Show Pity, Lord, O Lord, Forgive Hymn - Isaac Watts' Prayer For Forgiveness

Show Pity, Lord, O Lord, Forgive Hymn Story

Isaac Watts, that prolific writer of English hymns, has contributed a most helpful penitential hymn, which bears the date of 1719. The sentiment of this hymn is rather an assumption of sin and a realization of God's knowledge of it, and therefore a penitential petition for forgiveness.

This hymn is a versification of the fifty-first psalm. In this psalm David prays for the remission of sins, making deep confession. It was after he had been guilty of specially heinous sin. It is, therefore, a psalm which is always appropriate in times of humiliation or at services of confession. The psalms, as we know, were the first hymn book. They still, in their scriptural form, are chanted in the churches. In their proper rendering we have the privilege of most beautiful and expressive worship. Some of the best of our hymns are versifications of these old biblical chants of the sanctuary. Of these, Luther and Watts have given us two of the best in their respective renditions of the 130th and 51st psalms.

Show Pity Lord O Lord Forgive Lyrics

Show pity, Lord; O Lord! forgive;

Let a repenting rebel live.

Are not Thy mercies large and free?

May not a sinner trust in Thee?

Great God, Thy Nature hath no bound,

So let Thy pardoning Love be found.

wash my soul from every sin,

And make my guilty conscience clean!

My lips with shame my sins confess

Against Thy law, against Thy grace:

Lord, should Thy judgment grow severe,

1 am condemned, but Thou art clear.

Yet save a trembling sinner. Lord,

Whose hope, still hovering round Thy word,

Would light on some sweet promise there,

Some sure support against despair.

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Show Pity Lord, O Lord Forgive Hymn Video

From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee - Luther's 130th Psalm Story and Lyrics

From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee Story

It has been well said of Luther that he is the "Ambrose of German hymnody." This is high but deserved praise. His hymns are characterized by simplicity and strength and have a popular churchly tone in the true sense of that word churchly. Julian says: "They breathe the bold, confident, joyful spirit of justifying faith, which was the beating heart of his theology and piety." A striking illustration of this is found in his hymn of penitence, which is a versification of the thought of the psalmist, namely, "Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu Dir"

Luther began the writing of hymns in 1523, and as this hymn bears the date of 1524 it is therefore among the earlier of his contributions to the rich storehouse of Evangelical hymnody. His hymns were the product of his environment and the expression of his strong faith in the presence of trial. A careful reading of the text of this hymn, while it is strictly penitential, shows lines strikingly expressive

of faith and trust. There are several translations of the vigorous German of this hymn into very excellent English.

The translation which is probably most familiar and which is most widely used is that of Miss Winkworth, which we here give. It will prove excellent devotional reading.

From Depths Of Woe I Cry To Thee Lyrics

Out of the depths I cry to Thee,

Lord, hear me, I implore Thee!

Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,

Let my prayer come before Thee!

If Thou remember each misdeed.

If each should have its rightful meed,

Who may abide Thy presence?

Our pardon is Thy gift ; Thy Love

And grace alone avail us.

Our works could ne'er our guilt remove,

The strictest life must fail us.

That none may boast himself of aught.

But own in fear Thy grace hath wrought

What in him seemeth righteous.

And thus my hope is in the Lord,

And not in mine own merit:

I rest upon His faithful word

To them of contrite spirit.

That He is merciful and just —

Here is my comfort and my trust.

His help I wait with patience.

And though it tarry till the night.

And round till morning waken,

My heart shall ne'er mistrust Thy might.

Nor count itself forsaken.

Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed.

Ye of the Spirit born indeed,

Wait for your God's appearing.

Though great our sins and sore our woes,

His grace much more aboundeth;

His helping love no limit knows,

Our utmost need it soundeth.

Our kind and faithful Shepherd, He,

Who shall at last set Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns visit here.

From Depths Of Woe I Cry To Thee Youtube Video

Away In A Manger, No Crib For A Bed - A Classic Christmas Lullaby & Carol

Martin Luther has given us another Christmas hymn — at least it is commonly attributed to him — the ''Cradle Hymn," which is a marvelously sweet lullaby. This hymn is very short; but it is very dear to the little ones, who without exception soon learn to sing and to love it.

Away In A Manger No Crib For A Bed Lyrics

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed.

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay —

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;

I love Thee, Lord Jesus. Look down from the sky,

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

The above is distinctly a "cradle hymn." It is so simple, so evangelical and so beautiful that even if the critics cannot agree as to its authorship, we certainly are unanimous as to its use.

For more click here.

Away In A Manger, No Crib For A Bed Youtube Video

Good News From Heaven The Angels Bring Hymn - Martin Luther

Good News From Heaven The Angels Bring Hymn Story

Martin Luther, who contributed much to the Reformation cause through his hymns, which are known by every peasant in Germany, and for which in most instances he has furnished his own melody, has given us one of the very best and most meaningful of our Christmas hymns.

The original of this carol, we are told, Luther wrote for his little son Hans when he was only five years old. It is still sung at daybreak on Christmas morning by singers standing in the dome of the "Kreuz Kirche" in Dresden. Luther wrote it in 1535. The translation which is in most common use is by Miss Winkworth. The music bears the date of 1539 and has come down to us with the words as one of the glad notes of the Christmas time.

