You May Have The Joy Bells Hymn Lyrics and Story

There are so many uplifting songs that will put a smile on your face and "You May Have the Joy Bells" is one of them. J Edward Ruark is the author of the words of this hymn which was published in 1899. The music was provided by William J Kirkpatrick.

Unfortunately little is known about the author, J Edward Ruark. He may have been one of the many people who sought the assistance of William J Kirkpatrick in adding music to their poems.

It is, however, a powerful song that promises joy-bells if we live for Jesus every day.  There may be trials but He will keep the joy-bells ringing in our hearts.

You May Have The Joy Bells Hymn Lyrics

You may have the joy-bells ringing in your heart,
And a peace that from you never will depart;
Walk the straight and narrow way,
Live for Jesus every day,
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

Refrain:
Joy-bells ringing in your heart,
Joy-bells ringing in your heart;
Take the Savior here below
With you everywhere, you go;
He will keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

Love of Jesus in its fullness you may know;
And this love to those around you sweetly show;
Words of kindness always say;
Deeds of mercy do each day,
Then He’ll keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

You will meet with trials as you journey home;
Grace sufficient He will give to overcome;
Though unseen by mortal eye,
He is with you ever nigh,
And He’ll keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

Let your life speak well of Jesus every day;
Own His right to every service you can pay;
Sinners you can help to win
If your life is pure and clean,
And you keep the joy-bells ringing in your heart.

For more lyrics and stories visit popular and old hymns history.

You May Have The Joy Bells Hymn Video

Joy Bells Quartet also known as Joy Bells Ministries not only sing's as a way of spreading the Gospel. Here they are singing this beautiful hymn, You May Have The Joy Bells.

Win Them One By One Hymn Story and Lyrics

Win Them One By One Hymn Story

The author of this beautiful hymn is the well known author of children's hymns, Lizzie DeArmond. She wrote this hymn in 1915.

Lizzie was born on Ju­ly 23, 1847, in Phil­a­del­phia, Penn­syl­van­ia. She died on Oc­to­ber 26, 1936, at her home in Swarth­more, Penn­syl­van­ia.

She started writing poems when she was only twelve years old. However, her most prolific period came after she became a widow with eight children to support.

It was during this period that Lizzie started to write in earnest. She wrote articles, stories as well as hymns.

As is the case with most hymns that came from the pen of Lizzie DeArmond this song was also originally meant for Sunday School children.

Lizzie DeArmond

Win Them One By One Hymn Lyrics

1 We must win them one by one as the master did of old,
When He said to His disciples "Follow Me;"
From the highways broad and wide, to the byways turn aside,
In the footsteps of the Man of Galilee.

Chorus:

One by one, yes, one by one,
We must win them for Jesus one by one;
In the narrow ways of life, amid the tumult and the strife.
We must win them for Jesus one by one.

2 Is it nothing they are lost, souls that Jesus died to save?
Let us gladly in the rescue lend a hand;
News of life and love impart to some weary sinful heart,
Help some brother in the glory light to stand. [Chorus]

3 We must win them one by one by a little kindness shown,
Or a gentle touch of human sympathy;
Stooping down from heights of ease, seeking only God to please,
Pointing ever to the Christ of Calvary. [Chorus]

For more lyrics and stories visit Popular and old hymn history.

Win Them One By One Video.

I Sing The Mighty Power of God Hymn Lyrics and Story

It is almost impossible to believe that "I Sing the Mighty Power of God" was originally written for children. But that is exactly what this hymn was intended for. 

It was first published in 1715 in a hymnal called "Divine and Moral Songs for Children".

It was the goal of the author, Isaac Watts to write songs to the level of a child's understanding. However, this song is now more associated with adults than with children.

Its simple message continues to bless millions of Christians worldwide.

To appreciate this hymn more one has to be reminded of the state of Christian music during that period. Most of the songs then were songs directly from the book of psalms. It was more of chanting the scriptures than actual singing.

Church music had become dull that a 19 year old Isaac Watts complained to his father about this. It was his father who challenged him to write something better.

From that moment on Isaac Watts began writing hymns. He was so prolific that by the times he died he had written hundreds of songs for the Christian church.

