Some folk claim it as the greatest hymn in the English language. Extravagant, perhaps, but it's certainly very fine and has been a source of comfort and inspiration since it was published by Charles Wesley in 1740. There's a story that a Confederate soldier found himself unable to fire at a Union sentry because the boy was singing the hymn. They chanced to meet years later when the Southerner gave his account at a veterans gathering and the Northerner realised that he was the boy of the story. He explained that he'd been singing the words to summon courage and assurance through his lonely and fearful watch.



Although it's been set to several tunes, including Hollingside by John Bacchus Dykes, it's probably most familiar when sung to Aberystwyth by Joseph Parry, who was born in Wales on this date in 1841.



Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.



Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.



Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?

Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;

Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,

Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.



Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;

False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.



Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.