Welcome! If you are new here, you might like a little introduction as to what this "Notes of Glory" site is all about (short story: helping you to SING and enjoy the great songs of the faith at home or wherever you are)! Click here for all the details.
If you would like to hear any of your favorite hymns from past "Notes of Glory" posts again, here is an alphabetical list, with each hymn linked to the post where it first appeared (dating back to the very first post on March 22, 2020).
Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List
TO LISTEN TO MUSIC
Look for the SoundCloud audio player window found below the information provided for each song. Click on the white arrow in the orange circle.
IF YOU ARE LISTENING/VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE OR TABLET
If given an option on your mobile device, click "LISTEN IN BROWSER" (rather than "Play on SoundCloud") on the audio player windows so that you stay on this page and can sing along using the printed lyrics.
PIANO PRELUDE
(to help you enter into a spirit of worship)
Come Down, O Love Divine
Words by Bianco da Sienna, Translated by Richard Frederick Littledale, Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, piano solo arrangement by Don McAfee
John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Acts 2:2-3
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
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This beautifully poetic hymn about the Holy Spirit is typically sung during the celebration of Pentecost, but is appropriate any time of year. The words were written by Italian poet and wood worker Blanco da Sienna (c. 1350-c. 1434). 92 of his hymns were published in 1851, more than 4 centuries after his death, and some were translated by Anglo-Irish clergyman and writer. Richard Littledale (1833-1890), including "Descendi, Amor Santo" ("Come Down, O Love Divine"). The musical setting for this hymn (tune name: "Down Ampney") was written by eminent British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1858). The tune name refers to Vaughan Williams' birthplace: Down Ampney was the Cotswold village where he was born..
BONUS: You can listen to the entire playlist of today's hymn accompaniments and piano solos here:
This beautifully poetic hymn about the Holy Spirit is typically sung during the celebration of Pentecost, but is appropriate any time of year. The words were written by Italian poet and wood worker Blanco da Sienna (c. 1350-c. 1434). 92 of his hymns were published in 1851, more than 4 centuries after his death, and some were translated by Anglo-Irish clergyman and writer. Richard Littledale (1833-1890), including "Descendi, Amor Santo" ("Come Down, O Love Divine"). The musical setting for this hymn (tune name: "Down Ampney") was written by eminent British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1858). The tune name refers to Vaughan Williams' birthplace: Down Ampney was the Cotswold village where he was born..
According to hymnary.org, "the first stanza of this text addresses the Holy Spirit as 'O Love divine' and 'O Comforter,' asking for His presence in our lives. The middle stanzas ask the Holy Spirit to purge us of all pride and evil passion, and to purify our love and light our path. The final stanza anticipates the greater love for God that will ensue from such purification, and recognizes that, as Paul wrote, 'your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.' (1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV)."
Come down, O Love divine,
seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn,
till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let thy glorious light
shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
And so the yearning strong,
with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace,
till Love create a place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Words by William Kethe, "Old Hundredth" hymn tune, attributed to Louis Bourgeois
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
________________________________________
If you're familiar with the tune for the "Doxology," you'll be familiar with the tune for "All People that on Earth Do Dwell" as both hymns are set to the same tune. Also, the lyrics to "All People on Earth Do Dwell" look almost exactly like the text of Psalm 100, because they are a very straightforward paraphrase. William Kethe (d. 1594), a Scottish scholar and clergyman, helped to translate the Geneva Bible into English 1560, and the following year, 25 of his Psalm poetic translations (including Psalm 100) appeared in the Anglo-Genevan Psalter. (During this period, followers of John Calvin sang only metrical psalms, which are poems set to poetic meter based closely on the book of Psalms). The tune, "Old 100th" is attributed to Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510-1560), who was one of the main compilers of Calvinist hymn tunes in the Genevan Psalter (the "Old 100th" tune first appeared in the 1551 edition).
If this hymn is new to you, here is a recording with congregational singing, choir, organ, and orchestra. And here's a recording from the 2018 Sing! Conference of attendees and the conference choir singing "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" a capella. Powerful!
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
Know that the Lord is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make;
We are his folk, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise;
Approach with joy his courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? The Lord our God is good:
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
Words by John Newton, "New Britain" American folk tune
Luke 15:3-7
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
_______________________________________
Many writers have beautifully explained the fascinating history of "Amazing Grace" (one of the most recognizable songs in the English speaking world), so I'll direct you to some of these great sources of information by relating a few key facts.
