Worship Arts Notes
Edward Perronet was born in 1726 England, the grandson of a French immigrant. He followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the ministry. He became close friends with John and Charles Wesley, eventually leaving the Church of England and becoming a traveling Methodist minister.
One story about Perronet says that Wesley encouraged Perronet to preach, but he was resistant. Finally upon being announced that he was going to preach he stood before the large crowd and declared, “I will now deliver the greatest sermon ever preached on earth.” He then read the Sermon on the Mount and promptly sat down.
In addition to being a skilled orator, he was also a skilled writer. He anonymously published numerous books and hymns he’d composed. In the 1779 book Occasional Verses, Moral and Sacred, a eight verse hymn was included that was titled “On the Resurrection.” This song later became known as All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.
The power of the hymn has continued through the centuries. One story is about Rev. E. P. Scott, a missionary during the 1800s to India. Against the advice of his fellow missionaries, he set out alone to visit a remote village and share the Gospel. Days into his journey, he was met by a large group of savage warriors, pointing spears towards his heart. Expecting to die, he decided to glorify God with his last breath. Taking out his violin he carried with him, he began to play and sing All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, in the warrior’s native language. One verse led to another and he realized he was still playing and there was a peaceful quiet around him. When he opened his eyes he discovered the warriors had lowered their spears and had tears in their eyes. Rev. Scott spent the remainder of his life sharing the love of God with this tribe.
Last Sunday was a glorious Founders Day Sunday. God continues to amaze us. He has wondrously blessed our Christ Methodist Church congregation in numerous ways and as we worship Him in spirit, truth and power may we continue to experience His pleasure.