Two of this week’s hymn suggestions are very much part of Epiphany repertoire. Three of them were recorded during last year but I did made a trip to Astley Bridge on Monday to record some fresh material for the next couple of weeks. Blessèd assurance first appeared in John R. Sweney's book ‘Gems of Praise in 1873’. The tune came first and Fanny Crosby who subsequently wrote the words records in her memoirs:

“Sometimes a tune is furnished me for which to write the words. The hymn titled ‘Blessèd Assurance’ was made in this manner. My dear friend Phoebe Palmer Knapp (Mrs. Joseph), so well-known as a writer and singer of most excellent music and as an aid and inspiration to all who knew her, had composed the tune; and it seemed to me one of the sweetest I had heard for a long time. She asked me what it said. I replied, ‘Blessed assurance’. I felt while bringing the words and tones together that the air and the hymn were intended for each other.”

Today it survives mostly in non-conformist hymn books but then I love not conforming, perhaps just one aspect of my catholic tastes!

AMNS 49 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness - https://youtu.be/YhhSdM6Bg9g

SHF 41 Blessèd assurance - https://youtu.be/CFokcAnn7mw

AMNS 48 Earth has many a noble city - https://youtu.be/6Ywt9Kkvl6M

Will you come and follow me - https://youtu.be/vfhAJ4HHibs

Best regards,

Mel.