Today we have a little known folk hymn called "Amazing Grace." Just kidding, everyone knows this hymn. And after looking through youtube, I think everyone has performed John Newton's classic. I've already listened to Celtic Woman, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes, and Aretha Franklin. I'm now listening to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, perform this with a choir backing him up. The reasons for so many recordings is because the hymn has such a rich history. It's one of those hymns that has been taken up by many different people for many different situations. From Appalachian sharp note harmony to African American spiritual to being sung on the Trail of Tears by Native Americans, this hymn has been used to remind God's people of the wonderful nature of God's grace in the worst of times. At this point, "Amazing Grace" is less of a hymn and more of an anthem.
John Newton wrote the words as an illustration to a sermon on New Year's Day of 1773. The hymn itself is autobiographical. Newton wrote it to show how the Lord worked His grace throughout his life. That's what our testimonies are; they're the stories of how the Lord has worked and continues to work in our lives. Newton just happened to put it in verse. The tune that's associated with the hymn is called "New Britain." The two were paired in 1835 and I don't think anyone has looked back since.
This is a moving hymn. It is surprising, but Newton doesn't mention directly mention the Lord until the fourth verse. Yet the way that Grace builds throughout, I can't help but think of how God's transformative power pervades our lives and draws us to Him. We are never without His redeeming love. His Grace allows us to sing His praise no matter what our earthly circumstances are because His love brings as an eternal life joy and peace. I think if we take that incredible outcome and compare it with our sinful lives, we just begin to see how amazing that His Grace is.
Here are the lyrics. And since I'm Presbyterian, and the Presbyterian church is fairly Scottish in origins, here are some bagpipes with which to sing.
1) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
2) T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
3) Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
4) The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
5) Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
6) Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
(Fun Fact: This last stanza was not written by John Newton and first appeared published with this hymn in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. It was originally part of a hymn called, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home.")
7) When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
From Our Russian Brethren
Today I'm listening to a Russian chant called, "We Praise Thee." This performance is by the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir and lead by Pavel Grigoryvech Chesnokov. It's a beautiful and haunting peace. The Russian Orthodox Church is alternatively known as the Moscow Patriarchate. This patriarch apparently ranked fifth behind the Greek Patriarchates of: Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. The ROC has a very long and rich tradition. Their philosophy of music is quite a bit different from the Reformed tradition. According to that great source wikipedia, the ROC followed the Greek Orthodox very closely with their hymns being word for word Slavonic translations of Greek and the hymns being placed in similar liturgical order. However in 1797, after some more Greek and a little bit of Italian influence, Emperor Paul ordered that only Russian composed hymns be sung in church. I think singing in the tongues of the people who are worshiping is something the Reformers could support.
I don't have a translation of this piece. I'm not sure in what way the hymnist was thinking of praising the Lord. For all I know, it could be just "We Praise Thee" repeated. I'm not really sure how chants work. However, the soundscape this recording provides certainly sets a reflective tone. Hymns train our affections. They train how we view God's holiness, how His love makes us feel, how we should joyfully praise, and etc. "We Praise Thee" very much trains the affection. So while I don't know, outside of the title, what this chant is about, I am provided respite and reflection. I can take a moment, breathe, and ponder God's mercy to me, and in doing so, give thanks for the love He has shown me despite my sinful nature.
I don't have a translation of this piece. I'm not sure in what way the hymnist was thinking of praising the Lord. For all I know, it could be just "We Praise Thee" repeated. I'm not really sure how chants work. However, the soundscape this recording provides certainly sets a reflective tone. Hymns train our affections. They train how we view God's holiness, how His love makes us feel, how we should joyfully praise, and etc. "We Praise Thee" very much trains the affection. So while I don't know, outside of the title, what this chant is about, I am provided respite and reflection. I can take a moment, breathe, and ponder God's mercy to me, and in doing so, give thanks for the love He has shown me despite my sinful nature.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
By Thy Mercy
This morning I'm listening to a hymn that brings back good memories. The first time I heard "Lord of Life and Glory" was at RUF fall conference. Greg Thompson was the guest speaker and pulled double duty by leading worship. This is was one of the songs he played. And I remember him stating that he just recently finished the music. Or the album was just out. Or something along those lines. Here's a link to Indelible Grace performing the hymn.
