Love Divine All Loves Excelling | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

A great Charles Wesley hymn! But his brother John was not convinced by some of his words. Let's take a look at why... and then we'll sing two different versions of the song together at the end (Beecher and Blaenwern).
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Sources used for this video:
- John Mclelland. The Ambassador Book of Great Hymn Stories. 1994. Ambassador Productions Ltd: Belfast
- Frank Colquhoun. Sing to the Lord: A Fresh Look at Great Hymns on Praise. 1988. Hodder & Stoughton: London
LYRICS:
1. Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, all Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation; enter ev'ry trembling heart.
2. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast.
Let us all in Thee inherit, let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
3. Come, Almighty, to deliver, let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never, nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love.
4. Finish, then, Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory, till in heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
#hymns #hymnhistory #hymnsofthefaith

[@riastander5135]

Thank you for sharing this lovely hymn. I know the first tune. We sing it in church and believe every word of it. We worship a powerful God!!

[@heatherwaller3073]

We sang the second version in our little Anglican church in the 1960s. St John, Umbogintwini, KZN. Was my favorite hymn. Still remember the words.

[@wesplybon9510]

This was never a song I grew up with, nor common in my church, (it was indeed in our hymnal, but never sung) but when I came across it, I made it a point to lead it to my congregation and many of them loved it as much as I did. The rest and salvation we have in Christ are so beautifully described and have never stopped touching my heart.

[@rosebelldayal2480]

This is the song which my husband used to sing when our children were born and not sleeping then he used to challenge me that I can make them sleep. He used to sing this song and children used to sleep hearing this song.

[@juliahuff6035]

Hymns are so beautiful. No comparison to songs today in church. Hymns are so rich in meaning and music. Sang the first one in church.

[@cedricmorgan1668]

We sing the 2nd tune but the 1st tune is also beautiful as a anthem

[@annaklassen8876]

Most of the hymns you share on we still sing on a regular basis in our church. I love the way you explain these stories

[@deonvanrhyn934]

Allways love your program

[@Carol-ej9bc]

Take away our BENT to sinning is something we all long for, making 1 John 3:1-2 the longing of our hearts.

[@carolyndrawdy5687]

🙏🤗❤️# q Always loved and still do 🙏❤️the first Version…thankful for the encouraging and comforting words🥰

[@conniewright1113]

I enjoyed both. I have never heard this hymn. No matter how we sing this hymn, the message is wonderful. God's grace and His power to help each day is such a special gift to us.

[@kunegondahoward-tripp68]

Sang this in the Baptist church when I was a very young Christian. It was there that the Holy Spirit spoke to me. This one love Devine all love excelling.... Is so amazing, really the Gospel of love a reminder of God's love for us. Thank you Pastor Luke for your programmes. God bless you as you continue to serve Him.😊😊

[@petermmofoke6873]

Indeed, we also sang this amazing hymn back in the day at my local Baptist Church in the Cameroon's. Once again, GREAT job Luke, thank you for taking us back in time, way back then!!!

[@margarettaylor2385]

takes me back to my school days in the 60's xx

[@vanmamawannabe6360]

Our high school choir director chose the first version of this hymn (we’re in the US) as the processional for the main church service. I didn’t fully grasp the weight and joy of the words at age 16, but I do now, many decades later.

[@damarisita118]

I am a Spanish speaker, I apologize if my English grammar is not correct, but recently I found these videos and they have been a true blessing to me. I was born in a small, quite conservative church, of which my grandfather was the pastor, and today, at 31 years old, I still remain in the church. That is why I recognize several of the hymns that have appeared in this series, and I feel so moved when I hear their stories and analyses... some of the hymn lyrics change a bit when translated into Spanish, but the message of the hymns is basically the same. This hymn, however, does change quite a bit in Spanish, as only the music remains; the lyrics in Spanish are an adaptation of Psalm 1, but it is equally edifying and beautiful to sing. I am very grateful for your dedication in making these videos, Pastor, and I bless your ministry. May the Lord continue to give you strength and courage to lead your ministry. P.S. My grandpa favoryte hymn was one that I think in English is called “His eye is on the sparrow” it would be great that it appears in this series someday

[@olivierfonte2999]

Like the first one only that I remember the melody and sing myself... Thanks for sharing

[@javasoccernut]

I grew up in the 60s and 70s and yes we sang it at our Baptist Church in the Midwest. I currently live in North Carolina an area with a few Moravian settlements. The first way is the way we used

[@nancyravesloot2400]

Hello, we’re also from Midwest, visiting NC now, we are in the Pinehurst area by family, were are you and what church do you attend?

[@julieellis6793]

I sang this, with the first version, but not often. I've always loved it, though. Thank you for all you do . God bless you.