Good News From Heaven The Angels Bring Hymn Lyrics

Good news from heaven the angels bring,

Glad tidings to the earth they sing:

To us this day a Child is given,

To crown us with the joy of heaven.

This is the Christ, our God and Lord,

Who in all need shall aid afford;

He will Himself our Saviour be,

From all our sins to set us free.

To us that blessedness He brings,

Which from the Father's bounty springs:

That in the heavenly realm we may

With Him enjoy eternal day.

All hail! Thou noble Guest, this morn.

Whose Love did not the sinner scorn:

In my distress Thou comest to me;

What thanks shall I return to Thee?

Were earth a thousand times as fair.

Beset with gold and jewels rare,

She yet were far too poor to be

A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,

Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,

Within my heart, that it may be

A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

Praise God upon His heavenly throne,

Who gave to us His only Son:

For this His hosts, on joyful wing,

A blest New Year of mercy sing.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns click here.

Good News From Heaven The Angels Bring Hymn Youtube Video

Shout The Glad Tidings, Exultingly Sing Story and Lyrics - Muhlenberg's Christmas hymn

Shout The Glad Tidings, Exultingly Sing Story

Hymns like these which we have just quoted prepare us to sing William Augustus Muhlenberg's valuable contribution to our Christmas collection of hymns. It is a hymn in which the echoing harmonies of heaven touch a responsive chord in our very souls.

The text of this hymn has come to us unaltered from the pen of the author, who is the grandson of the

W A Muhlenberg

Patriarch of the Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D. He bore a Lutheran name, but through attendance in English Sunday schools became an Episcopalian and carried his Lutheran spirit into that church, where he did a wonderful work in the development of hospital and other benevolent work in New York City.

Shout The Glad Tidings, Exultingly Sing Lyrics

We feel the power in the words and the melody and are literally ready to shout when called to sing —

Shout the glad tidings, exultingly sing,

Jerusalem triumphs, Messiah is King!

Sion, the marvellous story be telling,

The Son of the Highest, how lowly His birth!

The brightest archangel in glory excelling.

He stoops to redeem thee, He reigns upon earth:

Chorus. — Shout the glad tidings, exultingly sing,

Jerusalem triumphs, Messiah is King,

Messiah is King, Messiah is King.

Tell how He cometh; from nation to nation.

The heart-cheering news let the earth echo round;

How free to the faithful He offers salvation.

How His people with joy everlasting are crowned.

Mortals, your homage be gratefully bringing.

And sweet let the gladsome hosanna arise;

Ye angels, the full Alleluia be singing;

One chorus resound through the earth and the skies.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns click here.

Shout The Glad Tidings, Exultingly Sing Youtube Video

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go Hymn Story and Lyrics - George Matheson, 1842-1906

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go Hymn Story

DR. GEORGE MATHESON was one of the most be loved clergymen in the Church of Scotland. His writings were numerous and of a high order; but the marvel of it all is that he was able to accomplish so much without his sight, for from the age of fifteen he was totally blind. His hymn beginning, "O Love that wilt not let me go," was sung out of his blindness and gives evidence of the courage with which he bore his great affliction. 

His own story of how he came to write the hymn is well worth quoting: "My hymn was composed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of June 6, 1882. I was at the time alone. It was the day of my sister s marriage, and the rest of the family were staying overnight in Glasgow. Something had happened to me, which was known only to myself; and which caused the most severe mental suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself." 

William T. Stead quotes this letter from a correspondent : "At a time of great spiritual darkness, when God, Christ, and heaven seemed to have gone out of my life, . . . I heard this hymn sung in a little country chapel. The first two lines haunted me for weeks, and at last brought light and comfort to my dark soul."

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go Lyrics

1 O Love, that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in Thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

2 O Light, that followest all my way,

I yield my flickering torch to Thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

3 O Joy, that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain

That morn shall tearless be.

4 O Cross, that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from Thee;

I lay in dust life’s glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

For more stories and lyrics of popular hymns visit here.

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go Youtube Video

From Greenland's Icy Mountains Hymn Story and Lyrics - Reginald Heber, 1783-1826

BISHOP REGINALD HEBER, after years of longing for the spread of the gospel in India, crowned his career with a few years of most useful service as Bishop of Calcutta. He made extensive visitations among the struggling missions nearly a century ago and ordained the first Christian native, Christian David. At last he laid down his life, a victim of fever, as a result of his labors in that benighted land. 

During the years of his life as rector of Hodnet, while longing for a career in India, he wrote many hymns, as well as other forms of literary productions, and won the respect and friendship of Milman, Southey, and other litterateurs. 

One Saturday afternoon, the day before Whit sunday, 1819, he was at Wrexham Vicarage with his father-in-law, Dr. Shipley, Dean of Saint Asaph. Dr. Shipley was planning to preach on the following morning a sermon in aid of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and in the evening Reginald

R Heber

Heber was to begin a series of lectures in the same church. As they sat together with some friends the Dean asked him to write a hymn on a missionary theme to be sung at the morning service. After Heber had retired for a while he returned and the Dean asked him: "What have you written?" Heber in reply read the first three verses of "From Greenland's icy mountains." The Dean exclaimed that they were very satisfactory. "No, no," replied Heber, "the sense is not complete." And so he added one more verse "Waft, waft, ye winds, His story" and the whole hymn was sung the next morning at the service.

