"Let Us with a Gladsome Mind" is a beloved and enduring metrical paraphrase of **Psalm 136**, known for its simple message of gratitude and its distinctive repetitive refrain. Here's its history: 1. **Author and Date:** The hymn was written by the renowned English poet **John Milton** in **1623**. Remarkably, Milton was only **15 years old** at the time, likely composing it as a school exercise or a spiritual reflection. 2. **Source Material:** It is a direct paraphrase of **Psalm 136**, often called "The Great Hallel" in Jewish tradition. This Psalm is unique for its responsorial structure, where every verse ends with the phrase "For his mercy endureth for ever" (King James Version). Milton faithfully captures this responsorial quality. 3. **Original Publication:** Milton's paraphrase was first published in his 1645 collection of *Poems*. 4. **Structure and Theme:** * Milton's hymn closely follows the structure of Psalm 136, recounting various acts of God's creation, providence, and deliverance (e.g., creating the heavens, separating the waters, leading Israel out of Egypt, providing food for all). * The defining feature is the recurring refrain, which in Milton's original often appears as "For His mercies still endure," or "His mercy lasteth ever." In modern hymnals, it most commonly appears as **"For His mercies still endure, Ever faithful, ever sure."** * The core theme is profound gratitude for God's steadfast and everlasting love and mercy, demonstrated through His actions in creation and history. 5. **Musical Settings:** * Given its responsorial nature and simple language, the hymn is often set to sturdy, easily singable tunes. There isn't one single dominant tune universally associated with it, as it has been paired with many different melodies over the centuries. * It is frequently sung to simple, traditional melodies, sometimes even in a call-and-response style without a formal tune, allowing the congregation to easily join in the refrain. 6. **Popularity and Legacy:** * **Accessibility:** Its simple language, clear message, and repetitive refrain make it incredibly accessible, particularly for children. It's a staple in Sunday schools, children's services, and family worship. * **Thanksgiving:** Due to its overwhelming theme of gratitude and catalog of God's blessings, it's a very popular choice for Thanksgiving services. * **Endurance:** Despite being written by a literary giant known for epic works like *Paradise Lost*, this early, simple hymn has proven to be one of his most enduring and widely known pieces, demonstrating the power of a straightforward expression of faith and thanks. It continues to be included in countless hymnals across various denominations. In essence, "Let Us with a Gladsome Mind" is a testament to John Milton's early spiritual and poetic talent, transforming an ancient Psalm into a timeless hymn that continues to inspire gratitude and joy in worshippers of all ages.