Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” was also a hymn writer. The Spurgeon Library at the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Missouri has a section displaying his impressive collection of hymnals, demonstrating his knowledge of hymnology and his love for singing psalms and hymns in worship. This setting of Psalm 111 was written by Spurgeon in 1866 and was included in his “Our Own Hymn-Book,” the hymnal used for worship at London’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, where he was pastor for thirty-eight years.
For a long time, the Metropolitan Tabernacle had been using John Rippon’s “Selection of Hymns” and Isaac Watts’ “Psalms and Hymns,” but Spurgeon wanted a single hymn book that would meet the needs of his congregation. He collected what he believed were the best hymns, and in 1866, he published them in “Our Own Hymn- Book.” It contained over 1,000 hymn texts, including metrical settings of all 150 Psalms. Spurgeon contributed twenty hymns of his writing, fourteen of which were versified Psalms.
Spurgeon’s hymn writing was somewhat different from that of the popular writers of his day, who wrote more poetically. The preacher’s love and understanding of the Psalms were evident in his commentary, “The Treasury of David.” His versified Psalms provide singable settings for congregational singing. “Praise the Lord; with Exultation,” a metrical setting of Psalm 111, is an excellent example of Spurgeon’s literary ability.
The hymn begins with an admonishment to “Praise the Lord” with nothing less than the “whole heart.” The stanzas then go on to proclaim that the Lord is worthy of praise because of His mighty works, which display His redemption, provision, grace, and promises. Those who “revere” the Lord are wise and are happy to do His will. The last stanza calls for “praise unceasing” and “increasing confidence” in the promises of God.
Most hymnals of that day had only the texts printed, and specific tunes were usually not identified with the text. Several tunes were associated with “Praise the Lord; with Exultation” in later hymnals. The poetic meter of the song (8.7.8.7) is very common, which allows for many familiar tunes to be effectively used with the words.
Spurgeon will always be remembered for his preaching, but his hymnody remains relatively unknown today. There’s much to be learned from him because he had a definite purpose in selecting and writing hymns for his congregation to sing. Spurgeon's hymns could have an impact on congregational singing in worship today. May all believers sing praises to the Lord with thoughtful purpose. Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation (Psalm 111:1).
My whole heart my LORD shall praise;
‘Midst the upright congregation,
Loftiest hallelujahs raise.
Saints review them with delight;
His redemption all victorious
We remember day and night.
Of his cov’nant mindful still;
Wise are those who much revere him,
And rejoice to do his will.
His decrees the saints secure;
From his oath he turneth never,
Ev’ry promise standeth sure.
Be his name for ever blest;
And with confidence increasing,
Let us on his promise rest.
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