A Little Hymnody

One of K.'s friends, spoke on Hymnody at Oral Defense - what a great word, that urged me to take another look at a recent find. I found a "new" old hymnal last week, and I was amazed that I have never read or heard many of the beautiful hymns included under General hymns. The poetry of these old songs are not only soul-filling but mind-anchoring as well. One more interesting facts is that the songs are not titled.  The musical score is followed by the hymn with the author and date in small lettering at the end.  

 

Psalm 72 (paraphrased)
Words: James Montgomery, 1822.

1 Hail to the Lord's Anointed;
Great David's greater son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.


2 He comes, with succour speedy,
To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy,
And bid the weak be strong:
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Were precious in his sight.


3 He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth:
Love joy and hope like flowers,
Spring in his path to birth:
Before him, on the mountains,
Shall peace the herald go;
And righteousness in fountains,
From hill to valley flow.


4 Arabia's desert ranger
To him shall bow the knee;
The Ethiopian stranger
His glory come to see;
With offerings of devotion
Ships from the isles shall meet,
To pour the wealth of ocean
In tribute at his feet.


5 Kings shall fall down before him,
And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore him,
His praise all people sing;
For him shall prayer unceasing
And daily vows ascend;
His kingdom still increasing,
A kingdom without end.


6 O'er every foe victorious,
He on his throne shall rest;
From age to age more glorious,
All-blessing and all-blest.
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand for ever,
His changeless name of Love.


This is lovely and lively sung or (listened to - for those of us who are a little voice challenged) to Ellacome.

 A good place to start.- to find tunes, psalters and hymns.