Now in a song of grateful praise

It is said that Samuel Medley wrote 230 hymns. His hymns are marked by the spirit of praise and worship. He was born at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, June 23, 1738. He was first apprenticed to an oilman in London, but disliking it he exercised his legal right to finish his term in the Royal Navy.

In 1755 he served aboard King George the Second’s ship the “Buckingham” and was transferred to the “Intrepid” under Admiral Boscawen.

In 1759 he was severely wounded in the leg during the Battle of Cape Largos with the French. He went to be with his grandfather, Mr. Tongue who endeavored to bring Samuel into a different and better kind of life.

One Lord’s day evening Mr. Tongue stayed at home with Samuel to read to him hoping to reach his heart. He read a sermon by Isaac Watts on Isaiah 42:6-7. Samuel’s eyes were opened and he received the One that had been preached to him and was brought out of bondage into freedom. After his health was restored he listened to the preaching of George Whitefield.

Mr. Medley was assured of a promotion in the Navy but resigned and opened a school near Seven Dials.

He married in 1762 and moved his school to King Street, Soho. He began preaching the Word In 1766 and in 1767 he became pastor of the Baptist Church in Watford, Hertfordshire, and later moved to Liverpool in 1772. The Lord blessed his work and he was especially helpful to sailors. When nearing death, a friend said to him, “Sir, Christ is your center. ” “Yes, yes, he replied, “He is, He is! ” Later he added “I am now a poor, shattered bark, just about to gain the blissful harbor, and, oh, how sweet will be the port after the storm! ” Again he said, “Dying is sweet work! My Heavenly Father! I am looking up to my dear Jesus. My God, my portion, my all in all! ” He continued, “Glory! Glory! Home! Home! ” and then passed away in peace on July 17, 1799.

This is a wonderful hymn. We sing it to the tune of Ernan LM. I much prefer it to the tune posted here.

('Now in a song of grateful praise'). The chorus used to be sung at Methodist Circuit teas as a refrain to the grace 'We thank the Lord for this our food', and/or 'Be present at our table, Lord', to the same tune.