It was not an easy ride at first as the Conservatives in the church objected to the composition of songs not directly from scripture. The church leaders said any music not directly from the scriptures was not inspired.

However, Isaac Watts could not understand the logic of being able to pray using your own words but being denied to sing in your own words. To him, if one can pray in his own words then one should also be allowed to sing songs not directly from scriptures.

I Sing the Almighty Power of God is based on scriptures talking about creation. Passages such as Jeremiah 10:12-13: 12 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

13 When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.

Isaac watts

I Sing the Mighty Power of God Lyrics

I sing the almighty power of God,

that made the mountains rise,

that spread the flowing seas abroad,

and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained

the sun to rule the day;

the moon shines full at God’s command,

and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord,

who filled the earth with food,

who formed the creatures thru the Word,

and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,

where’er I turn my eye,

if I survey the ground I tread,

or gaze upon the sky!

There’s not a plant or flower below,

but makes thy glories known,

and clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from thy throne;

while all that borrows life from thee

is ever in thy care;

and everywhere that we can be,

thou, God, art present there.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns please visit here.

I Sing The Mighty Power of God Video

God Leads Us Along Hymn History and Lyrics G A Young

God Leads Us Along Hymn History

This song is a reminder that God's providence is still with us even in our difficult moments. There are moments when we feel like God has abandoned us we still need to know that God is still with us as we go through these difficult times.

The author of this song, George A Young was a rural preacher and carpenter who humbly served the Lord on a meager salary. However, instead of complaining about his situation George Young and his family served the Lord as a loyal servant.

This preacher through their meager salary and resources eventually managed to construct a house on their own. They were happy to have their own house just like all of us would.

Unfortunately while Young was away holding meetings in another area some bad people decided to make life difficult for this humble servant of God. They burnt the house down to ashes.

Instead of complaining and blaming God for not preventing this misfortune, George Young never lost his faith in the Lord. It is out of this tragedy that he wrote this hymn that continues to bless us to this day.

This hymn was written in 1903.

God Leads Us Along Hymn Lyrics

1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;

Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,

God leads His dear children along.

Refrain:

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,

God leads His dear children along;

Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,

God leads His dear children along.

3. Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,

God leads His dear children along;

Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,

God leads His dear children along.

4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,

God leads His dear children along;

Away up in glory, eternity’s day,

God leads His dear children along.

For more lyrics and stories visit popular and old hymns history and lyrics.

God Leads Us Along Hymn Video.

Below is a video from the Gaither Music Homecoming choir featuring Sue Dodge.

Haldor Lillenas found of Lillenas Publishing Company, a music publishing company is one person whose life was impacted by this hymn. 

He had just arrived in the United States from Scandinavia. The first years of his life in the US were hard but a kind lady befriended him and taught him the English language. 

This same lady also introduced Haldor to Christ. The lady would sing this song, God Leads Us Along, to comfort him.

Later in life when he was an adult he remembered this song that had been very special to him in his time of need and wanted to find out something about the author, George A Young. 

Unfortunately, he discovered that the songwriter had passed away. However, he managed to locate his widow who was living in a nearby town.

Haldor went to this town and managed to locate Young's widow who was then living in a poor house. 

Young's widow told him of his life with her husband and how God gave them a wonderful life together until his husband passed away. 

She told him that God had led her to that town and she was excited and glad about it. She is reported to have added, "Isn’t it wonderful that God leads his children day by day and step by step?"

Never once complaining about her humble life she told Haldor that she loved the fact that she was able to assist the people in that town who were in need.

Haldor was so moved by this testimony and excited that he had found more than the story of the songwriter but also a woman who had fully surrendered herself to God's will. 

I pray that God will give me and you the same faith as this woman and her late husband who were so committed to God's work that they appeared to brush away the difficult and humble life they lived. 

The Old Rugged Cross Hymn History and Lyrics

The Old Rugged Cross Hymn History

The Old Rugged Cross is one of the most popular Christian hymns in the English world. It is a hymn that leads us to focus on what Christ did on the cross and make his sacrifice our own. 

Being a Christian is not easy but we all need to cling to that old cross and bear the shame and ridicule we might face.

This hymn composed in 1912 by evangelist and song leader George Bennard. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1873. 