1) Jesus, Lord of life and glory,
bend from heaven they gracious ear;
while our waiting souls adore thee,
friend of helpless sinners, hear:
Refrain: By thy mercy,
O deliver us, good Lord.
2) From the depth of nature's blindness,
from the hardening power of sin,
from all malice and unkindness,
from the pride that lurks within. Refrain.
3) When temptation sorely presses,
in the day of Satan's power,
in our times of deep distresses,
in each dark and trying hour. Refrain
4) When the world around is smiling,
in the time of wealth and ease,
earthly joys our hearts beguiling,
in the day of health and peace, Refrain
5) In the weary hours of sickness,
in the times of grief and pain,
when we feel our mortal weakness,
when all human help is vain, Refrain
6) In the solemn hour of dying,
in the awful judgment day,
may our souls on thee relying,
find thee still our Rock and Stay; Refrain
This hymn was written by James John Cummins. While living in London, Cummins directed the Union Bank of Australia. He also spent his time studying Hebrew and theology, writing down his thoughts and meditations, and published a book of his works called Seals of the Covenant Opened in the Sacraments (later republished as Hymns, Meditations and Other Poems). (Fun fact #1: Actual title of the book, but no one ever used for it: Lyra Evangelica.) I think it's good to see a hymn not written by a pastor. I'm sure I will come across quite a few more, but I think it's a good reminder that all of God's people participate in worship. I know that seems rather obvious; however, I think there is a bit of consumerist approach to a lot of worship nowadays where the congregation wants to be spoon fed. Worship is a return of the blessings that God has given us. Cummins returned those blessings with a beautiful hymn that shows how much we need the Lord in every aspect of our lives. It makes me ask the question, what am I returning?
As mentioned before, this hymn recalls some wonderful memories. When I first heard "Jesus, Lord of Life of Glory," it instantly became one of my favorites. Not surprising considering that my other favorite at the time was "Not What my Hands have Done." I seriously wanted our intern Alex to play this every time he had his guitar out. I kept calling it "the fall conference song" or "By Thy Mercy." He finally said he wouldn't play the hymn until I learned the "proper name." (Well poo on you Alex, look at what Indelible Grace calls it, and they're bonafide.) Now, as I listen and read through the lyrics, it reminds me of wedding vows. For richer and poorer, in sickness and in health. Marriage is a covenant bond that is only separated by death. Here, Cummins demonstrates that we need God's deliverance in all phases of life. Yet, unlike marriage, God's vow to us is not severed by death. Instead His love is eternal and His deliverance is never ending.
Here is a picture of some wonderful people and me at fall conference. I straight up stole this from Peter (the guy between the girls, of course.) I haven't seen these folks in a long time, but they're never far from my thoughts and prayers.
1) Jesus, Lord of life and glory,
bend from heaven they gracious ear;
while our waiting souls adore thee,
friend of helpless sinners, hear:
Refrain: By thy mercy,
O deliver us, good Lord.
2) From the depth of nature's blindness,
from the hardening power of sin,
from all malice and unkindness,
from the pride that lurks within. Refrain.
3) When temptation sorely presses,
in the day of Satan's power,
in our times of deep distresses,
in each dark and trying hour. Refrain
4) When the world around is smiling,
in the time of wealth and ease,
earthly joys our hearts beguiling,
in the day of health and peace, Refrain
5) In the weary hours of sickness,
in the times of grief and pain,
when we feel our mortal weakness,
when all human help is vain, Refrain
6) In the solemn hour of dying,
in the awful judgment day,
may our souls on thee relying,
find thee still our Rock and Stay; Refrain
This hymn was written by James John Cummins. While living in London, Cummins directed the Union Bank of Australia. He also spent his time studying Hebrew and theology, writing down his thoughts and meditations, and published a book of his works called Seals of the Covenant Opened in the Sacraments (later republished as Hymns, Meditations and Other Poems). (Fun fact #1: Actual title of the book, but no one ever used for it: Lyra Evangelica.) I think it's good to see a hymn not written by a pastor. I'm sure I will come across quite a few more, but I think it's a good reminder that all of God's people participate in worship. I know that seems rather obvious; however, I think there is a bit of consumerist approach to a lot of worship nowadays where the congregation wants to be spoon fed. Worship is a return of the blessings that God has given us. Cummins returned those blessings with a beautiful hymn that shows how much we need the Lord in every aspect of our lives. It makes me ask the question, what am I returning?
