Musical Notes

Hello OCBC family!  Let me share a passage with you, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” (Psalm 66:1-2).

Yesterday was the anniversary of the birthday of Frances Elizabeth Cox.  She was the daughter of Mr. George V. Cox, from Oxford.  She loved hymns, especially hymns from Germany, which were unknown in England.  She dedicated her life to translate several hymns from German into English, preparing a whole collection of these hymns called, “Sacred Hymns from the German.”  The 1st edition, pub. 1841, contained 49 translations printed with the original text, together with biographical notes on the German authors. In the 2nd edition, 1864, Hymns from the German, London, Rivingtons, the translations were increased to 56, those of 1841 being revised, and with additional notes. The 56 translations were composed of 27 from the 1st ed. (22 being omitted) and 29 which were new.  But she was not only a translator but an author as well.  It is very sad that in our modern hymnals we do not have her hymns or hymns translated by her, except “Sing praise to God who reigns above.”

This obscure hymn is one of my favorites because it is an explosion of praises to God and it is based in Psalm 66.  Sadly, this hymn it is not in Spanish and so far I can worship God with this hymn only in English (perhaps I must make my own translation).

Read the lyrics and praise God for the many blessings that He has given you so far.  To God all praise and glory.

1. Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

2. The Lord is never far away,
but through all grief distressing,
an ever present help and stay,
our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother's tender hand,
God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

3. Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud thy praises,
that earth may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.

4. Let all who name Christ's holy name
give God all praise and glory;
let all who own his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne,
for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.

In His service,
Israel

---