Let avarice from shore to shore

Let avarice from shore to shore. Samuel Stennett* (1727-1795).  The extraordinary first line of this hymn did not prevent it from becoming very popular in the 19th century in Britain and America. It is characteristic of Stennett in its robust condemnation of worldly greed. It was included by John Rippon* in his Selection of Hymns* (1787), under the title ‘The Riches of God’s Word’. It had six stanzas: Let Avarice from Shore to Shore  Her fav’rite God pursue; Thy Word, O God, we value more  Than India or Peru.  Here Mines of Knowledge, Love and Joy  Are open’d to our Sight: The purest Gold without Alloy,  And Gems divinely bright.  The Counsels of redeeming Grace  These sacred Leaves...