As mentioned before, this hymn recalls some wonderful memories. When I first heard "Jesus, Lord of Life of Glory," it instantly became one of my favorites. Not surprising considering that my other favorite at the time was "Not What my Hands have Done." I seriously wanted our intern Alex to play this every time he had his guitar out. I kept calling it "the fall conference song" or "By Thy Mercy." He finally said he wouldn't play the hymn until I learned the "proper name." (Well poo on you Alex, look at what Indelible Grace calls it, and they're bonafide.) Now, as I listen and read through the lyrics, it reminds me of wedding vows. For richer and poorer, in sickness and in health. Marriage is a covenant bond that is only separated by death. Here, Cummins demonstrates that we need God's deliverance in all phases of life. Yet, unlike marriage, God's vow to us is not severed by death. Instead His love is eternal and His deliverance is never ending.
Here is a picture of some wonderful people and me at fall conference. I straight up stole this from Peter (the guy between the girls, of course.) I haven't seen these folks in a long time, but they're never far from my thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Our Guide
1) Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
2) Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
3) Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in the Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
4)Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.
Do you ever wonder what inspires a hymn? Like, does a hymn writer just sit down and say, "I'm going to write a sweet poem honoring God and someone else is going to put some great music to it!" That's probably not the usual thought process. Today we have a song written by the great hymnist Charles Wesley. He's John Wesley's hymn writing brother. Wesley wrote plenty of hymns, and this will not be the only one I listen to this year (Note: I should keep a tally). He was especially motivated to write "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." The story goes that Wesley was preaching in Ireland when some local folks disagreed with Wesley's theology (We've all been there, unless you're Methodist, then of course you agree). However, unlike most of the rest of us, these Irishmen decided that their theological differences should be hammered out with their fists. Wesley was a little apprehensive about facing a mob, so he hid in a farmer's milkhouse. While waiting, he penned this hymn, praying to God for refuge. Go here for the fuller story. It's worth a read.
I'm providing two links to listen to this hymn. The first is the traditional by Joseph Parry. Parry is a Welsh musician and a Freemason to boot. He played the organ at the masonic lodge in Aberystwyth. The tune was first published in Edward Stephen's Ail Lyfr Tonau ac Emynau or, if you lack command of the Welsh language, "The Second Book of Tunes and Hymns" (1879). I think it does a good job of capturing the underlying fear when we pray to God for protection. The second is by the band Indelible Grace. This band has the stated goal of taking classic hymns and updating the music to something a bit more contemporary. This tune is one of my favorites that they do. Some hymns sound better in the original harmonies. Other hymns desperately need updating. I feel "Jesus, lover of my Soul" rests comfortably in either situation.
Now I have never felt threatened by a mob nor have I ever been in a fight where my life has been in any real danger, but there are plenty of times where I needed refuge from the world. I need the "Grace to cover all my sin." There have been numerous nights, and I'm sure I'll come across more, when I feel the weight of all my sin and cannot find in comfort shutting my eyes to the world. Fortunately, Jesus is a Savior that does not let us go. When doubts and fears and anxieties slither their way into my mind and heart, I'm glad there are hymns that remind me that "Christ art all I want, more than all in Thee I find." Jesus is greater than my fears as He is greater than an angry mob looking to correct a preacher (Fun fact #1: I think I have a new life goal). Christ is the Great Comforter and He will protect His sheep. Yes, Christians are slandered, beaten, and some are even martyred for the Gospel, but nothing the world does can ever separate us from God's love.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Lord is Fair
1) Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.