He was converted at the age of 24 after attending a Salvation Army meeting. He later left the salvation and joined the Methodist church in 1910. 

After joining the Methodist church he became an itinerant preacher for the Methodist church. He held revival meetings in the Midwest of the United States.

It was during one of these revival meetings that he came up with this hymn. This was his response to the heckling and ridicule he received from several youths at a revival meeting in Michigan. 

Bernard was troubled by their disregard of the gospel that he turned to the bible to reflect on Christ on the cross.

Here he wrote just the first verse of "The Old Rugged Cross".

He finished the song several months later at another meeting. He was then traveling with Ed E. Mieras. Bernard and Mieras performed the finished song on the last night of the meeting.

Another well-known musician and composer Charles H Gabriel helped Bernard with the harmonies.

The version that we know today was first performed on June 7, 1913, in Pakagon, Michigan at the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pokagon. 

Before this Bernad had performed this song before the sponsoring pastor and his wife, Rev. Leroy, and Ruby Bostwick. It is said that the Bostwicks were moved to tears after hearing this song.

It later became more popular and came to the attention of evangelist Billy Sunday who used it in his meetings. He is the one who popularised this song.

George Bennard

The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suff’ring and shame;

And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies, at last, I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,

For ’t was on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I’ll share.

For more lyrics and stories of hymns visit popular and old hymns history.

Old Rugged Cross Hymn Video.

Gaither Music: Ben Speer, Mike Allen, Judy Martin Hess, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith - The Old Rugged Cross.

Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan where he died on October 10, 1958. The local Chamber of Commerce erected a cross near his home. He was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.

Onward Christian Soldiers Hymn Story and Lyrics

Sabine Baring-Gould and Arthur Sullivan composed this hymn. The words were written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865 while the music to the song was added in 1871 by Arthur Sullivan. 

Arthur Sullivan added the tune of the song at his friend Ernest Clay Ker Seymer’s house. This later made him name his tune “St. Gertrude” after his friend’s wife.

This hymn is one of the commonly known gospel hymns, derived from the New Testament, where Christians are sometimes referred to as soldiers of Jesus Christ. This can be seen in verses such as II Timothy 2:3 (KJV): "Thou, therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

The hymn was originally meant for the procession with the cross by children who walked from Horbury Bridge to Horbury St Peter's Church near Wakefield, Yorkshire, at Whitsuntide in 1865. 

This hymn was originally titled, "Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners" and Baring-Gould composed it in five minutes. He was later reported to have said that some of the original lines could have been faulty.

The original hymn was made to a different made which did not gain wide acceptance. It is only after  Sullivan added his tune that this song gained wide acceptance.

In 1941, Winston Churchill was on the Royal Navy ship, HMS Prince of Wales with  Franklin Roosevelt and he chose this hymn during a church service on the ship.

He later gave the following reason for his choice:

"We sang "Onward, Christian Soldiers" indeed, and I felt that this was no vain presumption, but that we had the right to feel that we were serving a cause for the sake of which a trumpet has sounded from on high. When I looked upon that densely packed congregation of fighting men of the same language, of the same faith, of the same fundamental laws, of the same ideals ... it swept across me that here was the only hope, but also the sure hope, of saving the world from measureless degradation".

Sabine Baring-Gould

Onward Christian Soldiers Hymn Lyrics

1 Onward Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before.

Christ, the royal Master,

Leads against the foe;

Forward into battle,

See, His banners go!

Onward, Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus,

Going on before.

At the name of Jesus

Satan’s host doth flee;

On then, Christian soldiers,

On to victory!

Hell’s foundations quiver

At the shout of praise:

Brothers, lift your voices,

Loud your anthems raise!

Like a mighty army

Moves the Church of God:

Brothers, we are treading

Where the saints have trod;

We are not divided,

All one Body we—

One in faith and Spirit,

One eternally.

Crowns and thrones may perish,

Kingdoms rise and wane;

But the Church of Jesus

Constant will remain.

Gates of hell can never

’Gainst the Church prevail;

We have Christ’s own promise,

Which can never fail.

Onward, then, ye people!

Join our happy throng;

Blend with ours your voices

In the triumph song.

Glory, laud, and honor

Unto Christ, the King;

This through countless ages

Men and angels sing.

