MURILLOS LESSON A hymn about our nation, the United States of America, and the Lord who has blessed it. The text was written by Timothy Dwight and the music by G. Morelli. The hymns title is taken from the original Lesson by Morelli and over time, Morelli became Murillo. The word lesson means an exercise in music. Therefore, we can interpret the tile as an exercise (lesson) in the art of music by Mr. Morelli (Murillo). The tune was composed as a military march and the original title was Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine. Timothy Dwight was born on May 14, 1752 in Northampton, Massachusetts. His mother was the daughter of theologian Jonathan Edwards. By the early age of four, he was reading the Bible and by age six, he had taught himself Latin. He entered Yale University at thirteen, and four years later graduated with the highest honors. In 1777, he joined the Continental Army, serving at West Point, where he instructed soldiers and also wrote patriotic songs. He returned to Northampton when his father died in 1779 and ran two farms, preached in the local church, and established a school which became so popular that he had to hire two assistants. His neighbors elected him to the county government in 1781 and 1782, and they would have elected him to Congress had he not decided to become a minister in 1783. At Greenfield, Connecticut, he established a school, drawing nearly a thousand students from across the country during its twelve years of operation. In 1795, he was chosen President at Yale University and served in that office for many years with great distinction. He passed from this life on January 11, 1817. Murillos Lesson is found in several of our hymnbooks but it is most commonly sung at sacred harp singings. I would not call this a worship hymn but it does have a valuable history, especially in regard for our struggle for independence. The words bring to light the feelings our fathers had in regard to the founding of our nation. They viewed the United States as a place where the Lord has blessed His people to enjoy religious freedom without government control or persecution. I have long felt and have publicly stated that should our government suppress this particular freedom, our country will fall. With this in mind, let us sing this hymn with a reverence toward God for this great blessing of religious freedom. To secure this particular liberty, many gave their lives. If we ever forget it, we are on a very, very slippery slope. Here are the words of the song…let them sink in: As down a lone valley with cedars o’erspread, From war’s dread confusion I pensively strayed, The gloom from the face of fair heaven retired, The winds hushed their murmurs, the thunders expired. Perfumes as of Eden flowed sweetly along, A voice as of angels enchantingly sung, Columbia, Columbia to glory arise, The queen of the world and the child of the skies. Fair science her gate to thy sons shall unbar, And the east see thy morn hide the beams of her star. New bards and new sages unrivalled shall soar To fame unextinguished when time is no more. To Thee the last refuge of virtue designed, Shall fly from all nations the best of mankind; There grateful to heaven with transport shall bring To Jesus, the author of nations will sing. Kind Readers, it is my opinion that our Lord blesses any nation that honors Him. Let us ensure that our nation continues to do so. Let our government be upon His shoulder, and to Him, should all honor belong.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:19:33 +0000
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