From Greenland's Icy Mountains Lyrics

1 From Greenland’s icy mountains,
  From India’s coral strand,
Where Afric’s sunny fountains
  Roll down their golden sand;
From many an ancient river,
  From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
  Their land from error’s chain.

2 What though the spicy breezes
  Blow soft on Ceylon’s isle;
Though every prospect pleases,
  And only man is vile;
In vain with lavish kindness
  The gifts of God are strown;
The heathen, in his blindness,
  Bows down to wood and stone.

3 Can we, whose souls are lighted
  With wisdom from on high;
Can we to men benighted
  The lamp of life deny?
Salvation! O salvation!
  The joyful sound proclaim,
Till each remotest nation
  Has learned Messiah’s name.

4 Waft, waft, ye winds, His story;
  And you, ye waters, roll,
Till, like a sea of glory,
  It spreads from pole to pole;
Till o’er our ransomed nature,
  The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
  In bliss returns to reign.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns visit here.

From Greenland's Icy Mountains Youtube Video

Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus! Hymn Story and Lyrics - George Duffield, Jr., 1818-1888

The History of Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus Hymn

THE hymn, "Stand up, stand up for Jesus," was written during the great revival of 1858, that came to be known as "The Work of God in Philadelphia." It was based upon the dying words of the Rev. Dudley A.

Rev. Dudley A Tyng

Tyng, one of the most active ministers in the revival. It is said that, when he preached on March 30, 1858, at the noonday prayer meeting in Jayne s Hall, five thousand men listened to his sermon from the text, "Go now, ye that are men, and serve the Lord," and that before the close of the meeting over a thousand expressed their purpose to become Christians. 

A few days later at "Brookfield," not far from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, he left his study for a moment and went out to the barn, where a mule was working, harnessed to a machine, shelling corn. When he patted the mule on the head, his sleeve caught in the cogs of the wheel and his arm was frightfully torn. 

After a painful but short illness, death finally claimed him. As he was dying, his father asked him if he had any message for his fellow ministers in the revival. He replied, "Let us all stand up for Jesus." That message was borne to them along with the sorrowful news of his death. Dr. George Duffield, Jr., the following Sunday preached a memorial sermon on his late friend, Tyng, taking as his text Ephesians 6. 14; and he wrote this hymn, based upon Tyng's dying words, as a fitting climax to the thought of his sermon.

Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus Hymn Lyrics

1

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!

  Ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner,

  It must not suffer loss:

From vict’ry unto vict’ry

  His army shall He lead,

Till every foe is vanquished

  And Christ is Lord indeed.

  Stand up for Jesus

Ye soldiers of the cross;

Lift high His royal banner,

  It must not, it must not suffer loss.

2

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!

  The trumpet call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict

  In this His glorious day.

Ye that are men, now serve Him

  Against unnumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger.

  And strength to strength oppose.

3

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!

  Stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you;

  Ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armor,

  And, watching unto prayer,

Where duty calls, or danger,

  Be never wanting there.

4

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!

  The strife will not be long:

This day the noise of battle,

  The next the victor’s song;

To him that overcometh

  A crown of life shall be;

He, with the King of glory,

  Shall reign eternally.

Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus Hymn youtube video.

For links to more popular and old hymn visit here.

All Hail The Power of Jesus Name! Hymn Story and Lyrics - Edward Perronet, 1726-1792

All Hail The Power of Jesus Name! Hymn Story

THE Rev. Edward Perronet was a most devout man, who had the courage of his convictions and was not afraid to suffer for what he thought to be right. He lived in the days of the Wesleys and was intimate with them, and the philanthropic Lady Huntingdon was his patroness for a time. But these friends he felt it necessary to surrender because he conscientiously differed with them on some points of belief. His immortal hymn, "All hail the power of Jesus name," has proved a blessing to Protestants of all beliefs. 

One of the most dramatic instances of its use was found in the experience of the Rev. E. P. Scott in India. His friends had urged him not to venture near a certain barbarous inland tribe, whom he wished to evangelize. But he went forward with high courage, never wavering in his duty, and trusting in God to protect him. When at last he reached their country among the hills, he came upon a company of these savages. Immediately they surrounded him, pointing their spears at him with threatening scowls. He had nothing in his

Edward Perronet

hands but his violin; and so, closing his eyes, he began to play and sing, "All hail the power of Jesus name." When at last he opened his eyes he expected to be killed instantly. But his life had been spared through the singing of the hymn. Their spears had dropped, and they received him first with curiosity and interest, and then later with eagerness, as he told them the gospel story and won their hearts to the will of Jesus Christ.

All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name Lyrics  

1 All hail the power of Jesus' name!

Let angels prostrate fall,

bring forth the royal diadem

and crown him Lord of all.

2 Crown him you martyrs of our God,

who witnessed to his call;

exalt the one whose path you trod,

and crown him Lord of all.

3 Descendants of his chosen race

you ransomed from the Fall,

hail him who saves you by his grace,

and crown him Lord of all.