For more lyrics and stories, visit popular and old hymns History.

Onward Christian Soldiers Hymn Video

Below is a video of the Gaither Homecoming choir singing, "Onward Christian Soldiers."

Amazing Grace Hymn Story and Lyrics

Amazing Grace Hymn Story

Amazing Grace is a gospel hymn that was written by John Newton who was a former slave trader. This gospel hymn is commonly associated with the African-American community. 

The gospel hymn talks about Newton’s life story from his early days when he was forced into joining the Royal navy until the time when he decided to settle in religion. 

John Newton had joined the navy in 1743 after he was captured and forced to join while visiting his friends.

In 1745, while in the navy en route to India he rebelled against the discipline of the Royal navy and deserted. He was captured and was flogged and put in leg irons.

Following this incident and humiliation John Newton actually considered murdering the sea captain and committing suicide by throwing himself overboard at sea.

He later convinced the sea captain to discharge him to a slave ship.

He was transferred to Pegasus a slave-trading ship bound for West Africa. As in the navy, the freethinking and rebellious John Newton did not get along with the crew of Pegasus and was left in West Africa with Amos Clowe, a slave dealer. 

Amos Clowe handed John Newton to his African mistress Princess Peye who mistreated him as she did the other slaves. John Newton wrote of this time as, "once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in West Africa".

He was later rescued in 1748 by a sea captain sent by his father to search for him. He returned to England on a ship called Greyhound.

During the voyage to England, a violent storm struck his vessel off the coast that he decided to call upon God for help. This was the moment when he converted to Christianity.

From that point on, he avoided profanity, gambling, and drinking but he continued his involvement in the slave trade.

He, however, had become sympathetic to the slaves because of the time he spent in slavery in West Africa.

He is reported to have made at least three slave trading trips to West Africa after his return to England. He only stopped after suffering from a stroke in 1754. He however now promoted the humane treatment of the slaves and the crew.

Decades later around 1780 he joined the Committee for the Abolition of Slave Trade. During the 1780s he wrote "Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade". 

In it he states; "So much light has been thrown upon the subject, by many able pens; and so many respectable persons have already engaged to use their utmost influence, for the suppression of a traffic, which contradicts the feelings of humanity; that it is hoped, this stain of our National character will soon be wiped out."

He further wrote in the book,. ""a business at which my heart now shudders,"

This paper was written to help William Wilberforce who was leading the battle against the slave trade. It was shared with the members of parliament in Westminster.

This sad chapter of slave trading in his life recollection never left him that when in his old age it was suggested that he retire, he responded, "I cannot stop. What? Shall the old African blasphemer stop while he can speak?"

John Newton

Amazing Grace Hymn Lyrics

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.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

The Lord hath promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

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 first begun.

For more lyrics and stories visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

Amazing Grace Hymn Video

Below Wintley Phipps gives a beautiful rendition of this hymn, Amazing Grace.

Old Southern Gospel Hymns

Most of the old gospel hymns are still being sung today in the twenty-first century. There are many awesome old southern gospel hymns, which were composed in the 70s and before. 

It is difficult to rate the songs from the best to the worst because all of them were a hit in their day.

The southern gospel hymns someone of the most beautiful and powerful songs, which have ever been written. Most of them were derived from the Bible whereas some were written according to one’s personal experience. 

Mostly, the experiences were ones, which tested the faith of individuals. They found comfort in singing to Christ Jesus and this is how hymn songs came about. Some of the examples of the commonly known hymn songs are as follows;

1. Because He lives

Bill and Gloria Gaither

This is one of the southern hymn songs that are well known. It was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, who are some of the most influential southern gospel musicians in the world. 

Gaither is received well wherever he goes and his song “Because He Lives” is about the living savior. This hymn song is sung and is found in many Christian church hymnals all over the world.

2. Stand up for Jesus

This hymn was written by George Duffield Jr in 1858. The hymn “Stand Up for Jesus” was based on the dying words of Dudley Tyng who had died from wounds sustained in a farm accident.

A few days after the accident Dudley Tyng told his father, "Tell my brethren of the ministry, wherever you meet them, to stand up for Jesus."

