JESUS CHRIST >> LOVE OF CHRIST FOR US
SDAH 191
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown!
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Love Divine
Charles Wesley’s joyful hymn is a prayer for Christian perfection and complete transformation through divine love. Written in 1747, it combines poetic beauty with rich biblical language. The tune BEECHER by John Zundel, named for the great preacher Henry Ward Beecher, supports the text with warmth and strength. Let us sing it as a prayer for the Spirit to dwell in us and make us wholly Thine.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Charles Wesley (1707–1788; see Biographies) wrote this hymn of four stanzas in 1747 under the title “Jesus, Show Thy Salvation”; it was first printed in that same year in Hymns for Those That Seek, and Those That Have Redemption. At that time there was a popular tune set by Purcell to the “Song of Venus” in Dryden’s play King Arthur. The opening words were:
Fairest isle, all isles excelling,
Seat of pleasures and of loves,
Venus here will choose her dwelling
And forsake her Cyrian groves.
Wesley capitalized on the tune and wrote his hymn in the same meter, using also two of Dryden’s rhymes, but the hymn is virtually a composite of many verses of Scripture, showing Wesley’s familiarity with the Bible.
The tune BEECHER was composed especially for these words by John Zundel in 1870 and first appeared in Christian Heart Songs. Born December 10, 1815, at Hockdorf, Germany, Zundel migrated to the United States, where he spent more than 30 years. He was the organist for 28 years in the Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York, at a time when the famous preacher Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) was the pastor; the tune was named to commemorate him. Zundel was the assistant musical editor for the Plymouth Collection, prepared for the use of Beecher’s congregation, and contributed this tune BEECHER and 27 others to that hymnal. He died in July 1882, at Cannstatt, Germany.
Stanza:
1 – Isaiah 57:15
Matthew 9:36
Psalm 106:4
2 – John 20:22
Hebrews 4:9
Revelation 22:13
Hebrews 12:2
3 – Malachi 3:1
Revelation 4:8
Revelation 5:11, 12
4 – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 5:27
Psalm 51:12
2 Corinthians 3:18
Revelation 4:10
Text
1
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven, to earth come down;
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
2
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find the promised rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
3
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy grace receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
4
Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Isa 57:15; Matt 9:36; Ps 106:4 (b) John 20:22; Heb 4:9; Rev 22:13; Heb 12:2 (c) Mal 3:1; Rev 4:8; 5:11, 12 (d) 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 5:27; Ps 51:12; 2 Cor 3:18; Rev 4:10
Author
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Year Published
1747
Hymn Tune
BEECHER
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.D.
Composer
John Zundel (1815-1882)
Year Composed
1870
Alternate Tune
HYFRYDOL SDAH 167
Theme
LOVE OF CHRIST FOR US
For Music Ministers
Discover thoughtfully selected choral, instrumental, and keyboard arrangements to help you plan meaningful music for worship, special programs, and other ministry occasions. Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. Your support helps maintain this website and allows me to continue providing resources for music ministry.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Mark Shepperd: This traditional American melody with 16th century text has been delightfully arranged for SATB choir and piano. Perfect for use during time of introspection and contemplation.
SATB choir (SATB). Sacred octavos. Capital University Choral Series. Sacred. Octavo. Beckenhorst Press #BP2042. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.BP2042). UPC: 748769020425. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. SKU: BP.BP2042
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Richard Proulx: Scored for men’s voices (AATB) in 1971, this SATB designation for mixed voices loses none of the effectiveness of the original arrangement. “Jerusalem, My Happy Home” may be thought of as a partner piece to Proulx’s “Amazing Grace” from 1973 (G-6389), to which he later added a flute part. Both of these American folk hymn settings are characterized by canonic treatment of the melody and parallel open intervals in the men’s voices.
SATB choir, piano reduction – Early intermediate. Proulx Legacy Series. Tune Name: Land Of Rest. Sacred. Octavo. 8 pages. GIA Publications #G-9053. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-9053). UPC: 785147905301. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. English. Text Source: F. B. P., 16th c. manuscript., alt. SKU: GI.G-9053
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by Alice Parker: Choral (SATB) SKU: HL.8765184 Hinshaw Sacred. Octavo. Hal Leonard #HMC595. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.8765184). UPC: 728215004414. 6.75 x 10.25 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home, arranged by James Hopkins: SATB choir, organ. SKU: EC.4942Composed by James F. Hopkins. 21st Century. Octavo. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #4942. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.4942). ISBN 600313449420. UPC: 600313449420. 6.75 x 10.25 inches. Text: F.B.P., 16th-Century.
Songs of Heaven (A collection of 5 hymns and spirituals for String Quartet) by Sharon Wilson String Quartet: These arrangements are straight-forward and suitable for late beginner to intermediate string groups since all notes for all instruments can be played in the first position. An optional repeat is provided for each song in case a longer selection is desired.
