As we approach Holy Week, we share a hymn by James Montgomery (1771-1854), who was born in Scotland to Irish parents. When he was just five years old, James’ parents left him in care of a Moravian community in Ireland, while they answered a call to serve as missionaries in the West Indies. There they died; James never saw his parents again. Still, his Moravian upbringing would help nurture a lifelong commitment to faith-inspired activism. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and the humane treatment of child chimney-sweeps, among other causes, and was jailed twice on sedition charges for his writings.
He also published at least 400 hymns and thought he would be remembered most for them.
This hymn – According to Thy gracious word – is a prayer, a promise, and a petition. We wish you all a blessed Holy Week.
According to Thy gracious word
In meek humility
This will I do, my dying Lord
I will remember Thee
Thy body, broken for my sake
My bread from Heaven shall be
The testamental cup I take
And thus remember Thee
Gethsemane can I forget
Or there Thy conflict see
Thine agony, and bloody sweat,
And not remember Thee?
When to the cross I turn my eyes
And rest on Calvary
O Lamb of God, my sacrifice
I must remember Thee
Remember Thee, and all Thy pains
And all Thy love to me
Lord while a breath, a pulse remains
I will remember Thee
And when these failing lips grow dumb
And mind and memory flee
When Thou shalt in Thy kingdom come
Jesus, remember me
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