2)Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
3) Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
4)All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus,is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.
5)Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
"Fairest Lord Jesus" is a German hymn written by Jesuits in the 17th century. The tune itself is older. It is a Silesian folk tune (Silesia is an area that is now mostly in Poland). Fun fact: the nickname of this hymn is the Crusader hymn and it's held that the German crusaders sung it on their way to the Holy Land. I'm not sure how that's possible with the hymn being written in the 17th century, but there we have it.
This hymn does an excellent job of describing God as creator. This hymn simply focuses on God's beauty. It does not explicitly mention the works of Christ nor does it make claims on what the singer will do for the Lord. It just focuses on how much greater God is than nature. Artist often look to nature to be their muse. Thomas Kincaid made a living off of it. Nature, at its best, is incredibly inspirational driving introspection and fueling great deeds. Whether you are marveling at the Autumn leaves on the mountain side or taking in the sublime roll of the ocean waves, creation has an up-lifting and calming effect. Yet our Lord is greater. He is more beautiful. As great as creation can be, the Creator is greater. Sometimes I forget how piercing the Lord's beauty is. It's as if I just want to wallow. Yet, as the hymn states, the Lord makes "the woeful heart to sing." This beauty can and should bring us to worship. It brings out of doldrums and into wonderful light. His beauty is cause for us to sing.
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.
2)Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
3) Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
4)All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus,is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.
5)Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
"Fairest Lord Jesus" is a German hymn written by Jesuits in the 17th century. The tune itself is older. It is a Silesian folk tune (Silesia is an area that is now mostly in Poland). Fun fact: the nickname of this hymn is the Crusader hymn and it's held that the German crusaders sung it on their way to the Holy Land. I'm not sure how that's possible with the hymn being written in the 17th century, but there we have it.
This hymn does an excellent job of describing God as creator. This hymn simply focuses on God's beauty. It does not explicitly mention the works of Christ nor does it make claims on what the singer will do for the Lord. It just focuses on how much greater God is than nature. Artist often look to nature to be their muse. Thomas Kincaid made a living off of it. Nature, at its best, is incredibly inspirational driving introspection and fueling great deeds. Whether you are marveling at the Autumn leaves on the mountain side or taking in the sublime roll of the ocean waves, creation has an up-lifting and calming effect. Yet our Lord is greater. He is more beautiful. As great as creation can be, the Creator is greater. Sometimes I forget how piercing the Lord's beauty is. It's as if I just want to wallow. Yet, as the hymn states, the Lord makes "the woeful heart to sing." This beauty can and should bring us to worship. It brings out of doldrums and into wonderful light. His beauty is cause for us to sing.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Wise Men say ...
Did you get your twelve drummer's drumming? Happy Epiphany (or Theophany), the last day of the Christmas season. In Western Christiandom, today typically celebrates the coming of the Magi (Matt. 2). In the Eastern Church today celebrates the baptism of Jesus. Or, if you're in the PCA like me, it's likely just Monday. We stodgy Presbyterians do not typically celebrate Christian holidays outside of Christmas and Easter. This is the first hymn that's tied to a holiday that I've listened to this year, and it won't be the last.
This desire ties back to my young days back before middle school. I attended the Episcopal church then, and they had no problem with celebrating Christian holidays. So today we have a hymn by an Episcopalian. (As one commentator notes, one of the singers looks like Harry Potter, double treat!)
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" was written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins Jr, an Episcopalian deacon. In a rarity when it comes to carols/hymns John Henry Hopkins Jr. not only wrote the lyrics but composed the tune as well. In doing so, created the first widely used carol that originated in America. Who knew a song for a Christmas pageant could gain so much traction? You never know what the Lord will do with your labors. Let's look at the lyrics.
1) We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
{Chorus}
O, Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, Still proceeding
Guide us to Thy Perfect Light
2) Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
{Chorus}
3) Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
{Chorus}
4) Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
{Chorus}
5) Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies.
