Translating Old Hymns into Modern Prose #1
William always tells us that when we sing to God, we should understand what we are saying. Otherwise we should keep our mouths shut.
Now, while some complain that modern songs have no meaning when compared to the old-goodies, for a modern man like me it's just as possible to end up singing an old hymn with as much understanding as you would discern from a noisy gong or clattering cymbal.
One Sunday Peter gave out a hymn which I was sure had great theology in it, but which—as I sang it—sounded more like it was written in the tongues of angels than the tongues of men. So, when I sat down I decided to try and translate it into modern English.
Sure enough, after a lot of work and plenty of Googling what certain words actually meant back in the day, I discovered that the hymn was just as beautiful as I had anticipated. The hymn ended up being a sort of worshipful, meditative prayer about God's unbounded love and my own wandering heart.
I thought others may enjoy its message too, so here is my 'New Living Translation' style paraphrase of hymn 206 from the Believers Hymn Book. And, if any of you 'Old English Experts' notice any egregious errors, please email me and I'll make amendments!
Translation
Lord, your love is unbounded, sweet, full and free. When I think about you my soul is moved.
While this is true, I find that my mind wanders from you more quickly than the wandering mind of a child. And yet, your love doesn't change. Instead, you call my heart back to rejoice in the brightness of your love; to rejoice in the peace that the light-beams of your love deliver to me.
If I were able to keep my soul constantly in your presence, I'm sure:
My eyes would be much more familiar with the glories associated with your love.
I would be better acquainted with the deep perfections of your character.
My admiration of you would energise my desire to grow into your likeness.
It has always been sweet to discover what has happened after I've allowed clouds to cover the sky and to dim my ability to see you. You are an eternal lover, for when those clouds pass the beams of your love shine just as bright towards me as they ever did.
Lord Jesus, I ask you to guard my soul so that it continues to abide in your presence. I ask you to teach me to come back to you quickly when I wander away from you. I ask you to make all of your gracious favour known to my soul.
My desire is that when I think of how good you are, the parts of my heart that decide what I hope for will crown you as King.
Amen
Original
O Lord, Thy love's unbounded!
So sweet, so full, so free!
My soul is all transported
Whene'er I think of Thee.
Yet, Lord, alas! what weakness
Within myself I find;
No infant's changing pleasure
Is like my wandering mind.
And yet Thy love's unchanging,
And doth recall my heart
To joy in all its brightness
The peace its beams impart!
Yet sure, if in Thy presence
My soul still constant were,
Mine eye would, more familiar,
Its brighter glories bear.
And thus Thy deep perfections
Much better should I know,
And, with adoring fervour
Should in Thy likeness grow.
Still, sweet 'tis to discover,
If clouds have dimmed my sight,
When passed, eternal Lover,
Towards me, as e'er, Thou'rt bright.
O guard my soul, Lord Jesus,
Abiding still with Thee;
And if I wander, teach me
Soon back to Thee to flee,
That all Thy gracious favour
May to my soul be known;
And versed in this Thy goodness,
My hopes Thyself shalt crown.
(Author: John Nelson Darby)
