In the Inspirational Regency Readers group on FB, I recently shared some hymns that were written during or around the Regency period (the late 18th century through the early 19th century–the time my books are set). I thought I would share some here as well. These hymns have stood the test of time and are still sung in many churches today. We know the authors were human and imperfect (aren’t we all) yet God has used them to bless others for generations. That encourages me. Perhaps God can use this imperfect author, too. 🙂 Have I included any of your favorites?
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” was written by Robert Robinson in 1758, a few years after his conversion, thanks to the influence of preacher George Whitefield. The oldest surviving publication of this hymn is in A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the Church of Christ: Meeting in Angel-Alley (London, 1759).
“How Firm a Foundation” is a hymn attributed to R. Keene, a precentor (like a worship leader) at an English Baptist church. It was published in 1787.
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” is a hymn written by Anglican bishop Reginald Heber (1783–1826).
“My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” was written by Edward Mote, a pastor at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Horsham, West Sussex, England in 1834.
“Just as I Am” is a well-known hymn written by Charlotte Elliott, English hymn writer and editor, in 1835.
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us” was written by Dorothy Ann Thrupp from London, and it first appeared in Hymns for the Young in 1836.
Do the ages of these hymns surprise you? Any old hymns to add? Either way, thanks for reading today!
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Fun post, Julie. I attend a hymn-singing church, and I love these old songs. I know all of the ones you mentioned. I love to check the publication dates listed in the hymnals as we sing. Some dates are unknown, but when I see songs like A MIghty Fortress, written by Martin Luther in 1529, I get chills imagining how many believers have sung that same song over the last 500 years. It truly is amazing!
Love these old hymns, Julie! And I enjoy playing most of them on my piano (although one of my cats is *not* a music lover, and he often leaps onto the piano and sits directly in front of my hymnal, blocking the notes, lol). 😉
My all-time very favorite hymn is “It is well with my soul” (cannot remember the year it was written, though). The story behind that hymn is heart-breaking, but the words are so comforting.
Thank you for sharing this post today!
Hugs, Patti Jo
Thanks for bringing to mind these old hymns, so many of them still sung today. Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley, was a prolific hymn writer, writing over 6500 hymns. He wrote “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”, “O For A Thousand Tongues”, “Love Divine”, “A Charge to Keep I Have” – just to name a few.
As Patti Jo mentioned above, the story behind “It Is Well With My Soul”, written by Horatio Stafford, is a true testament to faith. Another wonderful story is how John Newton came to write “Amazing Grace”.
“We know the authors were human and imperfect (aren’t we all) yet God has used them to bless others for generations. That encourages me.” Yes! That encourages me, too. I love seeing how God has used the creative gifts He gave the hymn writers to bless others for centuries. 🙂
Thank you for choosing these. Each one is a blessing and a couple bring tears to my eyes while singing them.
“Cure thy children’s warring madness….’ Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1830. “God of Grace and God of Glory” I find few lines more relevant and timely.
We sang all of these hymns (all verses and the Amen!) in the country church I grew up in. I still love them and am always glad when they sing an occasional hymn in our current church. I like the newer worship songs too, but there’s just something about the old hymns. A sermon in each one!
I know worship songs are all the rage right now and most every church sings them, but thankfully the church I attend also sings old hymns as well. They all have truly stood the test of time and their lyrics are just as relevant today.
The good old hymns. Love them!