The Gilbert and Sullivan Archive > Arthur Sullivan > Hymns

To MIDI File Come Unto Me  

(7.6.7.6.D.)

In his preface to "Church Hymns with Tunes”, Sullivan writes "Adaptations from popular works are, as a rule,
much to be deprecated, as presenting original compositions in garbled form only. But exceptions may occasionally
be made with advantage, and the Editor accepts without any very grave apprehension, the responsibility
of such an arrangement as, for instance, as "Come Unto Me”, the original melody which it closely
follows being so linked with the feeling of the words, that separation would seem almost unwarrantable.”

From Handel

1 "Come unto Me, ye weary,   2 "Come unto Me, ye wanderers,
    "And I will give you rest.”       "And I will give you light."
  Oh, blessed voice of Jesus,     Oh, loving voice of Jesus
    Which comes to hearts opprest!       Which comes to cheer the night!
  It tells of benediction,     Our hearts were filled with sadness,
    Of pardon, grace, and peace,       And we had lost our way,
  Of joy that hath no ending,     But morning brings us gladness,
    Of love which cannot cease.       And songs the break of day.
             
3 "Come unto Me, ye fainting,
   4 “And whosoever cometh,
    "And I will give you life.”       I will not cast him out.”
  Oh, cheering voice of Jesus,     Oh, welcome voice of Jesus,
    Which comes to aid our strife!       Which drives away our doubt!
  The foe is stern and eager,     Which calls us, very sinners,
    The fight is fierce and long;       Unworthy though we be
  But Thou hast made us mighty,     Of love so free and boundless,
    And stronger than the strong.       To come, dear Lord, to Thee!

William Chatterton Dix, 1837 - 98

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Page modified 17 November 2007