- Edward Perronet
Edward Perronet (
1726 -January 2 ,1792 ) was the son of an Anglican priest, who worked closely with John andCharles Wesley for many years inEngland 's eighteenth century revival.He is perhaps most famous for penning the
lyrics to the well knownhymn , "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name ".Early life and education
Born in
Sundridge ,Kent ,England , Perronet was the descendant of a FrenchHuguenot family which fled first toSwitzerland and then to England to escapereligious persecution.Preaching
At the time, persecution of
Methodist s was common.John Wesley once noted in his diary that Edward himself "was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire" atBolton .Though considered a capable preacher, Perronet was uneasy about doing so in front of
John Wesley , despite Wesley's persistent urging. After wearying of his requests, Wesley simply announced one day that Brother Perronet would speak. Edward cleverly managed to escape Wesley's sly intention by mounting thepulpit , declaring he would deliver the greatestsermon ever preached, and proceeding to readChrist 's "Sermon on the Mount "; after which, he immediately sat down.Writings
During his life, Edward published three volumes of
Christian poems, including a poetic rendering of theScripture s. Shortly before he died, January 2, l792 inCanterbury ,Kent , England, he uttered these last words: "Glory to God in the height of His divinity! Glory to God in the depth of his humanity! Glory to God in His all-sufficiency! Into His hands I commend my spirit."Legacy
Perronet's legacy lives on as Christian communities continue to sing what has come to be known as the "
National Anthem of Christianity " in churches around the world... "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name ". Several of his hymns are also preserved in theSacred Harp . His body is buried in theCanterbury Cathedral , Kent, England.External links
* [http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/p/e/perronet_e.htm Hymns by Edward Perronet]
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