No "Do Day" until after the first of the new year.
"Gather" Bible Study is held on the FOURTH Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the church library. Please feel free to join us!
MARCH 2024 Submitted by June Torrison
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, on which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain, I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small,
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. (v. 1 & 6)
When I was researching hymns for Lent, this once came to mind first. It is an old favorite. And I was really surprised to learn that the author, Isaac Watts, also wrote Joy to the World and Oh God Our Help in Ages Past, among many other hymn texts. This one can be sung to at least two different familiar melodies. I am also familiar with a wonderful choir arrangement with organ accompaniment that the Luther Nordic Choir has sung. In fact I sang it with a group for the funeral of a classmate/fellow choir member.
So who was Isaac Watts? He was a Congregational minister in England, hymn writer, and theologian. He was sometimes called a non-conformist, probably a polite way of saying he was not part of the Church of England. He lived from 1674 – 1745.
Just As I Am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me, come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings within, and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yeah, all I need, in thee to find, O Lamb of God I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come. (v 1 – 4)
The repeated phrases in this hymn are memorable – JUST AS I AM, and I COME, I COME.
The text is by another English writer, Charlotte Elliott, who lived from 1789 to 1871. She was a poet, hymn writer and editor. Unlike Watts, she was a member of the Church of England. She was a semi-invalid for many years. Searching for help for her health she visited France, Scotland and Switzerland. Several of her siblings were clergymen, but of course that wasn’t an option for women then. One commentator mentioned that at this time, most hymns were based on scripture rather than on personal faith, so these took a new direction. The melody we are familiar with was by William Bradbury (1816 – 1868). He was an American who set many poems to music including “Jesus Loves Me”.