HIMknowledgey Ministry - Revive Us Again

001.......The Doxology

The Doxology, hymn #001, is probably just as well known by the first line title, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow. These lines were written by Thomas Ken in 1674. At that time, the established church believed only Scripture should be sung as hymns with an emphasis on the Psalms. Some considered it sinful and blasphemous to write new lyrics for church music, akin to adding to the Scriptures. It was in this atmosphere that Ken wrote these ten verses and published them in his Manuel of Prayers, along with several other hymns for the boys at Winchester College, with strict instructions that they use them only in their rooms for private devotions!

Kenneth W. Osbeck in his 1990 book, Amazing Grace, 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions lists this hymn under the title, Doxology and states, "The lines of the 'Doxology' have been the most frequently sung words of any known song for more than 300 years. Even today, nearly every English-speaking Protestant congregation unites at least once each Sunday in this noble overture of praise. It has been said that the 'Doxology' has done more to teach the doctrine of the Trinity than all the theology books ever written".

Thomas Ken was born July, 1637 in Little Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England. Ken trained at Winchester and New College, Oxford and was ordained an Anglican priest in 1662. In 1663, he became rector of Little Easton and rector of Woodhay and Prebendary of Winchester in 1669.

Ken was bold and outspoken and for a time was the English chaplain at the royal court in The Hague, Holland. He was so outspoken in denouncing the corrupt lives of those in authority at the Dutch capital that he was compelled to leave. Upon his return to England, he was appointed by King Charles II to be one of his chaplains. Ken continued to reveal the same spirit of boldness in rebuking the moral sins of his dissolute English monarch. Despite this, King Charles always admired his courageous chaplain. Ken was briefly chaplain to Princess Mary and later to the British fleet. He became Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1685. He was one of several bishops, imprisoned in the Tower of London for refusing to sign James II's "Declaration of Indulgence". James II was trying to restore Catholicism to power in England. Ken died March 19, 1711 in Longbridge, Deverill, Wiltshire, England and is buried at Frome, Somerset, England. Historian Macaulay gave this tribute to Ken, "He came as near to the ideal of Christian perfection as human weakness permits".

The melody for The Doxology is the best known and most widely used of all psalm tunes, Old 100th. Louis Bourgeois (1510-1561) penned these notes in 1551. Bourgeois followed John Calvin to Geneva, Switzerland in 1541. He became a cantor and choirmaster at the Church of St. Pierre and was appointed by Calvin in 1542 to be the musical editor of the Genevan Psalter and all successive editions until 1557.

There was another important event in 1674: Isaac Watts was born July 17.

Original Verses by Thomas Ken

Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice.

Thy precious time misspent, redeem,
Each present day thy last esteem,
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.

By influence of the Light divine
Let thy own light to others shine.
Reflect all Heaven's propitious ways
In ardent love, and cheerful praise.

In conversation be sincere;
Keep conscience as the noontide clear;
Think how all seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
And with the angels bear thy part,
Who all night long unwearied sing
High praise to the eternal King.

All praise to Thee, Who safe has kept
And hast refreshed me while I slept
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.

Heav'n is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art,
O never then from me depart;
For to my soul 'tis hell to be
But for one moment void of Thee.

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew;
Disperse my sins as morning dew.
Guard my first springs of thought and will,
And with Thyself my spirit fill.

Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say,
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

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