servants Of God, His Praise Proclaim"
Servants of God, in joyful lays,Sing ye the Lord Jehovah's praise;
His glorious Name let all adore,
From age to age, forevermore.
Blest be that Name, supremely blest,
From the sun's rising to its rest;
Above the heav'ns His pow'r is known,
Through all the earth His goodness shown.
Who is like God? so great, so high,
He bows Himself to view the sky;
And yet, with condescending grace,
Looks down upon the human race.
He hears the uncomplaining moan
Of those who sit and weep alone;
He lifts the mourner from the dust;
In Him the poor may safely trust.
O then, aloud, in joyful lays,
Sing to the Lord Jehovah's praise;
His saving Name let all adore,
From age to age, forevermore.
