Sacred Poems and Hymns

As well as a poet respected by some of the greatest English bards of his day, Montgomery was an activist for Christian and humanitarian causes. With his poems and prose, he called for the abolition of the slave trade, the end of child factory labor, and the expansion of Christian ministry abroad. Among his fine hymns, “Angels from the Realms of Glory” remains one of the most well-known. Many rank his “O Spirit of the Living God” among the greatest missionary hymns. It masterfully encapsulates the basic prayer of every Christian missionary whether domestic or abroad: “Give tongues of fire and hearts of love, To preach the reconciling word.”

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff