Charles Wesley, Hyfrydol, and the Tabernacle Choir

 

I have always enjoyed singing the LDS hymn “In Humility, Our Savior,” but one Sunday morning, I had the Tabernacle Choir broadcast on in the background, probably while I read the morning newspaper, and gradually became aware that they were singing different lyrics than I was accustomed to, and the orchestral accompaniment was spectacular (probably a Mack Wilberg arrangement). Unfortunately, with the Tab Choir, it is often difficult to understand the words, so I did a little searching and learned that these particular lyrics were written by Charles Wesley (1707–1788), an Anglican cleric and the author of more than 6,500 hymns.

I also learned that the melody, composed by Rowland Prichard, is called Hyfrydol (pronounced Huv'-ruh-doll), a Welsh word meaning “delightful, agreeable, pleasing, pleasant, beautiful, fair, fine, sweet, melodious.” And it certainly is.

Anyway, if you want a real treat, listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing with the orchestra accompanying (here’s the link) while reading Wesley’s lyrics, which I’ll copy below. This is a magnificent performance, and the lyrics are majestic, written by a true Christian who obviously loved his Savior.

 

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

1. Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of Heav'n to Earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown;
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter ev'ry trembling heart.

2. Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
Into ev'ry troubled breast;
Let us all in thee inherit,
Let us find thy promised rest;
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

3. Come, Almighty to deliver;
Let us all thy grace receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve thee as thy host above,
Pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
Glory in thy perfect love.

4. Finish, then, thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in thee;
Changed from glory into glory
Till in Heav'n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!