Great God Of Wonders All Thy Ways
Verse 1
GREAT God of wonders! all Thy ways Display the attributes divine; But countless acts of pardoning grace Beyond Thine other wonders shine: Who is a pardoning God like thee? Or who has grace so rich and free?
Verse 2
In wonder lost, with trembling joy We take the pardon of our God; Pardon for crimes of deepest dye, a pardon sealed with Jesus' blood:
Verse 3
Pardon-from an offended God ! Pardon-from sin of deepest dye ! Pardon-bestowed through Jesu’s blood ! Pardon-that brings the rebel nigh!
Verse 4
may this strange, this matchless grace, This God-like miracle of love, Fill the wide earth with grateful praise, As now it fills the choirs above!
Background: Great God Of Wonders All Thy Ways
"Great God of Wonders, all Thy ways" is a beloved hymn with a rich history rooted in American colonial evangelism and later shaped by the development of American hymnody.
Here's a breakdown of its history:
**1. The Text: Samuel Davies (c. 1757-1758)** * **Author:** The text was written by **Samuel Davies** (1723-1761), a prominent Presbyterian minister in colonial America, known for his powerful preaching during the First Great Awakening. He served as the fourth president of what is now Princeton University (then the College of New Jersey). * **Origin:** Davies composed the words as part of a longer poem titled "A Sacramental Hymn" or "Self-Dedication" in **c. 1757-1758**. It was intended as a devotional piece, likely for his congregation in Virginia, possibly for a communion service. Davies was a prolific writer of poetry and hymns, using them to express theological truths and aid worship. * **Themes:** The hymn text is a profound meditation on the attributes of God – His power, wisdom, love, and especially His redemptive grace. It highlights the "wonders" of creation, providence, and salvation through Christ, leading the worshipper to awe and humble adoration. It covers themes of God's majesty, the mystery of His love, the sacrifice of Christ, and the believer's response of praise and dedication.
**2. The Tune: "FEDERAL STREET" by Henry Kemble Oliver (1832)** * **Composer:** The most commonly associated and enduring tune for "Great God of Wonders" is **"FEDERAL STREET,"** composed by **Henry Kemble Oliver** (1800-1885). Oliver was an American educator, businessman, politician, and musician from Massachusetts. He was also a mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, and treasurer of the state. * **Origin Story:** Oliver composed "FEDERAL STREET" on **January 22, 1832**. The story goes that he was disheartened by the poor quality of a congregational tune he heard at church. Upon returning home, he sat at his piano and quickly composed "FEDERAL STREET" as an example of a more fitting and singable melody. He initially gave it the working title "Hingham" but later renamed it "Federal Street" after the street in Salem where he lived at the time. * **Characteristics:** The tune "FEDERAL STREET" is distinctive for its stately, march-like quality, often described as robust and earnest. It perfectly complements the solemn yet triumphant tone of Davies's text.
**3. Evolution and Popularity** * **Pairing of Text and Tune:** Like many older hymns, Davies's text and Oliver's tune were initially separate. It took some time for them to be paired together in hymnals. However, once combined, they formed an incredibly powerful and popular hymn. * **Dissemination:** "Great God of Wonders" with the "FEDERAL STREET" tune became widely adopted in American Protestant hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly within Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Congregational traditions. * **Enduring Appeal:** The hymn remains beloved for its rich theological content and its strong, memorable melody. It continues to be sung in churches today, testifying to God's wondrous ways and inspiring worshippers to praise. In summary, "Great God of Wonders, all Thy ways" is a product of colonial American spiritual fervor (Samuel Davies's text) combined with 19th-century American musical innovation (Henry Kemble Oliver's tune), resulting in a powerful and enduring hymn of praise and adoration.
**1. The Text: Samuel Davies (c. 1757-1758)** * **Author:** The text was written by **Samuel Davies** (1723-1761), a prominent Presbyterian minister in colonial America, known for his powerful preaching during the First Great Awakening. He served as the fourth president of what is now Princeton University (then the College of New Jersey). * **Origin:** Davies composed the words as part of a longer poem titled "A Sacramental Hymn" or "Self-Dedication" in **c. 1757-1758**. It was intended as a devotional piece, likely for his congregation in Virginia, possibly for a communion service. Davies was a prolific writer of poetry and hymns, using them to express theological truths and aid worship. * **Themes:** The hymn text is a profound meditation on the attributes of God – His power, wisdom, love, and especially His redemptive grace. It highlights the "wonders" of creation, providence, and salvation through Christ, leading the worshipper to awe and humble adoration. It covers themes of God's majesty, the mystery of His love, the sacrifice of Christ, and the believer's response of praise and dedication.
**2. The Tune: "FEDERAL STREET" by Henry Kemble Oliver (1832)** * **Composer:** The most commonly associated and enduring tune for "Great God of Wonders" is **"FEDERAL STREET,"** composed by **Henry Kemble Oliver** (1800-1885). Oliver was an American educator, businessman, politician, and musician from Massachusetts. He was also a mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, and treasurer of the state. * **Origin Story:** Oliver composed "FEDERAL STREET" on **January 22, 1832**. The story goes that he was disheartened by the poor quality of a congregational tune he heard at church. Upon returning home, he sat at his piano and quickly composed "FEDERAL STREET" as an example of a more fitting and singable melody. He initially gave it the working title "Hingham" but later renamed it "Federal Street" after the street in Salem where he lived at the time. * **Characteristics:** The tune "FEDERAL STREET" is distinctive for its stately, march-like quality, often described as robust and earnest. It perfectly complements the solemn yet triumphant tone of Davies's text.
**3. Evolution and Popularity** * **Pairing of Text and Tune:** Like many older hymns, Davies's text and Oliver's tune were initially separate. It took some time for them to be paired together in hymnals. However, once combined, they formed an incredibly powerful and popular hymn. * **Dissemination:** "Great God of Wonders" with the "FEDERAL STREET" tune became widely adopted in American Protestant hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly within Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Congregational traditions. * **Enduring Appeal:** The hymn remains beloved for its rich theological content and its strong, memorable melody. It continues to be sung in churches today, testifying to God's wondrous ways and inspiring worshippers to praise. In summary, "Great God of Wonders, all Thy ways" is a product of colonial American spiritual fervor (Samuel Davies's text) combined with 19th-century American musical innovation (Henry Kemble Oliver's tune), resulting in a powerful and enduring hymn of praise and adoration.
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