At the funeral of Dudley, Duffield preached from Ephesians 6:14, "Stand firm, wearing the whole armor of God", and ended it by reciting this hymn he had written as a tribute.

Duffield was an associate of Dudley Tyng and supported him in the revival of evangelicalism in Pennslyvania.

Dudley Tyng had recently been expelled from an Episcopal congregation for speaking against slavery.

Duffield was also an inspiring preacher who led many people to Christ.

In addition to that, Duffield followed the bible to the letter and was against slavery-like his friend, Dudley Tyng. Their opposition to slavery was very divisive in those days. It made some happy and angered others in equal measure.

3. Count your Blessings

This is a popular song written by Irving Berlin. He wrote the song from his personal experience after the doctors could not treat his insomnia, which resulted from a form of stress, and asked him to try “counting his blessings.”

This hymn reminds us to be grateful for the small things that God has blessed us with, and stop overlooking them. All we have to say is thank you because not everyone is lucky to have the blessings that we have received.

4. Great is thy Faithfulness 

This is a popular Christian hymn written by Thomas Chisholm and derived from the Old Testament, in the book of Lamentations 3:23. After writing the song, he sent it to Kansas, where it was received by William Runyan, who in turn set the poem into music.

The song gained popularity because it was commonly used in international crusades and in Universities.

5. When the Saints go marching in

Despite the fact that this song originated as a Christian hymn, it is popularly played by the jazz bands and recorded by Louis Armstrong. The song is often confused with another hymn which looks similar known as “when the saints are marching in” by Katherine Purvis.

The origin of the song is quite unclear because there are other songs that people think are the same with this one yet they are completely different and written by different people.

It is believed that the original song begins with “When all the saints come marching in” and jazz bands sing it with modern lyrics which begins with “when the saints go marching in”.

This controversy has brought about confusion on the song’s originality.

6. Just as I Am 

The Christian gospel hymn, written by Charlotte Elliot first appeared on Christian Remembrance in around 1836. This song, later on, became the altar call song in Billy Graham’s crusades and even in the twentieth-century churches.

Graham used the song’s title in writing his autobiography and was later sung by Michael Smith as a tribute to Billy Graham.

7. He’s got the whole world in His hands

As seen from the name of this gospel hymn, the Lord Jesus Christ owns everything in this world and sees everything from heaven. This gospel hymn is a traditional African American hymn published in the early 1920’s.

The song is mostly used in teaching children more about the Bible and the nature of God. It is one of the gospel hymns that is still being used today.

8. I will sing the wondrous story

Singing about the wondrous story of the Christ who died for us reminds us of how gracious and merciful God is to everyone. This song assures every believer of eternal life in heaven through the parables and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In addition to that, the gospel hymn also portrays how God pardons people and gives second chances to those who lost their way. This is evidently seen from the line which says “I was lost but Jesus found me”.

He never leaves our side and is always with us, guiding our paths and showing us the right way to follow.

For more strories and hymn lyrics visit here.

Come Unto Me, Ye Weary Hymn Story and Lyrics

Come Unto Me, Ye Weary Hymn Story

This hymn was written by William Chatterton Dix in 1867.

William Chatterton Dix was born on June 14, 1837, in Bristol England. He was the son of John Dix, a surgeon, who wrote The Life of Chatterton the poet. He was educated at Bristol Grammar School.

He wrote hymns and carols during his lifetime on earth.

It is based on Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

In talking of this hymn, Dix says, "I was ill and depressed at the time, and it was almost to idle away the hours that I wrote the hymn. I had been ill for many weeks and felt weary and faint, and the hymn really expresses the languidness of the body from which I was suffering at the time. Soon after its composition, I recovered, and I always look back to that hymn as the turning point in my illness."

William Chatterton Dix

Come Unto Me Ye Weary Hymn Lyrics

1 "Come unto me, ye weary,

and I will give you rest."

O blessed voice of Jesus,

which comes to cheer the night!

It tells of benediction,

of pardon, grace, and peace,

of joy that hath no ending,

of love which cannot cease.

2 "Come unto me, dear children,

and I will give you light."

O loving voice of Jesus,

which comes to cheer the night!

Our hearts were filled with sadness,

and we had lost our way;

but morning brings us gladness,

and songs the break of day.

