GEORGE GRENFELL was a missionary explorer on the Congo in Africa. One time while traveling along the Lomami River, which runs into the Congo, at one of the landing-places he was welcomed by a choir of pupils from the mission schools with their teachers singing the hymn, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.”
The strains of the music floated across the water before the engines of the little vessel had stopped. As Grenfell listened, his heart was filled with gratitude to God, that these native Africans redeemed by the blood of Christ were now singing “Crown Him Lord of all.” Grenfell knew what scenes of terrible cruelty had been enacted on the banks of this very river before the gospel light had come. He had himself seen there the devastation and the smoking ruins left by the Arab slave-traders. But now better days had come.
Do you wonder that the missionary, thrilled with emotion, joined with these converted Africans in singing that wonderful coronation hymn?
Oh that every one of our dear readers, through grace might be stirred as Grenfell was, and in spirit join in the song of praise to Christ: “Crown Him Lord of all.” “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy... and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Revelation 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).
ML-08/24/1969