William Williams – born

ON THIS DATE

William Williams was born 2/11/1717, at Pantycelyn, Wales.  Called the “Sweet Singer of Wales” & the “Watts of Wales” Williams originally studied medicine but was ordained a deacon of the Church of England in 1740.  He refused to become a priest & in time attached himself to the Calvinistic Methodists.  He had an interesting schedule: for 35 years he ministered every month at Llaullian, Caio, & Llansawel.  History records him an esteemed preacher. Williams composed his hymns chiefly in Welsh.  He died 1/11/1791. 

He’s remembered today for “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah” a hymn that was sung at the wedding of Britain’s Prince William & Catherine Middleton (Westminster Abbey, April 29, 2011).

 

“Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land.

I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand.

Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.”

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Peter Williams – death, Aug. 8, 1796

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
[or Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer…]
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

 

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

 

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of old;
Thou deliver’st Thine from thralldom,
Who for naught themselves had sold:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.

 

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.

 

Musing on my habitation,
Musing on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with holy longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!

 

 

Peter Williams, died on this date,8/8/1796 in Wales.  He translated the above into English.  He was born1/15/1723 at Llansadurnin, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

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