Hymns in the News

Last night at the Democratic National Convention, you may have seen the Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II of North Carolina, whose speech culminated with the last stanza of a nineteenth-century gospel song.

Okay, he didn't sing it, but gospel songs in any form don't often make it to the stage of a national political convention. 

We praise thee, O God!
For the Son of thy love,
For Jesus who died,
And is now gone above.

Refrain
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

We praise thee, O God!
For the Spirit of life,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our strife.
Refrain

Revive us again;
Fill each heart with thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.
Refrain

William P. Mackay, 1863; alt.
Tune: REVIVE US AGAIN (5.6.7.5. with refrain)
John J. Husband, 1815

 (The whole speech is well worth your time -- watch it again even if you saw it last night.)





Eight Years Ago: Martha and Mary

Six Years Ago: Lazarus, Mary, and Martha