4 Sinners, whose love cannot forget

the wormwood and the gall,

go spread your offering at his feet

and crown him Lord of all.

5 Let every people, nation, tribe,

on this terrestrial ball,

to him all majesty ascribe

and crown him Lord of all.

6 O that in heaven with that great throng,

we at his feet may fall,

join in the everlasting song

and crown him Lord of all.

All Hail The Power of Jesus Name Video

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross Hymn - Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross Hymn Story

MATTHEW ARNOLD declared the greatest Christian hymn in the English language to be "When I survey the wondrous cross." At least it is admittedly the greatest hymn of a great hymn-writer, Isaac Watts, the father of modern English hymnody. He was the son of a deacon in the Independent Church, who had no sympathy with young Watts's custom of making rhymes and verses when a boy. At the age of eighteen Watts was one day ridiculing some of the poor hymns then sung in the churches, when his father said to him, sarcastically, "Make some yourself, then." Accordingly, Watts set himself to writing a hymn, and produced the lines beginning: "Behold the glories of the Lamb." That was the start of his eminent career as a hymn-writer. 

He became a clergyman, but illness compelled him to give up the pastorate, and for thirty-six years he remained at the home of Sir Thomas Abbey at Theobaldo, continuing his hymn-writing, which had reached its highest expression in this hymn, based on Paul s words, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Once, after this hymn had been sung in the Church of Saint Edmund, London, Father Ignatius repeated to his congregation the last two lines of the hymn impressively 

Matthew Arnold

"Love so amazing, so divine, 

Demands my soul, my life, my all." 

And he added: "Well, I am surprised to hear you sing that. Do you know that altogether you put only fifteen shillings in the collection bag this morning?"

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross Hymn Lyrics

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

For more lyrics and stories of popular hymns click here.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross Gaither Youtube Video

Jesus Lover of My Soul Hymn Story - Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Story on Jesus Lover of My Soul

IN the Civil War of the sixties many drummer-boys had left school to join the army. One of them, named Tom, was called "the young deacon," as he was a great favorite and was respected by the soldiers for his religious life.

Both his widowed mother and his sister were dead, so he had gone to war. One day he told the chaplain he had had a dream the night before.

In his sleep he was greeted home again by his mother and little sister. "How glad they were !" he said. "My mother pressed me to her heart. I didn't seem to remember they were dead. O, sir, it was just as real as you are real now!"

The following day in frightful battle both armies swept over the same ground four times, and at night between the two armies lay many dead and wounded that neither dared approach. Tom was missing; but when the battle roar was over they recognized his voice singing, softly and beautifully, "Jesus, Lover of my soul." When he had sung, 

"Leave, ah ! leave me not alone, 

Still support and comfort me," 

the voice stopped and there was silence. In the morning the soldiers found Tom sitting on the ground and leaning against a stump dead. But they knew that his "helpless soul" had found refuge with Jesus, the Lover of the soul.

Jesus Lover of My Soul Lyrics

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, oh, 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 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;
Vile 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.

Jesus Lover of My Soul Video

For links to other stories on other popular and old hymns visit here.

Be Not Dismayed Whate'er Betide, God Will Take Care of You Hymn - C. D. Martin

Be Not Dismayed Whate'er Betide, God Will Take Care of You Story

Be not dismayed whate'er betide,  God will take care of you is one of my favorite hymns and I believe that that is true of millions of other Christians as well.

A BLIND man was seen crossing the street at a dangerous place in the Bronx, New York city. A friend nearby overheard him singing softly, "God will take care of you," and asked, "Why are you singing that hymn?" He replied: "Because I must cross this dangerous street, and maybe one of the many wagons might strike me and I might get killed. But the thought came to me that, even if it did occur, my soul would go straight to God. And if he led me across all right, it would be just another evidence of his care of me. So I could not help singing to myself, God will take care of you. Hallelujah!" 

A little Sunday school girl once told her mother she was never afraid to pass through a certain dark hallway leading to their home, "because," she explained, "I simply sing, God will take care of you, and I always come through safely." 

This hymn was sung at each session of the State Christian Endeavor Convention, Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1910. At the close of one of the sessions a man, touched by the song, inquired after salvation. A little later some delegates, while singing this song at their hotel, noticed several men at the door of a nearby barroom attracted by the singing. One had a glass of beer in his hand, which he quietly poured into the gutter leading to the street before the strains of the song were finished.

Be Not Dismayed Whate'er Betide, God Will Take Care of You  Lyrics

Below are the Lyrics of this song, God Will Take Care of You.

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Be Not Dismayed Whate'er Betide, God Will Take Care of You Video

We have other songs on this site besides this hymn God Will Take of You. You can find more links to posts on this site here.

Blest Be The Tie That Binds Hymn Story and Lyrics - John Fawcett, 1739-1817

Blest Be The Tie That Binds Meaning and Story

THE Rev. Dr. John Fawcett, pastor of the Baptist church in Wainsgate, Yorkshire, had accepted a call to a London church and had preached his farewell sermon, when the tender devotion of his parishioners compelled him to sacrifice his larger ambitions for a career in London, and he remained with them until his death. As a result of this experience he wrote the hymn, "Blest be the tie that binds." 