String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin – Level 2 – Digital Download. Christian, Folk, Sacred, Spiritual, Traditional. 44 pages. Sharon Wilson #1025815. Published by Sharon Wilson (A0.1445994). SKU: A0.1445994
Jerusalem My Happy Home (3-5 octaves) by Cathy Moklebust: Based on the early American tune “Land of Rest”, this lively and varied arrangement features themes of joy and happiness that are obvious in the introduction and first stanza, with the use of dancing, staccato rhythms. The second stanza is more flowing in style, and the third features a four-part round with flute, cello, optional handchimes, and the singing bell technique. The final stanza is full and glorious and includes a soaring flute descant. Voicing: 3, 4, 5 octaves handbells with optional 3 octaves handchimes, flute, violincello, and percussion.
Handbells – intermediate. SKU: CG.CGB632I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord. Composed by Early American Melody. Arranged by Cathy Moklebust. General, Holy Communion. With 3 octaves handchimes, Flute, Cello, Percussion. General, Holy Communion, Sacred. Handbell Score. 12 pages. Chorister’s Guild #CGB632. Published by Chorister’s Guild (CG.CGB632). UPC: 749193014813. 8.5 x 11 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Wilbur Held: Five well-known hymns are set here in simple, pleasing style. The keyboard part works comfortably on either piano or organ, and the cello part will transfer easily, with a few adjustments, to other bass instruments.
Cello and keyboard – Medium – Digital Download. SKU: MQ.20-980-2E Composed by Wilbur Held. All Saints/All Souls. Score. 4 pages. MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music #20-980-2E. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers – Digital Sheet Music (MQ.20-980-2E).
Three Folk Hymns for Winds for Two Flutes, Oboe and Clarinet by Donna Robertson. Innovative arrangements of three familiar folk hymns, perfect for both sacred and secular settings. Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, Oboe, Clarinet.
Chamber Music. SKU: AY.CM109Arranged by Donna N. Robertson. Ensembles – Chamber Music. Score and parts. Alry Publications #CM109. Published by Alry Publications (AY.CM109). ISBN 9790302105312. 9 x 12 inches.
Transformations by Howard Helvey. 10 eloquent new arrangements for piano solo based on beloved hymn tunes: How Can I Keep From Singing? (ENDLESS SONG); Jerusalem, My Happy Home (LAND OF REST); Holy, Holy, Holy (NICAEA); Take Up Thy Cross, the Savior Said (BOURBON); Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (GERMANY); Christians, We Have Met to Worship (HOLY MANNA); How Great Thou Art (HOW GREAT THOU ART); Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy (RESTORATION); Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY); The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended (ST. CLEMENT). Difficulty level: Early Advanced.
Piano. SKU: BP.PC25Composed by Howard Helvey. Arranged by Howard Helvey. Piano collections. Collection. Beckenhorst Press #PC25. Published by Beckenhorst Press (BP.PC25). 9 x 12 inches.
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Charles E. Callahan Jr. Organ – Digital Sheet Music
Jerusalem, My Happy Home by Amanda Tero. An advanced hymn arrangement for the classically-trained pianist. This old melody is delightful and almost like a movie soundtrack. Nestled in moving sixteenth notes with a sprinkling of left hand melody. 4 pages. Keys of F and G. This is part of the Surrender collection—seven arrangements for advanced pianists. Full album also available on most streaming platforms.
Piano Solo – Level 4 – Digital Download. SKU: A0.1083918Composed by American Folk Hymn. Arranged by Amanda Tero. Praise & Worship,Sacred,Traditional. Score. 5 pages. Amanda Tero #688123. Published by Amanda Tero (A0.1083918).
American Folk Hymns for Piano, 8 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements by Anna Laura Page: These 8 folk hymns were adopted as American more than a century ago. Titles: Amazing Grace * I Am Bound for the Promised Land * I Know that My Redeemer Lives * Jerusalem, My Happy Home * My Shepherd Will Supply My Need * ‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple * When I Can Read My Title Clear * Wherever I May Wander.
Piano – Advanced; Early Advanced. SKU: AP.188898 Early Advanced to Advanced Arrangements. Composed by Anna Laura Page. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Folk; Hymn; Sacred. Book. 36 pages. Alfred Music #00-18889. Published by Alfred Music (AP.18889). UPC: 038081171661. 9 x 12 inches. English.
Chords from Ultimate Guitar website (Some of the words may be different from the SDA Hymnal)
Charles was the other Wesley. Alongside his brother John who was considered the main guy behind the founding of Methodism, it was Charles’ hymns that pushed through the envelope of being “just another religion.” His lasting and well-known hymns have captivated Christians all around the world. Through his poetic lines, we are able to sing many hymns with such deep theology.
It was said that he wrote 8,989 hymns. That’s 10 lines of poetry every single day for 50 years. And we are privileged to have sung some of those hymns. Tell me, don’t these hymns ring a bell for you?
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