Awake, My Soul

Words by Joel Barlow Music by A. R. Reinagle

"Awake, my soul! to sound His praise,
Awake, my harp! to sing.”

This is Joel Barlow's version of the 108th Psalm. In 1785, by the request of the General Association of Connecticut, he corrected and revised Watts' version of the Psalms, supplying such as had been omitted by Watts and adapting it to American thought and requirement.

Awake, My Soul, to Joyful Lays
Words by Samuel Medley
"Awake, my soul, to joyful lays,
And sing thy great Redeemer's praise.”

This hymn with its fervent, joyful tone, it’s touching refrain and the peculiar old melody united to it, has been greatly esteemed in this country in days gone by. It first appeared in 1782, in Meyer's collection of hymns for use of Lady Huntingdon's church. Samuel Medley, the author of the hymn, was visiting at the house of a Mr. Phillips in London, and asked the daughter of his host to bring him some paper and ink. With these he retired to his room and presently came back with this hymn written. Mr. Medley was pastor of a Baptist Church in Liverpool for many years. He was born in 1738 and died 1799.