Stanzas on the Total Abolition of Slavery

Stanzas on the Total Abolition of Slavery

Sweet to the slave is the season of rest -

Something far sweeter he looks for to-night;

His heart lies awake in the depth of his breast,

And listens till God shall say, "Let there be light!"

Darkness yet covers the face of the deep -

Spirit of Freedom! go forth in thy might,

To break up our bondage like infancy's sleep,

The moment when God shall say, "Let there be light!"

Shout to the valleys, "Behold ye the morn," -

Long, long desired, but denied to our sight!

Lo! myriads of slaves into men are new-born -

The word was omnipotent, "Let there be light!"

Hark! 'tis the children's Hosannahs that ring -

Hark! they are Freemen, whose voices unite!

While England, the Indies, and Africa sing,

Amen! Hallelujah! to "Let there be light!"

James Montgomery, Esq.

2:34, p. 136

1838.10.13

From the Liverpool Journal

Sung in celebration of the abolition of negro apprenticeship throughout the West India Colonies, on the 1st of August, at the York Choral Society's Concert.