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Henry Van Dyke
Van Dyke said the hymn “may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.”
It is a hymn of praise sung directly to the Lord.
The hymn does not describe redemption through Christ’s blood. Either Van Dyke left this out because he believed in universal salvation, or he merely assumed personal redemption without stating it. Either way, the hymn is weaker for this omission. We must analyze every hymn, testing it with Scripture (1 Th. 5:21), so that we avoid error and sing with proper understanding. “... sing ye praises with understanding” (Ps. 47:7).
It is reminiscent of Psalm 66:1, “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:”
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee
Op'ning to the Sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
fill us with the light of day
All Thy works with joy surround Thee
Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee
center of unbroken praise
Field and forest, vale and mountain
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea
chanting bird and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in Thee
Thou art giving and forgiving
ever blessing, ever blest
well-spring of the joy of living
ocean-depth of happy rest
Thou the Father, Christ our Brother
all who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other
lift us to the Joy Divine
Mortals join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began
Father-love is reigning o'er us
brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward
victors in the midst of strife
joyful music lifts us sunward
in the triumph song of life
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