Hymn of the week 27

We haven't had one of these for a while but this is good, especially the fourth verse. Samuel Medley (1738-1799) was a Baptist minister. After a false start as an apprentice, he joined the Roy­al Navy, becoming a midshipman in 1755. He was wound­ed in bat­tle off Port La­gos in 1759 and dur­ing his re­cup­er­at­ion read a ser­mon byIsaac Watts that led to his con­ver­sion. He then left the navy and studied for the min­is­try under Dr Gifford in Lon­don. In 1767, he be­came pas­tor at the Baptist church in Wat­ford. In 1772, he be­gan his min­is­try at Byron Street, Liv­er­pool. Several of his hymns are still sung today.

Awake, my soul, to joyful lays,
And sing thy great Redeemer’s praise;
He justly claims a song from me -
His lovingkindness, O how free!

He saw me ruined in the fall,
Yet loved me notwithstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate -
His lovingkindness, O how great!

Though numerous hosts of mighty foes,
Though earth and hell my way oppose,
He safely leads my soul along -
His lovingkindness, O how strong!

When trouble, like a gloomy cloud,
Has gathered thick and thundered loud,
He near my soul has always stood -
His lovingkindness, O how good!

Often I feel my sinful heart
Prone from my Jesus to depart;
But though I have him oft forgot,
His lovingkindness changes not.

Soon I shall pass the gloomy vale,
Soon all my mortal powers must fail;
O! may my last expiring breath
His lovingkindness sing in death.

Then let me mount and soar away
To the bright world of endless day;
And sing with raptures and surprise,
His lovingkindness in the skies.