Amazing Grace was written by English pastor John Newton to illustrate a New Year's Day sermon in 1773. The sermon was based on David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:16-17:
The original printed title of Newton's hymn was "Faith's Review and Expectation."
The hymn was first published in 1779 in Olney Hymns in Three Books, which contained 281 hymns by John Newton, and 67 by poet William Cowper. You can read more about the importance of this hymn collection here, and can read John Newton's preface to Olney Hymns here.
The final verse usually sung today, "when we've been there 10,000 years" was not a part of Newton's original poem. It first appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Here's Newton's original final verse of the poem:
Here is a page that contains a link for listening to a choir sing six different tunes that all have been historically matched with Newton's text. You'll find it fascinating to hear other melodic contexts for these famous verses!
Here's the Library of Congress page on "The Creation of Amazing Grace." While you're at the LOC website, you may also enjoy reading this article titled "The Dissemination of Amazing Grace" that explains the song's popularity in America during the 1800s.
And here's a post that helpfully explains the Scriptural basis for each line of "Amazing Grace."
There are many beautiful recorded renditions of "Amazing Grace." You might enjoy this version by Peter Hollens, this recording by Bebe Winans, and this arrangement performed by the King's College Choir, Cambridge.
Finally, you might enjoy watching this short documentary about the story behind "Amazing Grace."
Amazing grace! -- how sweet the sound--
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his Word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
a life of joy and peace.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we've first begun.
PIANO POSTLUDE
(to help you go forth with joy!)
To Delight in the Lord
Piano solo by Gerald Peterson
Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Come down, O Love divine,
seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
O let it freely burn,
till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let thy glorious light
shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
And so the yearning strong,
with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace,
till Love create a place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
All People That On Earth Do Dwell
Words by William Kethe, "Old Hundredth" hymn tune, attributed to Louis Bourgeois
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
________________________________________
If you're familiar with the tune for the "Doxology," you'll be familiar with the tune for "All People that on Earth Do Dwell" as both hymns are set to the same tune. Also, the lyrics to "All People on Earth Do Dwell" look almost exactly like the text of Psalm 100, because they are a very straightforward paraphrase. William Kethe (d. 1594), a Scottish scholar and clergyman, helped to translate the Geneva Bible into English 1560, and the following year, 25 of his Psalm poetic translations (including Psalm 100) appeared in the Anglo-Genevan Psalter. (During this period, followers of John Calvin sang only metrical psalms, which are poems set to poetic meter based closely on the book of Psalms). The tune, "Old 100th" is attributed to Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510-1560), who was one of the main compilers of Calvinist hymn tunes in the Genevan Psalter (the "Old 100th" tune first appeared in the 1551 edition).
If this hymn is new to you, here is a recording with congregational singing, choir, organ, and orchestra. And here's a recording from the 2018 Sing! Conference of attendees and the conference choir singing "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" a capella. Powerful!
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
Know that the Lord is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make;
We are his folk, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise;
Approach with joy his courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? The Lord our God is good:
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
Lead Me, Lord
Words and Music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Words (verse 2) by George F. Strickling
Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
Words and Music by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Words (verse 2) by George F. Strickling
Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 25:5
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
___________________________________
Composer, organist, and choir director Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) had a strong musical pedigree: his grandfather was Charles Wesley, composer of over 8,000 hymns (a number of which have been featured here in previous posts). Samuel Sebastian Wesley's father was organist and composer Samuel Wesley, who was sometimes referred to as "the English Mozart." The young Wesley's middle name was an homage to his father's favorite composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. Samuel Sebastian was a chorister at the Chapel Royal (St. James' Palace) by age 10, and began to play the organ there at age 16, the same year he began to compose spiritual musical works.
"Lead Me Lord" is part of a larger choral anthem by Wesley titled "Praise the Lord, My Soul" which was written in 1861 when Wesley was serving as organist at Winchester College and Cathedral. It was composed for the dedication of the organ at Holy Trinity Church in Winchester. Wesley was a masterful organist (and an "influencer" in the area of organ construction, advocating the use of the full pedal board on English organs) who worked constantly throughout his lifetime to improve standards of church music in England.
If this hymn is new to you, here is a lovely a capella choral version, and here is a recording of "Lead Me, Lord" sung congregationally, with organ accompaniment. You might also enjoy hearing the entire anthem, "Praise the Lord, O My Soul" performed by the Guildhall Cathedral Choir in 1969 here: "Lead Me, Lord" is the final section and begins at 8.24 in the recording.
