I was really struck by this beautiful hymn at church this morning, and was so blown away by it, that I thought it absolutely necessary to blog it!
The author – Samuel Stone – wrote it in response to the unorthodox teachings of Bishop of Natal, South Africa – Bishop Colenso. Now, what really blew me away was that I had recently been reading the history of the Anglican Church in SA from a great book, A Candle Burns in Africa which mentioned exactly this story of Bp. Colenso!
These 3rd and 5th verses really got me longing for the day when the Lord would put everything aright. I hope they leap out at you too!
Though with scornful wonder
the world sees her oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping,
their cry goes up, “How long?”
and soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.
Yet she on earth has union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give to us the grace
like them, the meek and lowly,
in heaven to seek your face.
Have a listen to the song and you think about the lyrics:
“I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not overcome it” – Jesus. Matthew 16:18
