805 Hear Hymn – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

The Cultural Hall Podcast

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Overview

• Title: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
• Key Lines: “Come, Thou Fount of every blessing; Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”
• Historical Context: This hymn was not in the original LDS hymnbook compiled by Emma Smith but has been included in various Christian hymnals since its creation. Written by Robert Robinson in 1758, it has a profound historical significance, reflecting a period of revival and spiritual awakening. The melody most commonly associated with it, Nettleton, is named after evangelist Asahel Nettleton, who was influential during the Second Great Awakening.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Commonality Outside LDS Culture: “Come, Thou Fount” is widely beloved in many Christian denominations and has been featured in numerous hymnals across different faiths, evidencing its universal appeal and the shared value of divine grace.
• Central Theme and Doctrine: The hymn speaks to the human soul’s yearning for grace and the joy found in divine love and guidance. It underscores themes of redemption, continual spiritual seeking, and the acknowledgment of God’s hand in all things.
• Hymn Selection Criteria Fulfillment: This hymn beautifully illustrates several of the church’s hymn selection criteria, particularly in increasing faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, teaching core doctrine with clarity, and inviting joyful singing both in church and at home.

Inclusion Rationale

• “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has a fluctuating history within LDS culture, marked by its presence and absence in official hymnals. Although it was notably absent from the 1985 LDS hymnbook, leading to its perceived “reintroduction” at various times through local congregational music choices and special events, specific details 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.
• Despite not being in the 1985 hymnbook, “Come, Thou Fount” 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 arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has become a beloved rendition by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, captivating audiences with its unique musical interpretation.
  • Mack Wilberg is renowned for creating arrangements that provide a fresh perspective on traditional hymns, making them resonate deeply with Choir members and listeners worldwide​ (Tabernacle Choir)​.
  • His work on “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is particularly celebrated for its emotional depth and for enhancing the hymn’s message of divine grace and guidance.
  • After not being included in the 1985 edition of the LDS Hymnal, Mack Wilberg’s arrangement reintroduced this hymn to the LDS culture.
• The church announced plans for a new hymnbook in 2018, aiming to create a more unified global hymnal. If “Come, Thou Fount” is included in this upcoming hymnbook, that would mark its official reintroduction. However, without current details on the contents of this new hymnbook, it’s challenging to specify an exact date or context for its reintroduction.

Impact and Reception

• The hymn has been well-received by LDS members and those of other faiths alike, cherished for its beautiful melody and profound lyrics. Its messages of divine grace and continuous seeking for spiritual guidance have made it a favorite in personal and congregational worship settings.

Additional Notes

• Interesting Fact: The line “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love” poignantly reflects the human condition and Robinson’s own life, as he experienced various religious convictions over his lifetime. This line resonates with many for its honesty and vulnerability.
• There is a touching legend about Robert Robinson, who wrote the hymn “Come Thou Fount”. Though it cannot be verified historically, it tells of a moment in Robinson’s later years that he often recalled. While riding in a stagecoach, he overheard a woman humming his hymn. When he asked her what she thought about it, he became deeply emotional and revealed that he was the hymn’s author. He expressed a yearning for the emotions he once experienced and lamented, “I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then”.

Multimedia

• https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2016-04-1071-come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing?lang=eng&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
• https://youtu.be/UNtr5cADsaA?si=E6KX9H0L2_Hyvi4r&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

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