A pale young man was once teacher of a class of unruly girls in D. L. Moody's Sunday school. One day he tottered into Mr. Moody's store, pale and bloodless, and exclaimed: "I have been bleeding at the lungs, and .they have given me up to die. I must go away at once." "But you are not afraid to die?" asked Mr. Moody. "No," he replied, "but I must soon stand before God and give an account of my stewardship, and not one of my Sunday school scholars has been brought to Christ." 

John Fawcett

Immediately he called on all the scholars, appealing to them to accept Christ; and for ten days he worked and prayed with them as never before until each member of the class was saved. On the night when he left for the distant place, where he finally died, says Mr. Moody, "we held a true love feast. It was the very gate of heaven that meeting." He prayed and they prayed, and then with streaming eyes they sang: 

"Blest be the tie that binds 

Our hearts in Christian love ; 

The fellowship of kindred minds 

Is like to that above." 

Bidding each farewell at the train, the dying man whispered that he would meet them all in heaven.

Blest Be The Tie That Binds Lyrics

1.Blest be the tie that binds
  Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship our spirit finds
  Is like to that above.

2 Before our Father’s throne,
  We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one—
  Our comforts and our cares.

3 We share our mutual woes;
  Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
  The sympathizing tear.

4 When we asunder part,
  It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
  And hope to meet again.

5 From sorrow, toil, and pain,
  And sin we shall be free;
And perfect love and oneness reign
  Through all eternity.

The Whole World Was Lost In The Darkness Of Sin Hymn Story Lyrics - Philip Bliss, 1838-1876

The Whole World Was Lost In The Darkness Of Sin Hymn Story

DR. S. EARL TAYLOR, now missionary secretary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has visited Christian missions around the world, and has had unusual opportunity to hear missionary hymns sung in many different lands. But rarely has he ever been so thrilled by hymn-singing, he declares, as during an eclipse of the sun in the Orient. In India the natives have a superstitious dread of an eclipse of the sun. They fear that the sun is being swallowed by a demon of some sort. 

Once Dr. Taylor was in Calcutta during an eclipse of the sun. For days before that event he saw the city s streets crowded with pilgrims on their way to various sacred places, where they hoped to worship and bathe in the Hoogly River just below the Ganges during the time of the eclipse, expecting thereby to ward off evil. When at last the fateful hour of darkness arrived hundreds of thousands of natives thronged the sacred waters, terrorized by the eclipse and making a great clamor because they feared that a great power of evil in the form of a snake was about to swallow the sun-god. As Dr. Taylor, looking from the Y. M. C. A. Building on the heights above, witnessed this terrible evidence of heathenish superstition, he heard a group of native Christians singing in their meeting: 

"The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin; 

The Light of the world is Jesus." 

The effect was thrilling ! For India's spiritual darkness is due solely to the eclipse of Jesus, the Light of the world, made by heathenism in the hearts of her benighted millions.

The Whole World Was Lost In The Darkness Of Sin Hymn Lyrics

1 The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
  The light of the world is Jesus;
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,
  The light of the world is Jesus.
 
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see;
  The light of the world is Jesus.

2 No darkness have we who in Jesus abide,
  The light of the world is Jesus;
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide,
  The light of the world is Jesus.

3 Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
  The light of the world is Jesus;
Go, wash, at His bidding, and light will arise;
  The light of the world is Jesus.

The Whole World Was Lost In The Darkness Of Sin Hymn Video

Almost Persuaded Hymn Story and Lyrics - author: Philip Bliss, 1838-1876

History of Almost Persuaded Hymn

In the year A. D. 62 a certain Roman citizen was cast into prison because of a multitude of accusations against him. At his hearing before Festus he appealed to Caesar for justice, and was held for trial at Rome.

Shortly afterward he was asked to state his defense before King Agrippa and Bernice, who were then visiting Festus. That defense, uttered by Paul for he was the accused prisoner is found in the twenty-sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and is one of the greatest addresses to be found in the Holy Scriptures.

At the conclusion King Agrippa said to Paul: "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" to which Paul replied, "I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." 

A clergyman by the name of Brundage was once preaching upon this subject and concluded his sermon with these solemn words: 

"He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost." Philip Bliss was present and was so deeply impressed by these words that he wrote one of his most helpful hymns, based on the phrase "almost persuaded," as a direct result of this sermon. During the Moody revivals many souls, almost persuaded, were helped by the appeal of this hymn to decide for Christ before it was too late.

Philip Paul Bliss was born on July 9, 1938 in Rome, Pennsylvania.  

His father, Mr Isaac Bliss, was also a lover a music and this it was from him that the young Philip developed his passion for music. However the thing that he still fondly remembered of his father were the daily family prayers.

Other hymns that he wrote include, "Jesus Loves Even Me"; "Hallelujah, What A Savior"; "Wonderful Words of Life"; "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning"; Hallelujah 'Tis Done!" and "Dare to Be a Daniel".

Unfortunately his productive life was cut short at the age of 38 on December 29, 1876 at Ashtabula, Ohio.

He died in a train crash. At that time, on 29 December 1876, the train he and his wife were travelling was in the process of crossing a bridge when the bridge unfortunately collapsed. 

