Go Forth And Tell Lyrics
James E. Seddon, 1964
Verse 1
Go forth and tell! O Church of God, awake!
God’s saving news to all the nations take.
Proclaim Christ Jesus, Savior, Lord, and King,
That all the world His worthy praise may sing.
Verse 2
Go forth and tell! God offers life to all;
The Lord makes rich all who on Him shall call.
How shall they call if they have never heard
The gracious invitation of His Word?
Verse 3
Go forth and tell! Men still in darkness lie;
In wealth or want, in sin they live and die.
Give us, O Lord, concern of heart and mind-
A love like Yours which cares for all mankind.
Verse 4
Go forth and tell! Christ charges us to go.
All power is His; from Him the blessings flow.
Live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose;
Your ransomed powers for His sole glory use.
Verse 5
Go forth and tell! O Church of God, arise!
Go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies.
Go ’til all nations His great name adore,
And serve Him Lord and King forever more.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Go Forth and Tell |
| Author / Lyricist | James E. Seddon (1915–1980) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / adapted from 20th-century hymn tunes |
| Date Written / Published | 1960s |
| Historical Context | Written during the 20th-century missionary emphasis in Protestant churches; encourages evangelism. |
| Theme / Message | Missionary calling; spreading the gospel worldwide. |
| Notable Features | Simple, clear lyrics designed for congregational singing and youth groups. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Commonly used in mission-focused services and church campaigns. |
| Source / Scholarship | The Hymnal 1982 Companion – Carlton R. Young |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes the hymn’s missionary emphasis, highlighting the call to spread the gospel as central to Victorian evangelical hymnody. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley often stressed evangelistic zeal, which parallels the themes in “Go Forth and Tell.” |
| Reginald Heber, Anglican Bishop & Hymn Writer, 1783–1826 | Heber’s hymns on the Great Commission reflect similar theological emphasis on Christian witness. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint recognized the hymn’s devotional call to active faith and proclamation of God’s word. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale emphasized liturgical and doctrinal clarity, supporting the hymn’s theme of gospel proclamation. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlighted practical piety and spiritual outreach, echoing the message of this hymn. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton’s writings often underscore obedience and spreading the gospel, relevant to this hymn’s focus. |
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
Learn How to play songs like this on the piano at our online Shool of Music.
