Brethren, let us join to bless. J. Cennick. [Praise.] This is one of this writer’s most popular hymns. It appeared in his Sacred Hymns for the Children of God, &c, 1742, in 5 stanzas of 4 lines. One of the first to use it as a congregational hymn was G. Whitefield. He included it in his Collection, 1753, but with alterations. It was repeated by M. Madan, in his Psalms and Hymns, 1760, No. 109, and others. Gradually its use extended until it became known in all English-speaking countries; sometimes as in Whitefield, and again in its original form. Whitefield's text can be distinguished by stanza ii. which opens:—"Master, see to Thee we bow," whilst the original reads, "Son of God, to Thee we bow." Original text in Hymnal Companion, No. 512.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
John Cennick was born at Reading, Berkshire, in the year 1717. He became acquainted with Wesley and Whitefield, and preached in the Methodist connection. On the separation of Wesley and Whitefield he joined the latter. In 1745, he attached himself to the Moravians, and made a tour in Germany to fully acquaint himself with the Moravian doctrines. He afterwards ministered in Dublin, and in the north of Ireland. He died in London, in 1755, and was buried in the Moravian Cemetery, Chelsea. He was the author of many hymns, some of which are to be found in every collection.
--Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872.… Go to person page >
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