3 "Come unto me, ye fainting, and I will give you life."

O peaceful voice of Jesus,

which comes to end our strife!

The foe is stern and eager,

the fight is fierce and long;

but thou hast made us mighty,

and stronger than the strong.

4 "And whosoever cometh

I will not cast him out."

O patient love of Jesus,

which drives away our doubt;

which calls us, very sinners,

unworthy though we be,

of love so free and boundless,

to come, dear Lord, to thee!

For more stories and lyrics visit popular and old hymn history.

Come Unto Me Ye Weary Video.

Behold the Glories of the Lamb Hymn Story and Lyrics

Behold the Glories of the Lamb Hymn Story

This is Isaac Watts' first-ever hymn. Isaac Watts was born in 1674. He wrote this around 1688. He was therefore only a teenager when he wrote this hymn.

When Isaac Watts was born congregation singing involved chanting the psalms direct from the bible. Most people believed that any composition would not be inspired.

Before this hymn was written Isaac Watts argued with his father that singing only Psalms made him miss important New Testament truth. He, therefore, began composing his own hymns.

He is said to have composed hymns on a weekly basis for his congregation.

Considering that he was only a teenager, it is amazing to note that he appeared to have in-depth knowledge of the scripture. He appears to have studied the bible quite a lot judging by the scriptures employed in this song.

Isaac Watts

Behold the Glories of the Lamb Hymn Lyrics

Behold the glories of the Lamb

Amidst His Father’s throne.

Prepare new honors for His name,

And songs before unknown.

Let elders worship at His feet,

The Church adore around,

With vials full of odors sweet,

And harps of sweeter sound.

Those are the prayers of the saints,

And these the hymns they raise;

Jesus is kind to our complaints,

He loves to hear our praise.

Eternal Father, who shall look

Into Thy secret will?

Who but the Son should take that Book

And open every seal?

He shall fulfill Thy great decrees,

The Son deserves it well;

Lo, in His hand the sovereign keys

Of Heav’n, and death, and hell!

Now to the Lamb that once was slain

Be endless blessings paid;

Salvation, glory, joy remain

Forever on Thy head.

Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood,

Hast set the prisoner free;

Hast made us kings and priests to God,

And we shall reign with Thee.

The worlds of nature and of grace

Are put beneath Thy power;

Then shorten these delaying days,

And bring the promised hour.

For more lyrics and stories visit popular and old hymn history.

Behold the Glories of the Lamb Video.

Be Present At Our Table Hymn Story and Lyrics

Be Present At Our Table Lord Hymn Story.

This hymn was written by John Cennick, 1741. The tune is attributed to Louis Bourgeois.

It is based on Matthew 6:11, "Give us this day our daily bread."

John Cennick was born at Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom in 1717. He was a friend of John Wesley and George Whitefield and assisted them in their work. 

He split from John Wesley on doctrinal grounds and sided with George Whitefield. He later joined the Moravians and went to work in German and the North of Ireland. 

He died in London on July 4, 1755

He wrote other hymns besides this post's hymn. The other hymns he wrote include, "Lo He Cometh, countless trumpets"; Children of the heavenly King; and "Ere I sleep, for every favor".

John Cennick

Be Present At Our Table Lord Hymn Lyrics

Be present at our table, Lord;

Be here and everywhere adored;

Thy creatures bless, and grant that we

May feast in paradise with Thee.

We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,

For life and health and every good;

By Thine own hand may we be fed;

Give us each day our daily bread.

We thank Thee, Lord, for this our good,

But more because of Jesus’ blood;

Let manna to our souls be giv’n,

The Bread of Life sent down from Heav’n.

For more lyrics and stories visit popular and old hymn history.

Be Present At Our Table Lord Video

My Faith Looks Up To Thee Hymn Story and Lyrics

My Faith Look Up To Thee Hymn Story

This famous hymn is the product of Ray Palmer a pastor. It is one of the most loved hymns produced by an American Christian.

Ray Palmer was born in Little Compton in 1808 and grew up in Boston Massachusetts. He attended Yale University. He spent most of his life on earth as a minister of the word of God.

This hymn was written when Ray Palmer was only 22. Ray is quoted as saying "The words of the hymn were born of my own soul".

