Another day of Fascinating Facts of the Faith.
Originally, the first line of this great hymn was “Crown Him with crowns of gold,” which proved to be quite popular in the United States. With the gold rush still fresh in singers’ minds, this must have seemed particularly appropriate.
Matthew Bridges, an Anglican, wrote his version at the age of fifty-eight, shortly after converting to Catholicism. He named it, “The Song of the Scraphs.” More than twenty years later, Godfrey Thring wrote six additional verses and added them to those of Bridges, making twelve verses in all. Each celebrated a different aspect of Christ’s kingship, providing a musical teaching of His person and ministry. Since that time, both their names appear with the song in hymnals, even though they most likely never met.
Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed over the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of lords, who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word, for ransomed sinners slain,
Now lives in realms of light, where saints with angels sing
Their song before Him day and night, their God, Redeemer, King.
His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. Revelation 19:12
Songs of the Faith
Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Words by Matthew Bridges (1852) and Godfrey Thring (1874)
Music by George J. Elvey (1868)
ABBA, thank You for songs of faith; thank You for inspiring men and women to write them, lyrics and music. I pray You will use this post today to bless Your people in JESUS Name. Amen and amen.
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