If you ever need a reminder that Christianity is a faith of amazing diversity, check out this video. I love seeing the women in their saris packing the pews as an Indian woman conducts the huge choir from the front. I also love their precise diction and lovely accents!
Edward Perronet penned the lyrics in 1779. Perronet was an Anglican priest who was, for a time, a close associate of John and Charles Wesley. There is a story that John Wesley insisted that Perronet preach at one of his large gatherings. Put on the spot in front of the huge crowd, Perronet announced that he would preach “the greatest sermon the world has ever known.” He opened his Bible, read the Sermon on the Mount, then sat back down.
I do not know if the above story is true at all or partly true...I also do not know if Perronet was ever a missionary to India as one source states. I do know that this hymn has been set to multiple tunes. This one is called “Diadem” and was composed by James Ellor in 1838 specifically for this text.
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