Monday, January 19, 2009

Looking for a tune!

The hymn I reference on the top of the blog, Cowper's (say it, "Coo-per") hymn, "Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings." Anyone know of a good tune for it? I'd like something a bit more current than the standard 7676D tune "Bentley." There is also the Indelible Grace setting which I'll end up using if nothing else comes along. Ideas?

BTW: It is #48 in the Olney Hymns, Book III, in a section called "Comfort." Newton entitled it Joy and peace in believing. I've noted the Scripture allusions below in the text.

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may. (Matt 6:34)

It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens, no creature but is fed;
And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear, (Hab 3:17-18)
Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.


-- William Cowper, 1779

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