Some carriages fell into a ravine but somehow Bliss escaped from the wreck but went back to rescue his wife while the carriages were burning. They perished together in the fire and their bodies were never found.

They left behind two sons aged four and one. 

During the recovery process they found Philip's trunk which contained lyrics of a song he had written but without a tune. The song is, "I Will Sing of My Redeemer." The Tune was added by  James McGranahan, another famous composer.

Almost Persuaded Hymn Lyrics

1. Almost persuaded” now to believe;

“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;

  Seems now some soul to say,

  “Go, Spirit, go Thy way,

  Some more convenient day

    on Thee I’ll call.”

2 “Almost persuaded,” come, come today;

“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;

  Jesus invites you here,

  Angels are ling’ring near,

  Prayers rise from hearts so dear;

    O wand’rer, come!

3 Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails—

Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails—

  Can save from every sin,

  Cleanse you without, within—

  Will you not let Him in?

    Open the door!

4 “Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!

“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;

  “Almost” cannot avail;

  “Almost” is but to fail!

  Sad, sad that bitter wail—

    “Almost—but lost!”

5 Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear!

Be now persuaded, Jesus is near;

  His voice is pleading still,

  Turn now with heart and will,

  Peace will your spirit fill—

    Oh, turn today!

Video of this Hymn, Almost Persuaded, Now To Believe Hymn

Sun of My Soul, Thou Saviour Dear Hymn and Story : John Keble, 1792-1866

The Story Behind Sun of My Soul Thou Savior Dear Hymn

ONE of the literary landmarks of the early nineteenth century, in sacred poetry at least, was The Christian Year, the work of the Rev. John Keble. A high churchman of the Church of England, he was one of the founders of the Tractarian Movement, which aimed at producing a higher spiritual condition within the church. At one time he was professor of poetry in Oxford University.

John Keble

From his Christian Year was taken our hymn, "Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear," which was part of a long hymn entitled "Evening."

In "Famous Hymns of the World," Allan Sutherland tells this story of Keble's hymn: "In a wild night a gallant ship went to her doom. A few women and children were placed in a boat, without oars or sails, and drifted away at the mercy of the waves. Earlier in the evening, before the darkness had quite settled down, brave men on the shore had seen the peril of the vessel and had put out in

the face of the tempest, hoping to save human life, but even the ship could not be found. After fruitless search, they were about returning to the shore, when out on the water, and above the wail of the storm, they heard a woman's clear voice singing:

Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,

It is not night, if Thou be near.

The work of rescue was quickly accomplished. But for the singing, in all probability, this boatload of lives would have drifted beyond human help or been dashed to pieces before morning."

Sun of My Soul Lyrics

1 Sun of my soul, Thou Savior dear,
It is not night if Thou be near;
Oh, may no earthborn cloud arise
To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.

2 When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep,
Be my last thought how sweet to rest
Forever on my Savior’s breast.

3 Abide with me from morn till eve,
For without Thee I cannot live;
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without Thee I dare not die.

4 Come near, and bless us when we wake,
Ere through the world our way we take;
Till in the ocean of Thy love
We lose ourselves in Thee above.

Sun of My Soul Thou Savior Dear youtube Video.

For more songs and hymns like this visit Popular and Old Christian hymn post.

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Hymn and Lyrics Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Hark The Herald Angels Sing Story

THE only hymn of Charles Wesley that has been admitted to the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of

Charles Wesley

England is this Christmas hymn. This is true in spite of the fact that, as an ordained clergyman of that denomination, he was the greatest hymn-writer ever produced by the Church of England. But, of course, Charles Wesley and his brother, John Wesley, belong to Methodism as well. Until death came to them they remained clergymen of the Established Church. The great religious movement founded by John Wesley, and inspired by the hymns of Charles Wesley, and known therefore as the Wesleyan Revival, was intended to quicken the spiritual work of their church. But, besides doing this, it developed into organized Methodism as a separate church, and as such has proved to be a tremendous religious force in the world.

This Christmas hymn was first written in 1739 and first published the same year in Hymns and Sacred Poems by John and Charles Wesley, their first joint hymnal; and it began with the lines:

Hark ! how all the welkin rings,

Glory to the King of kings.

Many revisions have been made in the original hymn, some of which are contained in our Sunday School Hymnal. This hymn has been more widely published in hymn books than any other by Charles Wesley, and is one of the most beloved hymns in the English language. It gives such clear utterance in poetic form to the doctrines of the incarnation that the full meaning of the birth of Christ fairly sings its way into the hearts and memories of those who worship.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing Lyrics

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

For more stories and lyrics visit here.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing Youtube Video

He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought! Hymn and Lyrics - Joseph Henry Gilmore, 1834-1918

He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought Story

DR. JOSEPH H. GILMORE, the son of a governor of New Hampshire, began his career as pastor of a Baptist church, later becoming professor of Hebrew in Rochester Theological Seminary and afterward professor of English literature in Rochester University, New York. In 1862, the year of his ordination, he

Joseph Gilmore

was visiting in Philadelphia and conducted the Wednesday evening prayer meeting in the First Baptist Church of that city. 