The sheet music posted here only has one verse but we'll go ahead and sing the additional verse composed by George F. Strickling (it's beautiful, why not?). Here are the lyrics to go with the recording:
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord, only,
that makest me dwell in safety.
Teach me, Lord, teach me truly how to live,
that I may come to know thee,
and in thy presence serve thee with gladness,
and sing songs of praise to thy glory.
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
___________________________________
Composer, organist, and choir director Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876) had a strong musical pedigree: his grandfather was Charles Wesley, composer of over 8,000 hymns (a number of which have been featured here in previous posts). Samuel Sebastian Wesley's father was organist and composer Samuel Wesley, who was sometimes referred to as "the English Mozart." The young Wesley's middle name was an homage to his father's favorite composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. Samuel Sebastian was a chorister at the Chapel Royal (St. James' Palace) by age 10, and began to play the organ there at age 16, the same year he began to compose spiritual musical works.
"Lead Me Lord" is part of a larger choral anthem by Wesley titled "Praise the Lord, My Soul" which was written in 1861 when Wesley was serving as organist at Winchester College and Cathedral. It was composed for the dedication of the organ at Holy Trinity Church in Winchester. Wesley was a masterful organist (and an "influencer" in the area of organ construction, advocating the use of the full pedal board on English organs) who worked constantly throughout his lifetime to improve standards of church music in England.
If this hymn is new to you, here is a lovely a capella choral version, and here is a recording of "Lead Me, Lord" sung congregationally, with organ accompaniment. You might also enjoy hearing the entire anthem, "Praise the Lord, O My Soul" performed by the Guildhall Cathedral Choir in 1969 here: "Lead Me, Lord" is the final section and begins at 8.24 in the recording.
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| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
The sheet music posted here only has one verse but we'll go ahead and sing the additional verse composed by George F. Strickling (it's beautiful, why not?). Here are the lyrics to go with the recording:
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord, only,
that makest me dwell in safety.
Teach me, Lord, teach me truly how to live,
that I may come to know thee,
and in thy presence serve thee with gladness,
and sing songs of praise to thy glory.
Amazing Grace
Words by John Newton, "New Britain" American folk tune
Romans 5:6-8
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Ephesians 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.Luke 15:3-7
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
_______________________________________
Many writers have beautifully explained the fascinating history of "Amazing Grace" (one of the most recognizable songs in the English speaking world), so I'll direct you to some of these great sources of information by relating a few key facts.
Amazing Grace was written by English pastor John Newton to illustrate a New Year's Day sermon in 1773. The sermon was based on David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:16-17:
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 17 And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!You can read a transcription of Newton's sermon notes from January 1, 1773 here.
The original printed title of Newton's hymn was "Faith's Review and Expectation."
The hymn was first published in 1779 in Olney Hymns in Three Books, which contained 281 hymns by John Newton, and 67 by poet William Cowper. You can read more about the importance of this hymn collection here, and can read John Newton's preface to Olney Hymns here.
The final verse usually sung today, "when we've been there 10,000 years" was not a part of Newton's original poem. It first appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Here's Newton's original final verse of the poem:
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,Here is a history of the hymn's origins and publication (including historical scans of various versions of "Amazing Grace" in print), and a description of some of the different tunes it has been matched with in England and America.
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
Here is a page that contains a link for listening to a choir sing six different tunes that all have been historically matched with Newton's text. You'll find it fascinating to hear other melodic contexts for these famous verses!
Here's the Library of Congress page on "The Creation of Amazing Grace." While you're at the LOC website, you may also enjoy reading this article titled "The Dissemination of Amazing Grace" that explains the song's popularity in America during the 1800s.
And here's a post that helpfully explains the Scriptural basis for each line of "Amazing Grace."
There are many beautiful recorded renditions of "Amazing Grace." You might enjoy this version by Peter Hollens, this recording by Bebe Winans, and this arrangement performed by the King's College Choir, Cambridge.
Finally, you might enjoy watching this short documentary about the story behind "Amazing Grace."
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy hymnary.org |
Amazing grace! -- how sweet the sound--
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his Word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
a life of joy and peace.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we've first begun.
PIANO POSTLUDE
(to help you go forth with joy!)
To Delight in the Lord
Piano solo by Gerald Peterson
Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
BONUS: You can listen to the entire playlist of today's hymn accompaniments and piano solos here:
