The Nostalgia that Choruses Bring

For many years since my childhood and throughout my life as a believer, I have had the joy of engaging in singing Choruses invariably designed for youngsters. But they continue to resonate in my heart up to this present time!

Some Choruses evoke distant but unforgettable memories. From January 1977 through to mid-March 1985 my wife Bernice and I held Sunday School Classes, each Lord's Day afternoon and on one or two week nights.

Sunday School was held in the home as an antagonistic brother in the local Assembly objected to Sunday School quite forcefully; he brought this "teaching" with him when he "left" the Taylor Brethren many years earlier. We felt that to continue in the Hall would only cause upset and offence.

We were mightily blessed during those years, as hundreds attended for varying lengths of time; some only came once; while some remained faithful for the entire duration. We closed the S.S. because my job involved moving to South Wales. I have regretted that move ever since, never sure that I had the Master's guidance.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of that S.S. experience was the singing of numerous choruses. So many of the choruses are replete with the truth of the Gospel and remain in the hearts of the singers indefinitely. Sadly we sing very few and not very often. We do sing the occasional chorus or refrain at the Breaking of Bread, and it is surprising how it can enhance our praise.

I look back over so many years and I can still remember quite a good number of our pupils, and with sincere affection. 

A number of them were certainly saved, and a few others may also have trusted the Lord for salvation. Nothing compares with this as the gracious recompense of God to us for His service; absolutely unmerited!

We could never quite grasp how it was that a Mormon girl and a Roman Catholic girl were allowed to attend our S.S. But nothing is too hard for the Lord! Unfortunately, the sweet-natured and gentle young girl indoctrinated with Mormonism, but who always listened attentively to the Glad Tidings was shipped off to America some few years later and compelled to marry a Mormon lad. The Lord knows.

The Roman Catholic girl was also very attentive, pleasant, and polite. One day she asked me in the session for singing choruses, if she could teach us another chorus. I was somewhat nonplussed and hesitant but trusted the Lord to overrule. She sang the chorus brightly and well. And all was well! The chorus began with the line, "Jesus' hands were kind hands doing good to all." That is the only line I remember, but on referring to the "C.S.S.M. Chorus Book," now entitled "Scripture Union Choruses," I realise it is number 698 in the book and the young lady would probably have pointed this out to me which would be of significant help to me and to the children in learning it. 

What nostalgia grips my heart as those dear ones flood the memory and conjure up in the mind's eye, a sea of beaming faces singing exultingly in our front room!     

       

Brief Report on International Tract Distribution Day (8) 

Yesterday Aril 18th 2024 was the eighth year in succession that the date was designated International Tracy Distribution Day, a further reminder of our God's unchanging and gracious faithfulness toward His own beloved people; another good opportunity to seize the time to reach out to the souls perishing on every hand.

I returned to deliver Via gospel magazines to a couple of high-rise flats and the road approaching them. When I first "tracted" there, a considerable number of years ago, the occupants were elderly folk in the main. During those years the character of the buildings has changed and couples with young children predominate. It is sad to realise that many of those of that former generation had been ushered into eternity; some, if the Lord will, to enjoy bliss and blessedness. But along with the awful responsibility, it is a privilege to be able to take the Word of God to them and trust that He will bless His Word in that written form in salvation blessings for His glory and the glory of His only-begotten Son, our lovely Saviour.

I encountered but one moment of fear when passing by the fence of a garden a ferocious dog leaped at me snarling! By God's grace,  the dog could not clear the fence and I was prevented from entering the premises to deliver the magazine; I was about to do just that, oblivious to the presence of that guard dog.

My prayer is that every "morsel" of the Word of God that has been received into the hands of needy ones whenever and wherever that may be, but especially yesterday, will accomplish the purposes of God for His own name sake.

If you have any news regarding the experiences of "tracting," and have the time to spare, please let me know; we may well be encouraging one another and so much more as we see the day approaching.

Tom Wyatt

Gathering to the Name of the Lord Jesus alone, with the saints at Corsham Gospel Hall U.K.

Email: tw007q5184@blueyonder.co.uk

To Sing or Not to Sing

Due to incorrect "science," or "science falsely so-called," the vast majority of believers within the "Assemblies" have desisted from singing for close to twelve months. The original advice (not legislation,) from the UK Government was to stop singing as it increased the risk of transmitting/contracting Covid-19. This misguided practice continues as the amount of credence and public airing of this misinformation has never been replaced with the later scientific conclusion admitting that singing was no more "dangerous" than speaking. Unfortunately, if brethren and sisters are given this updated and correct information it has little or no effect on many of them as they appear to be perfectly happy with the new "norm." I have referred to some of these new practices on an earlier occasion, especially in relation to the Lords' Supper. With others, though numerically few, I fear that "virtual" meetings have gripped many of the Lord's people, and perhaps "physically" attended meetings will prove to be few and far between, or indeed, non-existent!

I digress from my little thought, "to sing or not to sing." My individual view is obvious from what I have already written. But I really wanted to add something even more personal. I truly miss singing the beautiful hymns that form an integral part of our praise, I believe such singing is a component part of our worship, but I know that some would not agree.

Some considerable years ago in the Assembly with which I was then identified, a few of the gathered saints literally overnight foisted upon the entire unsuspecting Assembly an additional hymnbook of dubious character. The Assembly was already waning spiritually in a number of serious ways and was subsequently exposed as having tolerated it in its denial of gross misconduct within. (It has never owned its dreadful failure in refusing to believe a significant weight of evidence clearly presented to them.) Mercifully long before the exposure I and my family had withdrawn.

In confining myself to the simple subject before me I will just indicate how the above disclosure has a bearing on it. When I graciously protested at the unannounced determination to introduce the hymnbook, (which by the way would of necessity need musical accompaniment for some of the hymns,) the retort was "why make such a protest over a hymnbook?" I felt first of all that it showed a lack of spiritual discernment, but also surprise that they had not realised how much of their time in Assembly gatherings and Gospel Meetings was spent in singing! Surely singing MUST be of significance in the light of its obvious prevalence at these times! The only other conclusion must be that singing is vain and futile.

Well, in feeling so aggrieved at being deprived of opportunities to sing with the spirit and the understanding, making a joyful noise unto the Lord, and only able to "meet" with my wife, (who is a very fine singer,) I decided to find a number of CDs containing hymns from the "Little Flock Hymnbook" to listen to them being sung by fellow believers and to sing along with them in the solitude of my study. I have located three CDs and hope to find a little time most days to spend in this way. Thus I will continue to remember the words we joy in singing and perhaps rehearse the appropriate tunes to them.  

I have updated this post as I believe that the consequences of blindly following the Government's "advice," as stated in my first paragraph, have proved to be unequivocally correct. I find no pleasure or satisfaction in this pronouncement, only sadness of soul. 

A Second Astounding Hymn 

Following on from my last "Post" and in the same vein I would like to speak of another hymn that touched my heart in recent months. The hymn commences with the sweet exhortation to the soul of the believer with the words: "Behold my soul thy Saviour;" It is found in "A Collection of Hymns For the Use of the Protestant Church of the United Brethren." Moravian Brethren.

To my knowledge, I have never seen the particular hymn I refer to, in the many hymnals with which I am familiar, nor in any that I have collected until I purchased a copy of the  Hymn Book mentioned above. But one Lord's Day morning when gathered to His Name alone with the saints at Corsham to "Break Bread," we sang this hymn (4 verses) from the (local) "Supplement." I was arrested by an unusual phrase of quite striking beauty." The phrase that captivated me on that occasion, directing my thoughts to the conflict in Gethsemane, reads:

"Till, through His pores in anguish,

The blood-sweat forced its way. 

As you will see, (no doubt with some difficulty,) from the poor photograph of the hymn, it actually has eight verses!

Very keen to find out about the author as our Supplement does not include names of authors, names of tunes, or any dates, I recently began my research. It proved surprising and fascinating.

Below is part of a brief biography of the Moravian brother's testimony:  

Full Name:	Gregor, Christian, 1723-1801
Birth Year:	1723
Death Year:	1801

Gregor, Christian, son of Georg Gregor, a peasant living in the Silesian village of Dirsdorf, near Peilau, was born at Dirsdorf on 1st January 1723. In 1742 he went to Herrnhut, where he was at first employed in tuition. He became leader of the music in the Moravian Brethren's congregation at Herrnhaag, in 1748, and in 1749 at Zeist; but in 1753 he returned to Herrnhut as cashier of the Moravian Brethren's Board of Direction. On 6th November 1801, he attended a meeting, held at Herrnhut, of the Board of Direction of which he had been a member from 1764. Just as he entered his house at Berthelsdorf, near Herrnhut, he was struck down with paralysis and died that same day. 

He was a man greatly beloved and respected, simple of heart, loving, earnest and hardworking; and was entrusted with many important missions and visitations. His hymns are characterised by childlike fervour of devotion to his crucified Lord. A number appeared in Des kleinen Brüder-Gesangbuchs dritter Theil, Barby, 1767; but they were mostly contributed to the Gesang-buch zum Gebrauch der evangelischen Brüder Gemeinen, Barby, 1778, of which he was the principal editor. He was also an excellent organist, and edited, in 1784, a collection of accompanying tunes for the hymnbook of 1778, contributing thereto various melodies by himself. A little volume entitled Historische Nachrteht vom Brüder-Gesangbuche des Jahres 1778, und von dessen Lieder-Verfassern, Gnadau, 1835 (2nd ed., 1851), occasionally referred to in these pages, is based on materials collected by Gregor.

   

International Tract Distribution Day (8) 

If the Lord will, as for the past seven years, we hope that on the 18th April 2024 the day will be viewed as the "International Tract Distribution Day." The object being that every believer throughout the world who is able to find the time, and may feel an exercise, will distribute at least ONE Gospel tract or similar missive on this designated day. Of course there is NO LIMIT as to how many each one may be able to deliver, but let us flood this sin-benighted world with the precious Word of God, particularly the Glad Tidings concerning His lovely Son.

I think in latter years some of the enthusiasm for this humble ministry has somewhat waned. But please recall to mind and heart the countless blessings that have resulted  from lost sinners just reading a Gospel Tract; so many have been gloriously saved as the Holy Spirit has wonderfully applied the living Word to their consciences and hearts, leading them to repentance in His goodness, and to the exercise of faith in the Son of His love. Our God has not changed! The same Word declares that there is nothing too hard for Him; no matter too wonderful for Him. 

Please, if you are able to participate, in the will of the Lord, please do so. If you are not able, but feel a like-mindedness to those who will be involved, please pray earnestly for the Lord's rich blessing and for Him to thus be glorified in the salvation of precious souls.  

Thank you for reading this brief request and simple exhortation. Please let everyone you know who would be interested in this ministry, learn of this endeavour to serve the Lord, so that they may seize the favourable opportunity to have fellowship in it.

In Him, the altogether-lovely One, our Beloved and the Lover of our soul.

Tom Wyatt

Bristol U.K.

Gathering to the name of the Lord Jesus with the saints at Corsham Gospel Hall

Corsham Wiltshire U.K.

His Unchanging Love to Usward 

Text

Ephesians 5:1. J.N.D.

Christ loved us, and delivered [gave] Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling-savour.

 Revelation 5:1. J.N.D.

To Him who loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His blood.

Address

It must be observed that Christs’ sacrifice of “Himself” was first and foremost “to God;” and that His offering of Himself embraced and fulfilled the purposes of every offering and sacrifice ever made to God. And His sacrifice of Himself infinitely transcended all and every one of them as the perfect sacrifice of a sweet-smelling- savour. Nothing had ever, nor will ever prove to be a sweeter fragrance to Him.

But the purport of my feeble thoughts are concentrated upon Christ’s inexhaustible, unconditional and eternal love for His own. His love is stronger than death and even divine judgement, if I might so speak of it in reverential awe. 

“Many waters cannot quench [His] love, neither do the floods drown it,” we joy to cry with the Bride of old. S.of S. 8:7. 

I feel that the would direct our thoughts away from the various offerings and sacrifices of the old economy, even though they speak so eloquently of Christ; and indeed have been fulfilled, and are being fulfilled perfectly in Him. Therein lies their spiritual value and blessings for believers now.

I think that the Holy Spirit thus focuses our attention on the Saviour “Himself.” He would occupy our hearts with “Himself.”He would channel our thoughts and reflections toward “Himself.” He would thoroughly occupy our hearts with “Himself.” For here He is presented to us as both Offerer and Offering, Sacrifice and Victim.

To us it is the profoundest display of the unspeakably immeasurable magnitude of His love for us! He could not have loved us more! 

But for a moment in rapt contemplation of Him there nailed to Golgothas’ accursed tree we may perhaps hesitate; for the Word reads, “Christ hath loved us,” that is He has loved us once, the tense in the Greek being aorist, that is at a point in the expanse of time, whether past, present or future, especially in the past. So then He once so loved us, with a love beyond compare, comprehension, and expression! 

But of course that is not the import of the Word of the Spirit of God. It is rather His purpose to convey the wonder of His all-atoning finished work, wrought in unimaginable sacrificial, and suffering love! Ineffable love to usward, once. For that can never be repeated, and thus it is so perfectly and preciously disclosed here in the Word of God.

But He did verily “deliver Himself up, give Himself,” give His all, once for all, for ever!

But what of that love? Has it diminished since Calvary? Far be the thought! “To Him that loves us,” J.N.D. “loveth us,” R.V. Thus, He has never ceased to love us! He has loved us from all eternity! He 2loves us now, and He will never cease to love us. And He will love us throughout time and eternal ages! And best of all, He loves us in the same measure, and magnitude, and with the same ardency, and the same intensity as He did at Calvary. Indeed, He loves us there upon the Throne of God as He did on the Tree of Golgotha!

“And He has washed us from our sins in His blood,” once for all forever! And He has provided “the water” of His Word for our “feet-washing,” so as to cleanse us from all defilement that attaches to us during our earthly sojourn through this wilderness scene. Ephesians 5:26.

The substance of a "thought" that came upon my heart when "Breaking Bread" with the Lord "in the midst" of a little gathering of His own.

An Astounding Hymn 

Over the last couple of weeks, I have indulged in a little nostalgia. Finding it sometimes difficult to adjust to tunes in singing hymns in the Assembly gatherings, simply because of the different "precentors" and possibly the location. It is not that the tunes used are unfamiliar to me, but that when a hymn is "given out" I often have a tune in mind almost immediately. When a different tune is used it often takes me a little by surprise and I am sometimes a little disappointed. I have no idea if other saints experience this minor disappointment, but I imagine it might be more prevalent now with so many Assemblies having closed permanently due especially to the pandemic, forcing many to find their Assembly fellowship elsewhere.   

I rediscovered a lovely hymn while tidying up my numerous copies of  "Words in Season" that span decades! The hymn I am referring to begins, "Thou life of my life blessed Saviour."The hymn was written in the German language during the 17th Century by Ernst C. Homburg (1605-1681), and it was translated into English by a dear sister in the 19th Century, Mrs. Frances Bevan nee Shuttleworth (1827-1909). Apparently, in 1932 A.P. Gibbs (1890-1967) a beloved brother composed a beautiful melody for it, a tune much used today.

The "chorus" attached to the end of each verse is of particularly sweetness: 

"A thousand, a thousand thanksgivings,

I bring my Lord Jesus to Thee."

As has been mooted the sentiment in English suggests one or perhaps two thousand thanksgivings. But in the old German version, the suggestion is that of a million, i.e. a thousand times a thousand! I am sure we all agree that even a million such thanksgivings fall infinitely short of the praise of which He is worthy.

The hymn may be found in full in "Hymns of Light and Love" no.73;  In the supplement of "Hymns for Christian Worship and Service" no.616; neither of which ascribes an author or translator. It also appears in "Waiting Praise" no.163 where it is wrongly attributed to a P. Billhorn?

Finally, just an aside, W.J. Pell writes "So perhaps long before the world was saying glibly, "Thanks a million," God's people were gratefully rendering to Him their "Thanks a million."