He took for his subject the Twenty-third Psalm, that most beloved hymn from the world's first hymn book. After the meeting, Dr. Gilmore wrote this hymn on the text, "He leadeth me beside the still waters." It came as a result of a conversation in the home he was visiting that evening on the theme of the prayer meeting.

Dr. Gilmore has described the occasion thus: "During the conversation, the blessedness of God's leadership so grew upon me that I took out my pencil, wrote the hymn just as it stands today, handed it to my wife, and thought no more about it. She sent it, without my knowledge, to the Watchman and Recorder. Three years later I went to Rochester to preach for the Second Baptist Church. On entering the chapel, I took up a hymn book, thinking, I wonder what they sing? The book opened at He leadeth me! and that was the first time I knew my hymn had found a place among the songs of the church."

He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought  Lyrics

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain:

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

For more stories and lyrics visit here.

He Leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought youtube video

Christ For The World We Sing Hymn and Lyrics - Samuel Wolcott, 1813-1886

Christ For The World We Sing Story

THE influence of a motto or slogan when used as a rallying cry in a campaign can scarcely be measured. Many a political election has been determined by the popularity of some striking phrase. In many a war an army has been inspirited by a battle cry, such as, "On to Richmond!" We all know the inspiration of the

Samuel Wolcott

"Look up! Lift up!" motto in Epworth League work, and of "The Evangelization of the World in this Generation" in missionary work.

This hymn was suggested and partly inspired by just such a motto, which had been adopted by the Young Men's Christian Association of Ohio. And at their meeting on February 7, 1869, this motto was woven into a legend of evergreen letters over the pulpit of the church where they met: "CHRIST FOR THE WORLD AND THE WORLD FOR CHRIST."

There was a clergyman in attendance upon that meeting, a native of South Windsor, Connecticut, by the name of Dr. Samuel Wolcott. He had been a missionary to Syria and also pastor of several Congregational churches in New England and elsewhere. He was nearly fifty-six years old, and though he had not done much hymn-writing up to that time, before he died seventeen years later he had written over two hundred hymns. So impressed was he on this occasion by the motto, and by all that was said and done during the meeting to re enforce it, that on his way home from the service, walking through the streets, he composed the hymn, "Christ for the world we sing."

Christ For The World We Sing Lyrics

1 Christ for the world we sing; 

the world to Christ we bring 

with loving zeal:

the poor and them that mourn, 

the faint and overborne, 

sin-sick and sorrow worn, 

whom Christ doth heal. 

2 Christ for the world we sing; 

the world to Christ we bring 

with fervent pray'r: 

the wayward and the lost, 

by restless passions tossed, 

redeemed at countless cost 

from dark despair.

3 Christ for the world we sing; 

the world to Christ we bring 

with one accord:

with us the work to share, 

with us reproach to dare, 

with us the cross to bear, 

for Christ our Lord. 

4 Christ for the world we sing; 

the world to Christ we bring 

with joyful song:

the newborn souls whose days, 

reclaimed from error's ways,

inspired with hope and praise, 

to Christ belong.

For more stories and lyrics visit here.

Christ For The World We Sing Youtube Video

God Be With You Till We Meet Again Hymn and Lyrics - Jeremiah Eames Rankin, 1828-1904

The History of God Be With You Till We Meet Again Hymn

DR. JEREMIAH RANKIN, a native of New Hampshire and a graduate of Middlebury College, for many years held the pastorates successively of several prominent Congregational churches in New England and Washington, D. C, until 1889, when he became president of Howard University.

Jeremiah Rankin

While pastor of a Congregational church in Washington, D. C., he became so impressed with the etymology of the farewell greeting, "good-by," which really means "God be with you," that he determined that a hymn should be wrought out of this beautiful idea. So he came to write "God be with you till we meet again."

When he had written the first stanza he sent it to two different composers, one quite famous, the other little known, each of whom wrote a tune for it. He chose the tune of the latter, W. G. Tomer, who was then teaching school in Washington. Dr. Rankin submitted it to his organist, J. W. Bishoff, a musical editor, and Bishoff approved of it, making certain changes in it. In the words of the author: "It was sung for the first time one evening in the First Congregational Church, in Washington, of which I was then the pastor and Mr. Bishoff the organist. I attributed its popularity in no little part to the music to which it is set. It was a wedding of words and music."

God himself alone knows how many, many times this hymn has been sung on parting by friends, who have never again met upon this earth. But no happier farewell can be uttered by Christians than the simple wish, "God be with you till we meet again."

God Be With You Till We Meet Again Lyrics

1 God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

2 God be with you till we meet again,
’Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still divide you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

3 God be with you till we meet again,
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put His arms unfailing round you,
God be with you till we meet again. 
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

4 God be with you till we meet again,
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threatening wave before you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

God Be With You Till We Meet Again Hymn Youtube video.

Below is a youtube video featuring Jessy Dixon sing God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

Abide With Me! Fast Falls The Eventide Hymn Lyrics and Story (Henry Francis Lyte 1793 -1847)

History of the Hymn, Abide With Me Fast Falls the Eventide

THE spirit of the walk of Christ with the disciples to Emmaus at eventide is reproduced in the hymn, "Abide with me." This has been sung at the close of many a day, and, indeed, of many a Christian life, as believers have uttered it as a prayer for the presence of Christ. 