[@maddyhurricks5122]

The words were written to be sung to the tune of "Fairest Isle" by Purcell. With Wesley's fine words it is a wonderful aria.

[@chrik888]

Thank you! Praise the Lord 🙏

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Huge thanks for this kindness!

[@dancotten505]

Enjoyed both the first is what I grew up in church thanks

[@sandrabenson4260]

I heard this song for the first time when I viewed Prince William’s and Kate‘s wedding. The music was beautiful, but the lyrics brought tears to my eyes. I made it my mission to learn it. I have been blessed by it and sing it all the time now. Thank you for the history of this great hymn.

[@felixotuoke5419]

The song points me to the transcendent love of God. ❤

[@Justme-qn2qw]

Loved this one! I believe in sanctification by grace as well. This is a beautiful hymn that I did hear in the Baptist church here in the U.S., earlier in my life, as you sang so beautifully in the first version. The second version is beautiful as well.

[@loriemoorhead9017]

There is a third tune that we sing in my anglican church. The first one is the tune I know, but the second one I have not sung. Hymn 657 of the 1982 Hymnal for the Episcopal Church is different from both versions you sang. Also the new Anglican Hymnal (Sing Unto The Lord) appears to have all three versions.(29.99 for a pew copy). I'm sure I could email you a copy of the music from either Hymnal. I own several copies of the 1982 Hymnal and we use Sing Unto The Lord at All Saints in Monroe Louisiana. I really enjoy hearing you play the Hyms and giving the history of them. May Gon continue to richly bless you and your churcy.

[@maureenmuggleton5145]

Thank you , Luke , exactly what I needed to listen to today !!

[@RhondaCope-rk3ez]

When I seen you were doing Charles Wesley I was so happy Through your teachings I have come to dearly live his words His love or God Knowing It's Father Son Holy Ghost Then you stated Hymn book 1914 The year my grandfather Was born I miss his love He loved God His family Birn July 4th Homemade ice cream And love Thank you Luke Blessings

[@doxieherblitz]

Thanks!

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Very kind of you, thank you!

[@reneekeong6159]

Hello from Malaysia, thank you for your wonderful sharing. We sing the first tune, never heard of the second tune.

[@gladys763]

I was raised with the first arrangement. Brought back memories. Have not heard this song for a while. Thank you for sharing.

[@Justme-qn2qw]

Jude 24, Now to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding glory. Amen. Seventh-day Adventist theology as well. We call it righteousness by faith.

[@nancyravesloot2400]

I think I prefer the 2nd version, but it’s a new one to me, beautiful 😍

[@robertonyango5533]

Christ urged us to be perfect as our Father heaven is perfect... In Matthew 5:48

[@missme541]

Beautiful song! Very deep and filling.

[@edithbubb306]

😊Hi Luke ,well both songs I have heard,but sung the first one in the Methodist church Beautiful and full of power Thank you for sharing

[@stevenephesian]

I discovered your channel last year & subscribed soon after & have really enjoyed your Christ-centered content! I'm also a fellow musician & Christian songwriter & am especially partial to your series of videos, such as this one, about classic hymns. I really hope & pray that God continues to bless all your efforts to encourage & uplift fellow believers for the cause of Christ. Thank you for your efforts!

[@yvonnedavis1700]

Beautiful song. I know the first tune❤❤❤

[@debrazawlocki3975]

So grateful to find your channel.

[@debbieardinger8015]

Love John and Charles Wesley!

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

Thanks

[@ianjohnson4658]

I enjoyed both. I was actually only familiar with the first tune, but I think I liked the second tune a little more! It's been a long time since I sang this hymn, mostly because we've been attending a thoroughly Reformed-oriented Baptist church for some years now. Before that, we had been in churches of various flavors. (We moved a lot, and also had churches die out from under us). I really only remember singing this in the church in which Christ found me--a Disciples of Christ (Christian) church, an outgrowth of the "Restoration Movement" (a phenomenon which I understand affected pretty much only the U.S. and, to a lesser degree, Canada). I would point out that the lyrics can be understood in a way which is consistent with the Reformed approach--which doesn't deny that the Spirit is making us holy, but only says that this occurs progressively over time and usually not instantaneously. I myself became aware just this week of an area that used to be a huge battleground in my life, in which God has over a very long period (I was saved in 1971!) and without me even being aware of it changed the way I think and feel. So, it's a beautiful hymn, even if my present church never sings it!

[@LiveAndLetsFly]

I prefer to sing this to the Hyfrydol tune. All three are excellent. Thank you Luke!

[@mikenixon2401]

I think in his hymn writing Charles had an edge on some spiritual understanding than John. Luke like you, I have always loved this song.

