It will add to our appreciation of this hymn to know that on a certain occasion it was used most impressively in the South Sea Isles.
“King George, the ruler of the islands, gave his people a new constitution and exchanged the heathen for a Christian form of government.
This is a characteristic hymn from the pen of Miss Havergal, who has sometimes been called “The Theodocia of the 19th Century.”
“She was the daughter of a Church of England clergyman, born at Astley, Worcestershire, England, December 14, 1836.
The origin and the content of this hymn emphasize its meaning and value.
“Rome boasts that she never changes; the Turk has not improved, new and diverse enemies have risen round about us, so that there are numerous occasions when sincere Christians, realizing their environment, can enter with appreciation into the singing of this old Luther hymn, recognizing that though some conditions vary, the real dangers are the same, and the need of every influence and protection and guidance of the Triune God prayed for in this remarkable Luther hymn is needed today and every day that the Christian lives.
Dear Lord, thank you for You. You our our help, our hope, our promise for the untold ages to come. How faithful you are. Let us remember your goodness today and forever.
The Reformation is 500 years old this month. Does it matter?
Yesterday I spoke with a friend who had just returned from Berlin. He visited a large church which advertised an exhibit on the “Lutheran Reformation”.
Oh, grant that in Thy holy Word, We here may live and die, dear Lord; And when our journey endeth here, Receive us into glory there.
And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
Caroline M. Noel wrote the words to this hymn in 1870 as part of a collection entitled, The Name of Jesus, and Other Verses for the Sick and Lonely. It was published in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1875, and has been a comfort to saints for more than 140 years.
Author: Georg Neumark, 1640, Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863. Text: Ps. 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee
May God bless you today in whatever your circumstances.
Our society doesn’t think too much of victims. But without the willing victim-hood of God as the sinless Paschal (Passover) lamb , we who are called by his name would have no hope.
You may never have lived in a world free of suffering. But if you are Christ’s, you will. His one-time and ultimate triumph over death is summed up in the last verse of Henry Milman’s hymn…