JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA

JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA – EMHB 353

Author: Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871)

Tune: Misericordia by H. Smart (1813 -1879)

Biblical Reference: “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out” – (John 6:37)

Introduction:

This ever popular Evangelical Hymn, which has both a great simplicity and considerable emotional power was the work of a remarkable woman who spent fifty years of her life as a confirmed invalid.

Charlotte Elliot (1789 – 1871) was the grand-daughter of the Rev. Henry Venn, one of the members of the famous Clapham Sect which gathered around William Wilberforce. Rev. Venn Elliot was an Evangelical Clergyman. At the age of thirty-two Charlotte was stricken by an illness which continued to afflict her for the rest of her life. Although largely confined to bed, she lived to be eighty-two years old and wrote many Hymns with titles like The invalids Hymn Book, Hours of Sorrow Cheered and Comforted.

Just as I am was written in 1834, when Charlotte’s brother Harry was raising money to build a College in Britain to educate the daughters of poor clergymen.

The whole Elliot house-hold was busily engaged in organizing a bazaar to raise money for the proposed school and Charlotte, sitting in her sickroom felt particularly useless and helpless. As she sat alone a sense of peace and contentment came over her and in that spirit, she wrote the verses which have brought comfort and strength to so many.

For the opening phrase of each verse she drew on words which had been addressed to her twelve years earlier by a visiting Swiss Evangelist, Dr. Cesar Malan. In response to a protestation of her unworthiness to come to Christ, he had told her to come to the Saviour ‘Jesus as you are’ Dora Williams Wordsworth – her daughter, asked for it to be read to her every morning as she lay dying at her fathers’ house – this brought her a great deal of spiritual benefit.

EMHB 353

1. Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come!

2. Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come!

3. Just as I am, though tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fighting and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come!

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come!

5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
With welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come!

6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down-
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come!

7. Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come!

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

ALL PRAISE TO OUR REDEEMING LORD

ALL PRAISE TO OUR REDEEMING LORD – EMHB 745

Author: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Tune: Locius

Bible Reference: Matthew 18 : 20

Introduction:

Charles Wesley was born just before Christmas in 1707. He was premature and neither cried nor opened his eyes until his due date when he opened his eyes and cried. He started school at age eight and at Nineteen he enrolled at Oxford University. At age thirty-one on Sunday, May 21st, 1738. Charles wrote “I now found myself at peace with God and rejoice in hope of loving Christ. I saw that by faith I stood”.

In 1747 Charles wrote this Hymn “All praise to our redeeming Lord, who joins us by His grace and bids us, each to each restored, together seek His face”.

This Hymn is directed to those that seek and those that have redemption in the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Hymn was a theme of the Holy Communion Service at Wesley’s Chapel in the morning. It is based on Matthew 18 : 20 “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. The Hymn ends with optimism saying “and if our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet, what heights of rapture shall we know when round His throne we meet.

Charles met and wanted propose to Sally Giveynne, a beautiful girl half his age but he was penniless with no way of supporting a wife. That was when he decided to publish his Hymns and Sacred Poems as well as his Sermons and Journals hoping the royalties would provide an income. He however married Sally in April, 1749.

Charles eventually wrote about 6,000 Hymns some are still being sung today.

Please enjoy this Hymn with me.

EMHB 745

1. All praise to our redeeming Lord,
Who joins us by His grace,
And bids us, each to each restored,
Together seek His face.

2. He bids us build each other up;
And, gathered into one,
To our high calling’s glorious hope
We hand in hand go on.

3. The gift which He on one bestows,
We all delight to prove;
The grace through every vessel flows,
In purest streams of love.

4. Even now we think and speak the name,
And cordially agree;
Concentred all, through Jesus’ name,
In perfect harmony.

5. We all partake the joy of one,
The common peace we feel,
A peace to sensual minds unknown,
A joy unspeakable.

6. And if our fellowship below
In Jesus be so sweet,
What heights of rapture shall we know
When round His throne we meet.

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY – EMHB 503

Author: William Cowper (1731-1800)

Tune: Dundee (1615) or London New (1635)

Introduction:

William Cowper (1731-1800) produced some of the finest religious verses in English Language despite a life spent in acute mental misfortune.

Cowper came from a distinguished literary and ecclesiastical family. His father was a Chaplain to King George II and his mother was a descendant of John Donne, the metaphysical poet and dean of St. Paul.

Cowper went to Westminster School where he showed considerable promise as a versifier in both Latin and English and then read for the Bar. However from age 21 he began to be affected by severe bouts of Melancholia this continued until he was committed to a lunatic asylum in the early 1760s and was never again capable of uninterrupted work.

