All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

 

The National Anthem of the Christian Faith

 Edward Perronet lived in the 18^th century, born in England in 1726 and died in 1792.  He came to faith at an early age, due to the influence of his godly parents.  Entering the Anglican ministry, he became associated for many years with John and Charles Wesley.

Edward’s clever wit made him rather popular.  At one point, John Wesley put him on the spot and unexpectedly announced that his friend Edward was going to preach the next sermon.  Edward stood up and proclaimed that he was going to deliver the greatest sermon ever preached.  He opened his Bible to Matthew and read chapters 5, 6, and 7, The Sermon on the Mount, then sat back down.

In the November 1779 issue of The Gospel Magazine, edited by Rock of Ages author Augustus Toplady, a hymn appeared, the author labeled as ‘Anonymous’.  The first verse of the hymn was:

                All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!  Let angels prostrate fall;

                Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all!

Alongside the hymn appeared a separate poem – the first letter of each line spelled out the name “Edward Perronet”.

This 8-stanza hymn has been called “The National Anthem of the Christian Faith”.  It has been translated into almost every language on the globe where the Christian faith is represented, and is often used to this day in evangelistic work.

Reverend E.P. Scott, late in the 18^th century, traveled to India for purposes of evangelism.  He heard of a tribe of people who had never been reached with the Gospel.  He traveled alone to reach them and, nearing their territory, was suddenly confronted by a band of warriors from the tribe who all pointed their spears at his heart.  Fearing his life was at an end, he pulled out his violin, closed his eyes, and played the tune of this hymn, fully expecting to be martyred at any moment.  When he finished the song, he looked up and saw the warriors, many with tears in their eyes, and all spears lowered.  Reverend Scott had the privilege of spending two years with that tribe and seeing many of them come to faith.

Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Nelson Publishers, 2003.

https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/perronets-national-anthem-of-christendom-11630316.html

https://www.christianmusicandhymns.com/2015/03/all-hail-power-of-jesus-name-edward.html