This hymn, reflecting spiritual joy, is often used at baptismal services and is also one of the best revival hymns. It is based on II Chron. 15:15: “And all Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; ... and the Lord gave them rest round about.” The original title was “Rejoicing in our covenant engagements to God.” It was published in 1819, by the author’s great-grandson, John Doddridge Humphreys. The hymn was chosen by Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, to be sung always on occasions when members of the royal family were confirmed. It reflects a deep and rich experience of God. “Blessed is the man,” says James Montgomery, “who can take the words of the hymn and make them his own from similar experience.” For comments on Philip Doddridge see Hymn 56. _MUSIC._ HAPPY DAY is an adaptation from a work by E. F. Rimbault, 1816-76, a London scholar, musician and writer. He became organist at Swiss Church, Soho, London, and was offered, but declined, the chair of professor of music at Harvard University. The tune was originally a popular secular melody. The English _Hymnary_ uses this hymn set to a tune called “Heaton Norris,” with refrain omitted. 466. Sinners Jesus will receive _Arr. from Erdmann Neumeister_, 1671-1756 _Tr. Emma Frances Beaven_, 1827-1909 An English version of a popular German hymn which appeared first in the author’s _Evangelische Nachklänge_, Hamburg, 1719. The hymn is appropriate for missionary services. The original in eight stanzas, written by Neumeister as a conclusion to a sermon on Luke 15:1, “Then drew near to him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him,” is as follows: 1. Jesus nimmt die Sünder an; Saget doch dies Trostwort allen, Welche von der rechten Bahn Auf verkehrten Weg verfallen! Hier ist, was sie retten kann: Jesus nimmt die Sünder an. 2. Keiner Gnade sind wir wert, Doch hat er in seinem Worte Eidlich sich dazu erklärt Sehet nur, die Gnadenpforte Ist hier völlig aufgetan: Jesus nimmt die Sünder an. 3. Wenn ein Schaf verloren ist, Suchet es ein treuer Hirte; Jesus, der uns nie vergisst, Suchet treulich das Verirrte, Dass es nicht verderben kann: Jesus nimmt die Sünder an. 4. Kommet alle, kommet her, Kommet, ihr betrübten Sünder! Jesus rufet euch, und er Macht aus Sündern Gottes Kinder. Glaubet’s doch und denket dran: Jesus nimmt die Sünder an. 5. Ich Betrübter komme hier Und bekenne meine Sünden. Lass, mein Heiland, mich bei dir Gnade zur Vergebung finden, Dass dies Wort mich trösten kann: Jesus nimmt die Sünder an.