In 1767 at the invitation of John Newton he went to him in Olney Buckinghamshire where he was looked after by a Clergyman’s widow - Mrs. Unwin. Together Cowper and Newton wrote Hymns to be sung at weekly prayer meetings held in Olney Church. They also collaborated on a Hymn Book which was published in 1779 with 67 entries by Cowper and 280 by Newton.

“God moves in a mysterious way” was written by Cowper in the early 1770s when he was in an almost permanent state of depression alleviated by occasional periods of calm. Cowper introduced Jesus’ words to Simon Peter in John 13 : 7 in this Hymn – “What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter”. There is a story that he wrote this Hymn after being saved from a suicide attempt.

This Hymn is a Hymn of hope and thousands of Christians have taken it so and it has given them a lot of encouragement.

The 3rd verse – “Ye fearful saints fresh courage take” was said to have roused the Spirit of hundreds of Lancashire Mill workers in 1840s when they were told that the depression in their trade was going to lead to the closure of the works and of course an inevitable loss of jobs.

The last verse has a strong message of assurance for those who are perplexed as we all are at times by the seeming irrationality and arbitrariness of God’s ways. The common tune is from the Scottish Psalter.

EMHB 503

1. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

2. Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace,
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

5. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour,
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

6. Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain,
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL – EMHB 851

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander (Nee Humpreys) (818-1895)

Tune: Royal Oak an Adaptation of a Traditional English

Melody: By Martin Shaw (1875-1958)

Scripture Reference: The Apostles’ Creed

Introduction:

Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander, nee Humpreys was born in Dublin, the daughter of a former army officer who managed the estates of the Earl of Wicklow. She developed an early love for poetry and was also strongly influenced while young by the religious teachings of the leading figures in the Oxford movement. She was extremely attractive and was courted by two leading Clergymen in the Irish Church, Professor William Archer Butler and the Rev. William Alexander. Her dilemma as to which of these two suitors she should marry was ended by the death of the former and she married the latter in 1850 when he was a Curate. He went on to become first Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and later Archbishop of Arinagh and Primate of all Ireland. Like his wife he was a talented Poet.

Many of Mrs. Alexander’s religious poems and hymns were written before her marriage. They were nearly all designed for children in the Sunday Schools in which she taught and were used to illustrate and explain the basic doctrines of Christianity, in particular the meaning of the Apostle’s Creed. “All things bright and beautiful” was designed to explain to children the meaning of the opening words of the Creed. “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth”.

It first appeared in Frances Humphrey’s Hymn for little children published in 1848 with a preface by John Keble. The book went into a hundred editions and the profits were devoted to a school for deaf mutes in Londonderry.

The tune generally associated with the Hymn which though light and lively is Royal Oak an adaptation of a traditional English melody by Martin Shaw (1875-1958). This tune however is said to suffer from overuse and other tunes with the same title “All things bright” by William Henry Monk (1823-1889) and also by Sir. Frederick Dussey 1825-1889 and Greystone by W. R. Waghorne are also in popular use.

EMHB 851

1. All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

2. Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
All things-

3. The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky.
All things-

4. The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
All things-

5. He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
All things-

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS – EMHB 821

Author: George Duffield (1818-1888)

Tune: Morning Light

Composer: George J. Webb (1803-1887)

Scripture Reference: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness – Ephesians 6 : 14

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” is perhaps the greatest revival song of all time. It does not ask, rather it demands that men and women everywhere fully display their beliefs and their faith to all those around them. It was inspired by a dying man’s words and first presented by a preacher who thought no one would remember his memorial message, but “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” has become a song to live by.

Dudley Tyng served as his father’s assistant at Philadelphia’s Church of the Epiphany and in 1854, at the young age of 29, took over as pastor when his father retired. Loud complaints soon arose from the more conservative members over his straight forward doctrinal preaching and his strong stand against slavery, resulting in his resignation in 1856. He and a group of faithful followers organised the Church of the Covenant elsewhere in the city. In addition, he began holding noontime services at the YMCA. Of the scores of preachers that drew crowds in the revival movement that hit Philadelphia in 1858, Dudley Tyng stood out as a dynamic young preacher.

On March 30, 1858, over 5,000 men gathered to hear him preach with over 1,000 converted that day. During the sermon the young preacher remarked, “I would rather this right arm were amputated at the trunk than that I should come short of my duty to you in delivering God’s message”. The next week, while visiting in the country watching a corn-thrasher in a barn, he moved too close to the machine and his sleeve was snared. His arm was ripped from its socket, the main artery severed. He died as a result of shock and loss of blood on April 19, 1858. At his death bed with his loved ones gathered by his side, Tyng whispered one final evangelistic charge: “Tell them to stand up for Jesus”.

