"Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory"

James John Cummins (1795-1867) wrote the Christian hymn “Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory” in 1839.  Cummins was born in Cork, Ireland, but moved to London in 1864.  He was the director of the Bank of Australia for many years, but loved to learn Hebrew and discuss theology.  He prepared a booklet to be used by his children during their confirmation, which was later published as “Lyra Evangelica.”  The Christian hymn, Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory” was first published in 1839 in Seals of the Covenant Opened in the Sacraments, and in 1849 in Hymns, Meditations and Other Poems.

Edward John Hopkins (1818-1901) set the Christian hymn “Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory” to music in 1862.  Hopkins came from a musical family and began his musical career as a chorister at Chapel Royal, Westminster, London, England.  Later, he became an organist at Temple Church where he played for over 50 years.  He was award an Honorary Doctor of Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1882.  In 1885, he and Edward Rimbault together wrote The Organ:  Its History and Construction.

“Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory”

Jesu, Lord of life and glory,
Bend from Heav’n Thy gracious ear;
While our waiting souls adore Thee,
Friend of helpless sinners, hear:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

Taught by Thine unerring Spirit,
Boldly we draw nigh to God,
Only in Thy spotless merit,
Only through Thy precious blood:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

From the depth of nature’s blindness,
From the hardening power of sin,
From all malice and unkindness,
From the pride that lurks within:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

When temptation sorely presses,
In the day of Satan’s power,
In our times of deep distresses,
In each dark and trying hour:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

When the world around is smiling,
In the time of wealth and ease,
Earthly joys our hearts beguiling,
In the day of health and peace,
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

In the weary hours of sickness,
In the times of grief and pain,
When we feel our mortal weakness,
When the creature’s help is vain:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

In the solemn hour of dying,
In the awful judgment day,
May our souls, on Thee relying,
Find Thee still our Rock and Stay:
By Thy mercy, O deliver us, good Lord.

Jesu, may Thy promised blessing
Comfort to our souls afford;
May we now, Thy love possessing,
And at length our full reward,
Ever praise Thee, Thee, our ever glorious Lord.

 “Jesu, Lord of Life and Glory” makes a wonderful Christian hymn for organ due to its range and register depth.

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