This song was written when he was so overwhelmed by all that he owed to the Lord. It was this expression of this debt that led to the words of this hymn. It was an expression of his convictions about faith.

He wrote this as a poem not intending that it will be turned into a song. 

It is said that was so absorbed mentally in writing this song that he cried when he finished the final line. He copied the words into a book and used them frequently for meditation.

The music of this hymn was added by in 1830 by musician Lowell Mason (1792-1872). They met by chance in Boston an Mason asked Palmer if he had anything that could be included in "Spiritual Songs for Social Worship".

It was then that Palmer produced which he had been using for his meditation and gave it to Lowell Mason. That is how this song was a private poem about faith that ended up in a song.

In the book, "A Treasure Of Hymns", there is a story that is connected to this hymn. It is said that during the American civil war, eight soldiers met in a tent to pray. They were all worried about their lives that they decided to send a message of comfort to their families in case they died. They all copied the final stanza of this hymn which each one signed. The next morning seven of the soldiers were killed.

Mason once told Palmer, “you may live many years and do many good things, but I think you will be best known to posterity as the author of ‘My Faith Looks Up to Thee.’”

Ray Palmer

My Faith Looks Up To Thee Hymn Lyrics

My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Savior Divine;

Now hear me while I pray;

Take all my guilt away;

Oh, let me from this day

Be wholly Thine.

May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart,

My zeal inspire;

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be,

A living fire.

While life’s dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my Guide;

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow’s tears away,

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside.

All thru life’s transient dream,

Until death’s sullen stream

Shall o’er me roll,

Blest Savior, with Thy love,

Fear and distrust remove;

Make me Thy grace to prove

Transform my soul.

For more lyrics and stories visit popular and old hymn history.

My Faith Looks Up To Thee Hymn Video.

Bill & Gloria Gaither - My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Jesus The Very Thought Of Thee Hymn Lyrics and Story

Jesus The Very Thought Of Thee Hymn Story

This hymn was originally written by one of the most influential Christians of Europe in his day, Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153). 

He had the ear of kings and influential people of his day. His sermons and writings were well regarded for centuries. He helped in the establishment of monasteries.

This hymn was first translated into English by Edward Caswall (1818-1878). The music is added by John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876).

Edward Caswall

Jesus the Very Thought of Thee Hymn Lyrics

Jesus, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills my breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,

Nor can the memory find

A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name,

O Savior of mankind!

O Hope of every contrite heart,

O Joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah, this

Nor tongue nor pen can show;

The love of Jesus, what it is

None but His loved ones know.

O Jesus! light of all below!

Thou fount of life and fire!

Surpassing all the joys we know,

And all we can desire.

No other source have we but Thee,

Soul-thirst to satisfy.

Exhaustless spring! the waters free!

All other streams are dry.

Jesus, our only Joy be Thou,

As Thou our Prize wilt be;

Jesus, be Thou our Glory now,

And through eternity.

For more lyrics and stories visit Popular and Old Hymns History

Jesus The Very Thought of Thee Video.

I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say Hymn Story and Lyrics

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say Hymn Story

Horatius Bonar was born in 1808 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the son of an elder in the Church of Scotland.

Bonar himself later entered the ministry and became the pastor of the North Parish in the town of Kelso.

Soon after Bonar became a minister there was a schism in the Established Church of Scotland. Over four hundred ministers including Bonar broke away and formed the Free Church of Scotland.

In those days music in the church was made up of singing the Psalms and it was falling out of fashion especially with the youth. To make the music more palatable for the youth, Bonar started composing songs for the youth. Eventually, he also composed songs for the elders.

In composing the songs Bonar used simpler lyrics and used popular tunes of his day.

It was while he was still at Kelso that he composed, " I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say". This is perhaps his most popular hymn that continues to be sung in most of the English speaking Christian church.

Horatius Bonar

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say Hymn Lyrics

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;

I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give

The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”

I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s Light;

Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright.”

I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;

And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.

For more stories and lyrics visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say Video.

O For A Closer Walk With God Hymn Story and Lyrics

O For A Closer Walk With God Hymn History

William Cowper is the author of this hymn, "O for a Closer Walk With God" which he composed in 1769.

