The upcoming release of the new LDS hymnbook is eagerly awaited by congregations worldwide. One of the most anticipated additions is the inclusion of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” This hymn has a long history in the LDS hymnal tradition, and its return is sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence among Latter-day Saints. Its timeless melody and profound lyrics have been an integral part of worship for countless individuals and families in the Church. The hymn’s return is a celebration of tradition and a tribute to its enduring spiritual significance.
A Hymn of Grace for Those Who Wander
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a hymn that resonates deeply within the hearts of many, crossing denominational lines and touching the souls of those who sing and hear it. Its journey through history, its spiritual significance, and the legends surrounding it make for a rich narrative of faith, music, and enduring legacy.
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”
— St. Augustine of Hippo
The Origins and Evolution
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a hymn written by Robert Robinson in 1758 during the 18th-century revivalist movement. Robinson composed this hymn at the age of 22, reflecting his profound understanding of grace and personal devotion. The melody associated with it, called Nettleton, is attributed to John Wyeth’s sacred music repository, which further cemented its place in hymnal tradition.
This hymn was not included in the original LDS hymnbook that Emma Smith compiled. However, it has been featured in various Christian hymnals since its creation. Although “Come, Thou Fount” was not included in the 1985 edition of the LDS hymnbook, it remains a much-loved hymn among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and many other Christian denominations. The hymn’s message of divine grace and guidance is universal, embodying themes of redemption, seeking, and the joy of divine love.
Cultural and Religious Significance
“Come, Thou Fount” is not just a hymn but a journey of faith and acknowledgment of God’s hand in everything. It teaches core doctrines of Christianity with clarity and power, inviting all to partake in the joy of singing and the comfort it brings to the weary. It fulfills the church’s criteria for hymn selection by increasing faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, comforting and inspiring the faithful, and unifying believers worldwide (Tabernacle Choir).
Mack Wilberg and The Tabernacle Choir
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has had a fluctuating history within LDS culture. It has been absent and present in official hymnals. Although it was not included in the 1985 LDS hymnbook, it remained popular in LDS culture through other means, such as performances by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and inclusion in various LDS music collections. This ongoing popularity reflects a form of cultural reintroduction outside the official hymnal.
Mack Wilberg’s “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” arrangement has become a beloved rendition by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. It is celebrated for its emotional depth and for enhancing the hymn’s message of divine grace and guidance. Mack Wilberg’s work on this hymn is renowned for creating arrangements that provide a fresh perspective on traditional hymns, making them resonate deeply with Choir members and listeners worldwide.
In 2018, the church announced its plans to create a new hymnbook promoting a more unified global hymnal. On April 1st, 2024, it was announced that the hymn “Come, Thou Fount” would be included in this upcoming hymnbook, marking its official reintroduction. Further additions to the new hymnbook will begin rolling out in May 2024, with twelve new hymns added to the LDS Gospel Library. Specifics about its official reintroduction into LDS culture, such as inclusion in official church materials or hymnals, would require up-to-date information on recent hymnal revisions or announcements by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Legends and Stories
One of the most touching lines in the hymn is “Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’ve come.” This line is based on a story from the Bible in 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel raises a stone as a monument to God’s help and names it Ebenezer, which means “stone of help.”
Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
(1 Samuel 7:12)
The hymn celebrates the guidance and assistance provided by God throughout life’s journey.
Robert Robinson’s life serves as a testament to the themes of the hymn “Come Thou Fount”. He had experienced different religious beliefs throughout his life, and the line “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” speaks to the universal human experience of wandering from faith and the continuous need for divine grace.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
There is a heartwarming legend about Robinson that he often recalled in his later years. While traveling in a stagecoach, he overheard a woman hum his hymn. When he asked her what she thought of it, he was deeply moved and revealed that he was the hymn’s author. He expressed his yearning for the emotions he once experienced and laments, “I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” Although the story cannot be historically verified, it portrays the author’s deep emotional connection to his creation and its profound impact on others.
A Hymn to Inspire
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a hymn that stands as a testament to the timeless power of hymns to inspire, comfort, and unite people across different cultures and centuries. Its journey from an 18th-century revivalist hymn to a modern-day anthem of grace and guidance underscores the enduring nature of its message, which continues to resonate within the hearts of the faithful worldwide.
As this hymn continues to be sung in congregations, homes, and hearts, it reminds us of the divine grace that is the source of every blessing we have and the ever-present help in our wanderings. Whether viewed from a historical, cultural, or personal perspective, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” remains a cherished hymn of faith, hope, and the quest for divine love that endures through time.
Bibliography:
- “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing.
- “Hymn Selection Criteria.” The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/hymns/how-hymns-are-chosen.html.
- “1 Samuel 7:12.” The Holy Bible, King James Version.
- “Mack Wilberg Biography.” The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/mack-wilberg-biography.html.
- “Church Announces Plans for New Hymnbook and Children’s Songbook.” Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, May 20, 2018. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-announces-plans-for-new-hymnbook-and-childrens-songbook.
- Augustine of Hippo. “St. Augustine Quotes.” Goodreads. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3296.Augustine_of_Hippo.
- Confucius. “Confucius Quotes.” Goodreads. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/296842.Confucius.