WHAT SHALL I RENDER TO MY GOD FOR ALL HIS MERCY'S STORE

1.    What shall I render to my God for all His mercy's store? –

 EMHB 399

Tune: University

Charles Wesley the author of this Hymn was born on 18^th December, 1707, in Epworth Lincolnshire. He studied at Christ Church College, Oxford, where he formed a small group of fellow students the “Oxford Methodists”, or the “Holy Club”, later joined by his brother John Wesley, the founder of the group. In 1735, he was ordained and accompanied his brother John Wesley to Georgia as Secretary to Governor James Oglethrope, returning to England just the following year. He was the tireless lieutenant of his more famous brother.

Like many people at that time, they found the worship in the Church of England quiet tedious and monotonous, so they launched the movement with a renewed emphasis on emotional involvement, singing and studying the Bible. Charles Wesley died on March 29, 1788. Many of his Hymns remain as popular and as favorites among Christians.

Scriptural reference for this Hymn is Psalm 116:12 “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits towards me?

“University”, the tune for this rendition was composed by Sir. J. Randall (1715-1799), who was a choir-boy at the Chapel Royal, and was educated in Music.

As we journey onwards in the pathway of life, we ought frequently to look back, and standing, as it were, on the shadowy side of the hill, review the way by which God has led us. If we would keep alive our gratitude – if we would have it to increase more and more, until like a holy flame, it burns within us – we must often, in thought, retrace the varied turning and windings of our earthly pilgrimage.

Let us enjoy the tune “University”

EMHB 399

1.    What shall I render to my God

For all His mercy’s store?

I’ll take the gifts He hath bestowed,

And humbly ask for more.

2.    The sacred cup of saving grace

I will with thanks receive,

And all His promises embrace,

And to His glory live.

3.    My vows I will to His great name

Before His people pay,-

And all I have, and all I am,

Upon His altar lay.

4.    Thy lawful servant, Lord, I owe

To Thee whate’er is mine,

Born in Thy family below,

And by redemption Thine.

5.    Thy hands created me, Thy hands

From sin have set me free,

The mercy that hath loosed my bands

Hath bound me fast to Thee.

6.    The God of all-redeeming grace

My God I will proclaim,

Offer the sacrifice of praise,

And call upon His name.

7.    Praise Him, ye saints, the God of love,

Who hath my sins forgiven,

Till, gathered to the church above,

We sing the songs of heaven.