The inspiration for this hymn was Genesis 5:24, "And Enock walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Another was Amos 3:3, "Godliness is walking with God: which shows reconciliation to God, for can two walk together except they be agreed?"

This hymn was written during the serious illness of his beloved aunt, Mrs. Unwin. In a letter written following day after composing this song William Cowper says the following:

"She is the chief of blessings I have met within my journey since the Lord was pleased to call me... Her illness has been a sharp trial for me. Oh, that it may have been a sanctified effect, that I may rejoice to surrender up to the Lord my dearest comforts, the moment He may require them... I began to compose the verses yesterday morning before daybreak but fell asleep at the end of the first two lines: When I awakened, the third and fourth were whispered to my heart in a way which I have often experienced."

So was written this hymn that continues to bless us all in our walk with God.

William Cowper was a great friend of another famous musician of his time, John Newton. They struck their relationship when Cowper moved to the village of Olney. 

They collaborated in producing, "Olney Hymns Hymnal",  with Cowper producing sixty-seven of the 349 hymns and the remainder came from Newton.

They usually met at his aunt, Mrs. Unwin place to work on their hymns when he was in Olney.

William Cowper

O For A Closer Walk With God Hymn Lyrics

O for a closer walk with God,

A calm and heavenly frame,

A light to shine upon the road

That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew,

When first I saw the Lord?

Where is the soul refreshing view

Of Jesus, and His Word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!

How sweet their memory still!

But they have left an aching void

The world can never fill.

Return, O holy Dove, return,

Sweet messenger of rest;

I hate the sins that made Thee mourn

And drove Thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,

Whate’er that idol be

Help me to tear it from Thy throne,

And worship only Thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,

Calm and serene my frame;

So purer light shall mark the road

That leads me to the Lamb.

For more stories and lyrics visit Popular and Old Hymns Histories.

Below is a video featuring this song.

Another Note:

William Cowper was a very complex being who suffered from depression for most of his life. It is said that at one point he almost committed suicide. Yet he desired to bless others with these beautiful songs that continue to bless us. God uses weak human beings as his vessel. He does not need perfect beings.

All Things Bright And Beautiful Hymn Story and Lyrics

All Things Bright And Beautiful Hymn Story

All Things Bright and Beautiful is hymn meant for children. It was first published in "Hymns for Little Children".

The words of this hymn are from the pen of Cecil Frances Alexander. This was her attempt to simplify the Apostle Creed for children. It tries to explain, "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth" and other parts.

Cecil Francis Alexander was born in 1823. She composed hundreds of Christian hymns in her lifetime.

Proceeds from her publications were used to support the Irish school of mutes. She helped many people in need in her lifetime and when she died in 1895 she was greatly missed especially the poor and needy.

Cecil Frances Alexander

All Things Bright And Beautiful Hymn Lyrics

Refrain:

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful:

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountains,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning

That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,

To gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

For more stories and lyrics please visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

Below is a video

King's College Choir Cambridge singing "All things Bright and Beautiful".

Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending Hymn Lyrics and Story

Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending Story

The text for this hymn is from John Cennick (1718 - 1755) and Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788). The tune used for this hymn is from the song Helmsley.

It was first composed by John Cennick in his hymn titled, "Lo! He Cometh, countless Trumpet" which was first published in 1752. This song was later substantially revised by Charles Wesly in 1758.

It is based on the Second coming of Jesus Christ as presented in Revelation 1:7, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

John Cennick

Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending Lyrics

1. Lo, he comes with clouds descending,

once for favoured sinners slain;

thousand thousand saints attending

swell the triumph of his train:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

God appears on earth to reign.

2. Every eye shall now behold him

robed in dreadful majesty;

those who set at naught and sold him,

pierced and nailed him to the tree,

deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,

shall the true Messiah see.

3. Those dear tokens of his passion

still his dazzling body bears,

cause of endless exultation

to his ransomed worshippers:

with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture,

gaze we on those glorious scars!

4. Yea, Amen, let all adore thee,

high on thine eternal throne;

Saviour, take the power and glory,

claim the kingdom for thine own:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou shalt reign and thou alone.

For more links to hymn lyrics and stories visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

Below is a video of Ely Cathedral Choir of the  United Kingdom singing this song.