Hymn: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Charles Wesley titled this hymn “For the Anniversary Day of
One’s Conversion,” written on the first anniversary of his own conversion.
Methodist hymnologist Carlton Young believes it to be “the most characteristic,
widely known, and sung hymn of the Wesleyan movement.” The original poem had
eighteen stanzas; Wesley was inspired to write the text after a conversation
with a Moravian, Peter Böhler during which he asked about praising Christ.
Böhler replied, “Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise him with them all.”
Hymn: Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!
This text and “To God Be the Glory” are probably the best-known
texts by Fanny Crosby. She said the following about her writing of the text:
“Sometimes a tune is furnished me for which to write the words. The hymn titled
‘Blessed Assurance’ was made in this manner.” Crosby goes on to say that a
friend of hers provided her with a tune and asked Crosby what she said. Crosby
replied, “Blessed assurance.” The Psalter
Hymnal Handbook notes that the hymn is a “typical gospel hymn of the late
nineteenth century. It is simple, truly evangelical in spirit, and has an
emotional appeal that comes from its rousing tune and from the personal
experience described in the text. It is a fine testimonial hymn of praise to
Christ for his work of redemption (st. 1), for the Spirit’s work of
sanctification (st. 2), and for the joy of serving Jesus (st. 3).”
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