Through all the changing scenes of life

This hymn has been on my mind for several weeks. I think it is because I'm "leaving" the synagogue after a 26 year association. It is the ONLY job I have ever had long enough to witness the scenes of my life changing, and they have changed MANY times during these 26 years.

This used to be an old favorite with Anglicans and Methodists alike. Perhaps only the Methodists still bother with it. I guess it is too "old fashioned" for the swingin' Anglicans to waste time over.

The text is from the "New Version" of psalms by Tate and Brady (1696), and the music is by George Smart (1776-1867) from his "Collection of Sacred Music", 1863.

There are 3 free accompaniments in this performance. All of them are by Henry Coleman (1888-1965) from his "Varied Hymn Accompaniments" published by OUP in 1953). The first in verse 2 is for "treble voices." The second in verse 4 is for "men's voices." The third is for the last verse and for all voices. In order to "hear" the melody in these "free" verses, you will have to sing it or at least THINK it... ;-)

There is one full verse of introduction.

Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy.
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

O magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt his Name;
When in distress to him I called,
He to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Deliverance he affords to all
Who on his succour trust.

O make but trial of his love,
Experience shall decide
How blest are they, and only they,
Who in his trust confide.

Fear him ,ye saints, and you will then
Have nothing else to fear;
Make you his service your delight,
Your wants shall be his care.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
The God whom we adore,
Be glory, as it was, is now,
And shall be evermore. Amen.