Last Sunday was a Fast and Testimony meeting. While I direct the hymn singing and select the hymns, I choose them months in advance of the meetings. That's why I was so surprised to learn that one of these hymns had particular meaning for many people. A recurring theme for some of the testimonies that day was about "In Humility, Our Savior" text by Mabel Jones Gabbott set to the Welsh hymn tune "Hyfrydol" written by Rowland H. Pritchard.
Mabel Jones Gabbott 1910-2004 In Humility, Our Savior
1. In humility, our Savior,
Grant thy Spirit here, we pray,
As we bless the bread and water
In thy name this holy day.
Let me not forget, O Savior,
Thou didst bleed and die for me
When thy heart was stilled and broken
On the cross at Calvary.
2. Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving;
Teach us tolerance and love.
Let our prayers find access to thee
In thy holy courts above.
Then, when we have proven worthy
Of thy sacrifice divine,
Lord, let us regain thy presence;
Let thy glory round us shine.
Text: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910–2004 © 1948 IRI
Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887 Welsh tune "HYFRYDOL"
1. In humility, our Savior,
Grant thy Spirit here, we pray,
As we bless the bread and water
In thy name this holy day.
Let me not forget, O Savior,
Thou didst bleed and die for me
When thy heart was stilled and broken
On the cross at Calvary.
2. Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving;
Teach us tolerance and love.
Let our prayers find access to thee
In thy holy courts above.
Then, when we have proven worthy
Of thy sacrifice divine,
Lord, let us regain thy presence;
Let thy glory round us shine.
Text: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910–2004 © 1948 IRI
Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887 Welsh tune "HYFRYDOL"
Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887 Apparently, the words we sing are unique to the LDS faith, no matter the language translation. However, the tune has been around a long time and many other texts have been sung to it. One of my favorite texts is "Love Divine, All Love's Excelling" by Charles Wesley. Mack Wilberg wrote a powerful arrangement of this hymn for the Tabernacle Choir to the "Hyfrydol" tune.
The Mabel Jones Gabbott text is about Jesus' sacrifice and Atonement and is used primarily for preparation to take the Sacrament. The Charles Wesley text is about looking forward to the 2nd Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Mabel Jones Gabbott text is about Jesus' sacrifice and Atonement and is used primarily for preparation to take the Sacrament. The Charles Wesley text is about looking forward to the 2nd Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 Love Divine, All Love's 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 every trembling heart.
2. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to 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 life receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts 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.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887 Welsh tune "HYFRYDOL"
Both are powerful texts paired with wonderful music. No wonder people have had such spiritual experiences with this hymn and have called it their favorite! It is mine, too!
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 every trembling heart.
2. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to 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 life receive;
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts 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.
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811–1887 Welsh tune "HYFRYDOL"
Both are powerful texts paired with wonderful music. No wonder people have had such spiritual experiences with this hymn and have called it their favorite! It is mine, too!
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