“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

This became a favorite hymn of mine when I began in youth and family ministry after college. I even walked down the aisle to this hymn during Jared’s and my wedding. J I liked the tune and wording, but as I sang it over and over again, the lyrics meant so much more. The words speak of God’s never-ending grace. I am a sinner who is “prone to wander” and “prone to leave the God I love.” Yet, “He, to rescue me from danger interposed His precious blood.” God doesn’t allow my sin to separate me from Him. This song is a continual reminder that, as you hear me to say to our students every Sunday, God loves you and forgives you no matter what.

 –Jessi Rakness

THE AUTHOR:

Robert Robinson was born at Swaffham, in Norfolk, on Sept. 27, 1735. Robert’s father died when Robert was young and he then became difficult for his mother to handle. At the age of fourteen, Robinson was sent to London as an apprentice to a hairdresser. It was during this time in London that Robinson attended a revival and after hearing the words of George Whitefield, he made peace with God and became a follower of Christ. Robinson was an avid reader and he pursued a detailed study of the Scriptures and early Christian authors.

 In 1758 he was appointed by John Wesley to serve at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Norfolk, England. It was there, to accompany his sermon for Pentecost Sunday in 1858, on the 3-year anniversary of his conversion, he wrote the words of this hymn: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” In January 1759, he moved again, to Stone-Yard Baptist Chapel, Cambridge (St Andrew's Street Baptist Church), where he remained the rest of his life; first as Lecturer and then in 1762 became Pastor. A new chapel was built for him in 1764. His congregation grew to more than a thousand parishioners.

Robinson died in his sleep on June 9, 1790.