[@adjoabanson8455]

I love this hymn…I have loved it for years but not known the story behind it. It is hymn 431 in the Methodist Hymn book. Every verse is beautiful to me. For the Methodist church Ghana, the third verse is the hymn for this year to complement the theme: discipleship, growing in Christian maturity. God bless you for this episode.

[@adjoabanson8455]

The MHB 431 has only 3 verses, it excludes the second one here. So the thematic hymn is the last verse “…finish then Thy new creation”.

[@sherriejohnson508]

I haven't heard this thank you

[@donttakethemark65]

I have sung this to the first tune sometimes, but in the Anglican church we usually sang these lyrics to the hymn tune Hyfrydol, a tune I love. Your research is causing me to look more closely at the doctrine behind the lyrics, and I am glad to see that Charles Wesley read the book of Revelation (Rev. 4:10) and believed it to be literal prophecy, not just symbolic. That is not what the church teaches today, unfortunately, and it's interesting that evidently John the separatist was the one who was uncomfortable with it, while Charles was the puritan, trying to purify the Anglican church from within.

[@balfourgrl]

I've known and been singing this hymn for around 40 years! It's among my favorites!

[@toniekulkarni9243]

I always sang the 1st one but I believe I like the second one better. I’’m American so I learned it the 1st way

[@philiphumphrey1548]

Love Divine is definitely a holy cover version of Purcell and Dryden's "Fairest Isle". John Dryden's original words were "Fairest isle, all isles excelling, Seat of Pleasure and of Love, Venus here will choose her dwelling And forsake her Cyprian grove" Early versions of Love Divine by the Wesleys used Henry Purcell's "Fairest Isle" tune (from the opera King Arthur). Fairest Isle is a great tune, but a bit operatic and not easy for a congregation, but fun for a choir.

[@margarettaylor2385]

3rd version we sang at school

[@TryGod7]

A great video, once again! In answer to your question, yes, I believe in the second work of grace, sanctification. We are told in several scriptures (Lev. 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:15-16) to be holy. I believe holiness and sanctification go hand in hand.

[@herbalspear1]

We sing this as a congregation so at the Methodist church I play the piano. Beautiful hymn.

[@missme541]

The words are perfectly lined up with the word of God. And the the same perfection of God. Because, there's only one God, one Spirit. And he has given us "his" Spirit, so therefore we become like him, partaker of his holy nature.

[@caroldouglas4470]

🙌👑🎶

[@FredNdoro]

2:53 a lovely devotional hymn; I learnt it as we sung it in primary school

[@caroldouglas4470]

🔥📖💥

[@Carol-ej9bc]

God left the Temple in Ezekiel's time due to the awful idolatry of Judah...not He will never leaver His Own (individual saved people, and the Temple of the redeemed Church) because HE holds us forever. His Better Sacrifice saves to the uttermost those who have come to God by Him. I loved the picture in John10 of Jesus wrapping His hand around us, and the Father's hand wraps around Jesus'. How blest we are!

[@lferret1102]

Beautiful Hymn. I grew up learning the first version but the second wonderful as well. It's a fun hymn to play on the piano.. I play it very bold and majestic.

[@shazinoz]

Am in Oz, we sing first tune, never heard the second one. Thank you for sharing each week.

[@georgeloya3070]

I'm am so grateful for your ministry. I absolutely love hymns. There are some good songs now a days, but there is no comparison to the blessed hymns. Thank you

[@caroldouglas4470]

💜👑💜

[@caroldouglas4470]

💜📖💜

[@CoRAPhil]

Remember singing this hymn in Cebuano(Philippines) in the 70s

[@ramonaschlaegel6402]

The first one is the one I knew as child. I think that we used to sing the second version in chapel at Houghton College.

[@margaretperry7620]

We sang it the 1st way performance ❤

[@caroldouglas4470]

💜✍🏻💜

[@dixiemontgonery131]

We have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us when we receive Christ as Saviour. The only way we make it 2 heaven.

[@gabrielsathianathan8442]

There are 3 tunes to this hymn.

[@philiphumphrey1548]

More than that. The original tune was Fairest Isle by Henry Purcell. Common tunes nowadays are Blaenwern (as performed by Luke here), Hyfrydol (another lovely welsh tune), and Love Divine by John Stainer. (I don't like the latter because it's a four line tune and divides each eight line verse into two).

[@NonsoVincent_]

Interestingly, none of these 2 tunes you sang is the one I go with by default. In the reformed baptist church where I worship (in Lagos, Nigeria), there's yet another tune which we go with most of the times. It's also used in this KZbin video here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ7WlIGvm6ygiJY

[@dixiemontgonery131]

Sad that the Methodists have strayed from truth.

[@olivierfonte2999]

Thanks!

[@olivierfonte2999]

Thanks!