The next Sunday, The Rev. George Duffield of Philadelphia’s Temple Presbyterian Church preached a tribute to his departed friend based on Ephesians 6 : 14. He closed the sermon by reading a poem of six stanzas that he had written, inspired, as he told his people, by the dying words of his esteemed friend.

The editor of a Hymnal subsequently got a copy of the poem, found appropriate music and Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus eventually found its way into the hearts of God’s people across the world.

As we sing this Hymn, may we firmly resolve to truly Stand Up for Jesus, fully displaying our beliefs and faith in Him to all those around us.

EMHB 821

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high His royal banner;
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.

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 Christian’s armour,
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.

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

"TIRE TITILAI LAWA NSE"

TIRE TITILAI LAWA NSE – MAYOKUN 32

Author: Rev. Dr. A. T. Ola Olude (1908-1980)

Introduction:

The composer Rev. Dr. A. T. Ola Olude, a Nigerian and Methodist Minister, Poet and Hymnodist, wrote Hymns and Songs in Yoruba Language to augment the Yoruba Methodist Hymn Book in use for Yoruba Services in the Methodist Churches.

The Song “Tire Titilai Lawa Nse” emphasise our dependency on God the creator as we journey through our earthly lives. In verses 3 and 4 “Lojo idamu, nigba ekun, nigba ayo, nigba ti a nri je to nye wa, nigbati ebi de, tabi ninu iya. Di wa mu Oba iye, si je ka yin fe re, k’ohun ati iwa wa ko j’okan. Amin, be ni ko ri”.

Literally translated as: In times of joy and unhappiness and during our period of want and disillusionment uphold us merciful God, so that we can be one with you forever and he concludes with the prayer; Amen, so let it be.

Rev. Dr. Ola Olude’s introduction of the popular “Mayokun” which consists of some popular Yoruba Hymns and Songs including folk songs and tunes from popular Yoruba tales and fables was an instant success as it helps to liven-up Yoruba Services and also brought the introduction of drums, cymbals and other musical instruments as accompaniments to these Hymns.

I therefore invite you to please put on your dancing shoes and do justice to this beautiful song.

MAYOKUN 32

1. Tire titi lai, l’awa ‘se
Oluwa wa orun,
Tire l’ omode, tire l’ agba,
‘W’ Olorun Ife o.

Chorus:
Di wa mu, Oba Iye (2)
Si jek’a yin ‘fe Re,
K’ ohun at’ iwa wa k’o j’okan,
Amin, be ni k’o ri.

2. Tire, titi lai, l’awa ‘se
Balogun wa orun,
Pelu wa n’ b’ere at’ oju- ‘ja,
K’a ma se te s’ Ibi.

3. Tire l’ ojo t’ idamu mbe
Oluwa wa orun;
Tire nigb’ ekun ati l’ayo
Olorun ajito.

4. Tire l’ ojo t’ ireti mbe,
T’a nri je, t’o nye wa;
Tire b’ ebi de ati n’nu ‘ya,
Olorun ‘tunu yi.

5. Tire titi lai, yan fun ‘ni
Alase wa orun;
Tire l’ enu ‘se ati l’ ero,
Olorun Isegun.

6. Tire l’ ojo t’ aisan bam be
T’ a nsu won l’ agbole;
Tire bi Iku npe wa s’ Orun,
Olorun aiku yi.

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN – EMHB 914

Author: Dr. Jeremiah Eames Rankin (1828-1904)

Tune: (i) William Gould Tomer (1832-1896)
(ii) Ralp Vaughan Williams Randolph

Introduction:

This is a very sentimental Hymn traditionally sung at partings and farewells, it never failed to bring a lump to the throat. The Author Dr. Rankin was a congregational minister and president of Howard University Washington D.C. He wrote this Hymn in 1882, basing it on the etymology of the word “goodbye” which is a shortened form of “God be with you”.

The Hymn was first sung at the First Congregational Church in Washington where Rankin was a minister, and it was immediately popular. He himself attributed its popularity largely to the tune to which it was sung, which had been composed by Williams Gould Tomer (1832-1896).

Rankin had sent the first verse of the Hymn to two composers, one nationally known, and the other unknown Tomer, a former soldier in the civil war and clerk in the US Treasury Department who had taken up school teaching. Tomer’s tune also known as God be with you, was for long favoured by British Non-Conformists, but Anglicans have largely rejected it in favour of Ralp V. W. Randolph. The latter is undoubtedly more sophisticated. But Tomer’s tune sentimentality goes down well with Rankin’s words.

Several schools also use this Hymn at its end of term services.

EMHB 914

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.

2. God be with you till we meet again,
‘Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you:
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.

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!

Adesegun Akitoye

http://www.repeatrichrelief.com