Come Thou Fount

This Sunday we will be singing "Come Thou Fount." I love the imagery of this hymn, but even more than that, I love the story behind it.

Robert Robinson was born in England in 1735. His father died young and his mother sent him to apprentice in London. While there, he became a member of a gang. They decided one day to harass a gypsy. Pouring liquor into her, they demanded she tell their fortunes for free. Pointing her finger at Robert she told him he would live to see his children and grandchildren. This struck a tender spot in his heart. “If I’m going to live to see my children and grandchildren,” he thought, “I’ll have to change my way of living. I can’t keep on like I’m going now.”

He decided to go the a tent meeting being held by George Whitfield, a very famous preacher of that era. He took his gang along to heckle the meeting. Regardless, Robert left under deep conviction. At age 20, he finally became a follower of Christ and set out to become a preacher. In 1757 at 23, he wrote the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." It is clearly speaking of his life up to that point and his thankfulness at God's grace.

For many years he faithfully served the Lord as a minister, but suffered at the hands of a church where he pastored. This experience caused him to wander from the strength of his faith and his commitment to God. Some years later, he was riding a stagecoach with a young woman. Not know who he was, she sat humming the tune to "Come Thou Fount." She asked him what he thought of the hymn she was humming. He responded, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.” Gently, she replied, “Sir, the ‘streams of mercy’ are still flowing.” He was deeply touched by that. As a result of the encounter he repented. His fellowship with the Lord was restored through the ministry of his own hymn, and a Christian’s willing witness.

He died in 1790, his faith renewed and his ministry restored. I love this story because I have been there. Maybe you have too. God does not abandon those He loves, and I am thankful for His grace!

SONGS FOR SUNDAY

My Redeemer Lives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3glYEDzSyok

Come Thou Fount

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bvYJL6WhuY

More and More of You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5hHxIWbxXI

Way Maker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29IxnsqOkmQ

...and we are learning

Graves into Gardens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YihKbG8-X3U