Theodulf of Orleans, France (Catholic) was born around the year 750 of a noble Gothic family probably in Spain. He found favor at the Frankish court and was made Abbot of Fleury and Saint-Aignan. In 781 he became bishop of Orleans. He strongly supported Charlemagne’s principles of government and education. Theodulf established schools and was an honored member of the learned circle which had formed around the King of the Franks (Charlemagne). He helped make reforms in the clergy and monasteries and was awarded by Pope Leo III for his achievements in handling these matters.

After the death of Charlemagne he was accused of taking part in a conspiracy on behalf of Bernard of Italy and in 818 was imprisoned at Angers (Anjou)—although it is considered he was accused falsely. He was never proven to be guilty. He died in prison in 821, presumably of poison. This hymn is the only evidence to his faith in the Lord Jesus, and is the oldest of the hymns in this hymnal. Some believe he composed it and sang it in prison.

Martin Madan was born in 1726. He was the son of Colonel Martin Madan and Judith Cowper who was William Cowper’s cousin, the hymn writer. He was studying to be a lawyer but heard a sermon by John Wesley on the text, “Prepare to meet thy God” ( Amos 4:12). This changed his whole life and he became a preacher of the word instead of a lawyer.

Methodism began as a movement within the Church of England. One thing about the Methodist movement was the singing of hymns. In the Anglican Church hymns were illegal and they used psalms for congregational song instead and so there was a great resistance to hymns.

In the Methodist movement of the Church of England, those who stayed behind became the evangelicals and those who moved on became the Methodists. These “Anglican Methodists” could be ordained but even if they were, parishes would not open up to them for fear of “ their enthusiasm is dangerous stuff”. There were however charitable institutions for various sorts of people. One such institution was Locke Hospital in London. They would “lock up” people because they were a danger to society. It had a chapel and its chaplain was Martin Madan who was a musician. He would gather musicians and actors and it became a popular place to worship. Sunday service was comprised of playing musical instruments and hymn singing. They could do so because the chapel was outside of Episcopal control.

In 1760 Martin Madan created a song book and later a tune book; a collection of psalms and hymn tunes called The Locke Hospital Collection. He composed and rearranged hymns to be sung at chapel but later they were used everywhere. Martin gave one of the original copies to Charles Wesley Jr. at age 12. The copy has survived until today and is at the Emory University Library for research purposes. Martin Madan died in 1790.

Please I want the tonicsolfa notation of this hymn glory, honour, praise and power be unto the Lord forever.

I love this song. I am really happy to see it online. I bless the name of The Lord for it all. Amen.