It was composed one Sabbath evening in 1847 out of a deep sadness that had settled down upon its author, the Rev. Henry F. Lyte. He had conducted his last communion service that day at the close of a pastorate of twenty-four years at Brixham, England. 

A fatal illness had already seized him and he was about to leave England to prolong his life, if possible, in the South. Toward evening he walked down his garden path to the seaside, and there thought out the imagery and many of the lines of his famous hymn. 

Into this he has woven the sense of change and of helpfulness that one must feel in the presence of death, and also the trustful dependence upon Jesus Christ, the "Help of the helpless," which every true Christian must feel in that solemn hour.

Henry Francis Lyte - Abide with me hymn composer

Returning to his home, he wrote out the hymn, perfecting its lines and giving to the Christian world one of its tenderest prayer-hymns. He left at once for the south of France, and soon after his arrival in Nice his strength failed him, and

whispering the words "Peace! Joy!" while he was pointing his hand upward, he died.

Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

This hymn, "Abide with me" was very popular in the battle trenches of the First World War. It is also remembered as a song sung by  British Nurse Edith Cavell the night before the Germans shot her for helping British soldiers to escape from occupied Belgium.

Abide with me is also a favorite hymn of the British of the Royal Family. It was played at the weddings of the future George VI to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and their daughter Elizabeth to Prince Philip.

It is a fixture of the FA Cup final, Anzac Day and the British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. On Sept 21, 2001 it was unforgettably played at Ground Zero by a Salvation Army band during the commemoration of the September 11 attacks.

It also features on the soundtracks of several movies – The Full Monty, 28 Days Later, A Bridge Too Far – and is always associated with mourning and tragedy.

Abide With Me Fast Falls The Eventide Lyrics.

Below are the lyrics of this great hymn.

    
   Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
    The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
    When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
    Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

    Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
    Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
    Change and decay in all around I see—
    O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

    I need Thy presence every passing hour;
    What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
    Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
    Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

    I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
    Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
    Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
    I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

    Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
    Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
    Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;

    In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Abide With Me Fast Falls the Eventide youtube Video

Gentle Jesus Meek And Mild Hymn and Lyrics - Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Gentle Jesus Meek And Mild Story

JOHN B. GOUGH with a friend one day went up to a small garret room. A feeble voice said, "Come in!" and they entered. Through the gloom they saw a boy, ten years old, lying on a heap of chips. "What are you doing there?" they asked. "Hush !" he replied; "I am hiding." As he showed his bruised and swollen arms, he

John B Gough

added : "Poor father got drunk and beat me because I would not steal. . . . Once I went to ragged school and they taught me Thou shalt not steal, and told me about God in heaven. I will not steal, sir, if my father kills me." 

The friend said: "I don't know what to do with you. Here is a shilling. I will see what we can do for you." The boy looked at it a minute, and then said: "But please, sir, wouldn't you like to hear my little hymn?" They marveled that a lad suffering from cold and hunger and bruises could sing a hymn; but they answered : "Yes, we will hear you." And then in a low, sweet voice he sang, "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild." At the conclusion he said : "That's my little hymn. Good-by." 

Next morning they mounted the stairs again, knocking at the door, but there came no answer. They opened the door and went in. The shilling lay on the floor, and there too lay the boy dead, but with a brave smile on his face. He sleeps in the grave until that day when His "Gentle Jesus" will take him home to heaven.

Gentle Jesus Meek And Mild Song Lyrics

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Pity my simplicity,
Suffer me to come to Thee.

Fain I would to Thee be brought,
Dearest God, forbid it not;
Give me, dearest God, a place
In the kingdom of Thy grace

Put Thy hands upon my head,
Let me in Thine arms be stayed;
Let me lean upon Thy breast,
Lull me, lull me, Lord to rest.

Hold me fast in Thy embrace,
Let me see Thy smiling face,
Give me, Lord, Thy blessing give,
Pray for me, and I shall live.

I shall life the simple life,
Free from sin’s uneasy strife,
Sweetly ignorant of ill,
Innocent, and happy still.

O that I may never know
What the wicked people do;
Sin is contrary to Thee,
Sin is the forbidden tree.

Keep me from the great offense,
Guard my helpless innocence;
Hide me, from all evil hide,
Self, and stubbornness, and pride.

Lamb of God, I look to Thee;
Thou shalt my Example be;
Thou art gentle, meek, and mild;
Thou wast once a little child.

Fain I would be as Thou art;
Give me Thine obedient heart;
Thou art pitiful and kind,
Let me have Thy loving mind.

Meek and lowly may be,
Thou art all humility;
Let me to my betters bow,
Subject to Thy parents Thou.

Let me above all fulfill
God my heavenly Father’s will
Never His good Spirit grieve,
Only to His glory live.

Thou didst live to God alone;
Thou didst never seek Thine own;
Thou Thyself didst never please:
God was all Thy happiness.

Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,
In Thy gracious hands I am;
Make me, Savior, what Thou art,
Live Thyself within my heart.

I shall then show forth Thy praise,
Serve Thee all my happy days;
Then the world shall always see
Christ, the holy Child, in me.

For more lyrics and stories visit here.

Gentle Jesus Meek And Mild Youtube Video