{Chorus}
As I continue my New Year's resolution, I'm finding a trend of appreciating the hymns more as I go (which was kind of the point). Here, I'm reminded of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The book is a not-so-subtle allegory about the journey believers take throughout their life. Christian, the main character (again, not subtle), travels through valleys and over mountains during his journey toward the Celestial City. Today, Hopkins Jr. reminds me that the Wise Men literally traveled through valleys and mountains and probably met with deviants of all kinds (most notably Herod, the king who kills all the male children under 2). I do not want to read too much into Scripture, so let's focus on what's there. The Wise Men make their journey following a star. This is an act of faith. A star appears in the sky, they know that the King of the Jews is born, so they travel to a foreign land looking for Him in order to worship. Stanzas 2, 3, and 4 reflect the gifts that tradition holds the Magi brought to the Savior. Yet those gifts are simply an aspect of worship. The lines "King forever, ceasing never / Over us all to reign" and "Prayer and praising, all men raising / Worship Him, God most high" show that Hopkins Jr. isn't really championing what the Wise Men did, but the reason for the Wise Men's generosity. Yes, we sing of their deeds of faith, but the heart of the matter is that Christ's coming is cause for us to worship. The child in the manger is why we sing Alleluia, not because of the three men. And because we are saved by Jesus, faith will probably lead us to do some nonsensical things. Like travel across the world to visit a little child and defy a king.
This desire ties back to my young days back before middle school. I attended the Episcopal church then, and they had no problem with celebrating Christian holidays. So today we have a hymn by an Episcopalian. (As one commentator notes, one of the singers looks like Harry Potter, double treat!)
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" was written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins Jr, an Episcopalian deacon. In a rarity when it comes to carols/hymns John Henry Hopkins Jr. not only wrote the lyrics but composed the tune as well. In doing so, created the first widely used carol that originated in America. Who knew a song for a Christmas pageant could gain so much traction? You never know what the Lord will do with your labors. Let's look at the lyrics.
1) We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star
{Chorus}
O, Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, Still proceeding
Guide us to Thy Perfect Light
2) Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
{Chorus}
3) Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high
{Chorus}
4) Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
{Chorus}
5) Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav'n replies.
{Chorus}
As I continue my New Year's resolution, I'm finding a trend of appreciating the hymns more as I go (which was kind of the point). Here, I'm reminded of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The book is a not-so-subtle allegory about the journey believers take throughout their life. Christian, the main character (again, not subtle), travels through valleys and over mountains during his journey toward the Celestial City. Today, Hopkins Jr. reminds me that the Wise Men literally traveled through valleys and mountains and probably met with deviants of all kinds (most notably Herod, the king who kills all the male children under 2). I do not want to read too much into Scripture, so let's focus on what's there. The Wise Men make their journey following a star. This is an act of faith. A star appears in the sky, they know that the King of the Jews is born, so they travel to a foreign land looking for Him in order to worship. Stanzas 2, 3, and 4 reflect the gifts that tradition holds the Magi brought to the Savior. Yet those gifts are simply an aspect of worship. The lines "King forever, ceasing never / Over us all to reign" and "Prayer and praising, all men raising / Worship Him, God most high" show that Hopkins Jr. isn't really championing what the Wise Men did, but the reason for the Wise Men's generosity. Yes, we sing of their deeds of faith, but the heart of the matter is that Christ's coming is cause for us to worship. The child in the manger is why we sing Alleluia, not because of the three men. And because we are saved by Jesus, faith will probably lead us to do some nonsensical things. Like travel across the world to visit a little child and defy a king.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Praying While We Sing
1) Immortal invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious the Ancient of Days
Almighty victorious they great Name we praise.
2) Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love
3) To all life thou givest - to both great and small;
In all life thou livest the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish - but naught changeth thee.
4) Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
'Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.
This hymn was penned by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908), a pastor of the Free Church of Scotland. He also happened to be a poet. Actually he was much more of a poet than a hymnist. He was more than a dabbler when it came to writing. After reading through this hymn a few times, I would like to read some of his other works. Still, this hymn is probably his most famous work. The tune is called "St. Denio," which is Welsh. Unfortunately, that's about all I can find on the tune at the moment. It's a good tune that's fun to hum.
