This poem is a personal doxology. Although the poet invites all things to join in the doxology, and references the Moses showing God's wondrous works and ways, and the Son of God as bearing truth and grace, the main reason for the poem is the writer's life has been "crowned with love", has been "ransomed from the grave" and redeemed from hell.
This is a personal doxology.
O bless the Lord, my soul! Let all within me join And aid my tongue to bless His Name, Whose favors are divine. O bless the Lord, my soul! Nor let His mercies lie Forgotten in unthankfulness, And without praises die. He crowns thy life with love, When ransomed from the grave. He that redeemed my soul from hell, Hath sov'reign pow'r to save. His wondrous works and ways He made by Moses known: But sent the world His truth and grace By His beloved Son.
Aaron Williams composed Saint Thomas, a hymn tune often associated with Oh Bless the Lord My Soul.
Aaron Williams composed Saint Thomas.
He lived from 1731 to 1776. He was a psalmodist outside the mainstream of European music. Because he was self taught, even though he was Welsh, he is often associated with Yankee Tunesmiths.
I find the whole Better Music Movement disagreeable.
Aaron Williams was innovative. He may have not had a choice in the matter because he was not trained in a conservatory, but by reading books and listening to what he wrote, and studying West Gallery music.
The term avant garde had not yet been coined, but I apply it to Aaron Williams as well as other self-taught artists of all kinds who use their own definitions of quality without access to highfalutin education, but still endeavor to improve society.
Isaac Watts is credited with helping revive the worship experience.
Isaac Watts wrote O Bless the Lord, My Soul
Indeed, he wrote an incredible number of hymns. He was born in 1674 and died 1748. He was dismayed at the indifferent, and negligent worship.
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