Words by Joel Barlow Awake, My Soul Music by A. R. Reinagle "Awake, my soul! to sound His praise, Awake, my harp! to sing." This is Joel Barlow's version of the 108th Psalm. In 1785, by the request of the General Association of Connecticut, he corrected and revised Watts' version of the Psalms, supplying such as had been omitted by Watts and adapting it to American thought and requirement. Awake, My Soul, to Joyful Lays Words by Samuel Medley "Awake, my soul, to joyful lays, And sing thy great Redeemer's praise." This hymn with its fervent, joyful tone, its touching refrain and the peculiar old melody united to it, has been greatly esteemed in this country in days gone by. It first appeared in 1782, in Meyer's collection of hymns for use of Lady Huntingdon's church. Samuel Medley, the author of the hymn, was visiting at the house of a Mr. Phillips in London, and asked the daughter of his host to bring him some paper and ink. With these he retired to his room and presently came back with this hymn written. Mr. Medley was pastor of a Baptist Church in Liverpool for many years. He was born in 1738 and died 1799. Close to Thee Words by Fanny J. Crosby Music by S. J. Vail "Thou my everlasting portion, More than friend or life to me." This is another popular hymn, written by Fanny J. Crosby, and set to music by Silas Jones Vail, who was born at Southold, Long Island, N. Y., October 6, 1818. He was a hatter by trade, but wrote a large number of songs for Philip Phillips, who was the first to publish any of Vail's compositions, among which may be mentioned, "Gates Ajar," "Nothing But Leaves," and "Scatter Seeds of Kindness." He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20, 1883. The late Silas J. Vail, having composed this tune, brought it to Fanny Crosby, and requested her to write words for it. As he was playing it for her on the piano, she said: "That refrain says: Close to Thee; Close to Thee.'" Mr. Vail agreed that that was true, and it was agreed that it should be a hymn entitled "Close to Thee." Come, Ye Disconsolate Words by Thomas Moore Music by Samuel Webbe "Come ye disconsolate! where'er ye languish, 66 Thomas Moore, of Dublin, the friend of Lord Byron, wrote some thirty-two songs, published in 1848, which have been united to popular airs of various nations. Come, Ye Disconsolate" has ministered to the soothing of many a troubled heart, and often guided the weary soul to the mercy seat, where alone the accusing conscience may lay its guilty burden down and realize, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." Words by P. P. Bliss Free from the Law Music by P. P. Bliss "Free from the law, oh, happy condition, What shall I give my husband for a Christmas present?" asked Mrs. Bliss of a friend, just before 66 Christmas, 1871, and at the suggestion of this friend, she purchased and presented Mr. Bliss with a bound volume of a monthly English periodical called Things New and Old." From reading in this book something in connection with Romans 8, and Hebrews 10, this glorious gospel song was suggested to him. Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Words by W. Williams Music by Wm. L. Viner "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land." Written by William Williams, the sweet singer, who was known as the "Watts of Wales." It was first published in Welsh in 1745. Later it appeared in English under the title, “A favorite hymn of Lady Huntingdon's young collegians." This hymn was one of the most popular in our collection, when Mr. Moody and I were holding meetings in Wales. Words by W. F. Sherwin Hear the Call Music by W. F. Sherwin "Lo! the day of God is breaking; See the gleaming from afar!" Mr. Sherwin was of great assistance in our meetings in Boston in 1876. Early in his life Mr. Sherwin manifested decided musical abilities, but being a poor boy, he had to struggle hard to obtain the instruction he so much desired. However, at the age of fifteen he was the leader of a large chorus choir. At twenty-five he was well-known at New England musical conventions. He was brought up a Congregationalist, but while having charge of the music in a Baptist church in Albany, he adopted that denomination. He was an ardent Sunday-school worker, and had part in the preparation of many hymn and song books for use in Sunday-schools and in the temperance work. He was born in Buckland, Mass., March 14, 1826, and died at his home in Dorchester, Mass., April 14, 1888. Hold Thou My Hand Words by Grace J. Frances Music by Hubert P. Main "Hold Thou my hand: so weak I am and helpless, Written by Grace J. Frances, which is a nom de plume of Fanny Crosby. Hubert P. Main wrote the music. It became a great favorite of Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon, who asked permission to republish it in her collection of hymns. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Words by Reginald Heber, D.D. Music by the Rev. John B. Dykes "Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;" This majestic hymn was written by Bishop Heber, who was born in Cheshire, England, 1783, and educated at Oxford. He served in the church at Hodnet for about twenty years, when he was appointed Bishop of Calcutta, East India. He wrote fifty-seven hymns, which were published by his widow in 1842. Heber died 1826 in the prime of his life. The tune "Nicæa" was composed by Dr. John Bacchus Dykes for this hymn, and is one of the best of his compositions. Nicea was the place in Asia Minor where the first Ecumenical Council was held in the year 325, and it was there that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was promulgated, declaring the eternal sonship of Christ, and his equality with the father. Dr. Dykes was born at Kingston-upon-Hull, in 1823; and was a graduate of Cambridge. He wrote many excellent tunes, and did much to elevate the congregational psalmody of England. He died 1876. I am Thine, O Lord Words by Fanny J. Crosby "I am Thine, O Lord, Music by W. H. Doane I have heard Thy voice." This popular and useful consecration hymn was written by Fanny Crosby and set to music by W. H. Doane, and has been largely adopted by Christian Endeavor societies throughout this country and Great Britain. Fanny Crosby was visiting Mr. W. H. Doane, in his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were talking together about the nearness of God, as the sun was setting and the evening shadows were gathering around them. The subject so impressed the wellknown hymn-writer, that before retiring she had written the words to this hymn, which has become one of the most useful she has ever written. The music by Mr. Doane so well fitted the words that the hymn has become a special favorite wherever the Gospel Hymns are known. I Will Sing of My Redeemer Words by P. P. Bliss Music by James McGranahan "I will sing of my Redeemer, And His wondrous love to me." This beautiful hymn was written by P. P. Bliss and set to music by James McGranahan, and is one |