The hardest part of the Lord's prayer for me is "Hallowed be Thy Name." It isn't that I don't get the purpose, but when I pray, I have a tendency to rush to the parts where I get to say what I want. I want to get to the supplication. I want to tell God what I need. I want to make sure I am taken care of. This hymn has no rush in getting to it's purpose. It's the exact opposite of me. This hymn focuses on who the Lord is. It's just hallowing His name. It isn't what Jesus has done for us, it isn't about how God loved us, it's running through the many names of the Lord. The purpose of "Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise," is a request, but the request is not so urgent that Walter Chalmers Smith doesn't take time to bestow honor upon the Lord and honor His name.
There is a request in this hymn. If you blink, you miss it. I've missed it for a very long time. The fourth stanza makes the request, "All laud we would render: O help us to see. / 'Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee" This hymn is praying that we may understand Scripture. Erik Routley states, "... a closer look at it in its fuller form shows that it was by no means designed to be one of those general hymns of praise that the parson slams into the praise-list when he is in too much of a hurry to think of anything else but a hymn about the reading of Scripture." As Routley indicates, Smith's purpose is made clearer in the original writing of the hymn whose fourth and fifth stanzas sing,
4) Great Father of glory pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
5) All laud we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
The Gospel is the greatest story. It changes lives and redeems souls. However, we need the Father of light to take the darkness away from our hearts in order to see this marvelous love. With this hymn, we sing that the Lord do just that. First, by praising Him then by making the request that we know God's revealed will. There is a lot of beauty in this hymn and I'm sad the Trinity Hymnal trims it down to just three stanzas (1,2, & 4). I would never preach from it, but I would certainly pray it before going to the pulpit.
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious the Ancient of Days
Almighty victorious they great Name we praise.
2) Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love
3) To all life thou givest - to both great and small;
In all life thou livest the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish - but naught changeth thee.
4) Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
'Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.
This hymn was penned by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908), a pastor of the Free Church of Scotland. He also happened to be a poet. Actually he was much more of a poet than a hymnist. He was more than a dabbler when it came to writing. After reading through this hymn a few times, I would like to read some of his other works. Still, this hymn is probably his most famous work. The tune is called "St. Denio," which is Welsh. Unfortunately, that's about all I can find on the tune at the moment. It's a good tune that's fun to hum.
The hardest part of the Lord's prayer for me is "Hallowed be Thy Name." It isn't that I don't get the purpose, but when I pray, I have a tendency to rush to the parts where I get to say what I want. I want to get to the supplication. I want to tell God what I need. I want to make sure I am taken care of. This hymn has no rush in getting to it's purpose. It's the exact opposite of me. This hymn focuses on who the Lord is. It's just hallowing His name. It isn't what Jesus has done for us, it isn't about how God loved us, it's running through the many names of the Lord. The purpose of "Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise," is a request, but the request is not so urgent that Walter Chalmers Smith doesn't take time to bestow honor upon the Lord and honor His name.
There is a request in this hymn. If you blink, you miss it. I've missed it for a very long time. The fourth stanza makes the request, "All laud we would render: O help us to see. / 'Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee" This hymn is praying that we may understand Scripture. Erik Routley states, "... a closer look at it in its fuller form shows that it was by no means designed to be one of those general hymns of praise that the parson slams into the praise-list when he is in too much of a hurry to think of anything else but a hymn about the reading of Scripture." As Routley indicates, Smith's purpose is made clearer in the original writing of the hymn whose fourth and fifth stanzas sing,
4) Great Father of glory pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
5) All laud we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
The Gospel is the greatest story. It changes lives and redeems souls. However, we need the Father of light to take the darkness away from our hearts in order to see this marvelous love. With this hymn, we sing that the Lord do just that. First, by praising Him then by making the request that we know God's revealed will. There is a lot of beauty in this hymn and I'm sad the Trinity Hymnal trims it down to just three stanzas (1,2, & 4). I would never preach from it, but I would certainly pray it before going to the pulpit.
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