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John Brown was a man of action. Whether drilling his raiders, fighting for equality, or leading the family in daily religious services, John Brown both expected and demanded participation of those around him. However, there was also a softer side to John Brown.
Brown was a loving, compassionate father of twenty, who enjoyed singing hymns to his children. Eight of his children outlived him, and in their letters and written remembrances, we find many references to their father singing them to sleep, and nursing them through sickness.
Brown's favorite hymn was "Blow Ye the Trumpet Blow," by Charles Wesley (1707 – 1787). Wesley, who also wrote "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," was a founding father of the Methodist movement in England. On the Methodist calendar, May 24 is recognized as "Wesley Day," commemorating the date of his spiritual awakening.
Brown's great love of the hymn "Blow Ye the Trumpet Blow" was well known by his acquaintances. Lyman Epps, a North Elba neighbor, sang the hymn during Brown's funeral in 1859. On December 8, 2009, this hymn will once again be heard at John Brown's gravesite, during the John Brown Coming Home events. Join me in North Elba as we raise our voices in unison....
The year of jubilee is come!
The year of jubilee is come!
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home.
Take a moment to read the words of this simple, yet powerful hymn. The melody can be heard by clicking here
Blow ye the Trumpet, Blow!
Blow ye the trumpet, blow!
The gladly solemn sound
Let all the nations know,
To earth’s remotest bound:
Refrain
The year of jubilee is come!
The year of jubilee is come!
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home.
Jesus, our great high priest,
Hath full atonement made,
Ye weary spirits, rest;
Ye mournful souls, be glad:
Refrain
Extol the Lamb of God,
The sin atoning Lamb;
Redemption by His blood
Throughout the lands proclaim:
Refrain
Ye slaves of sin and hell,
Your liberty receive,
And safe in Jesus dwell,
And blest in Jesus live:
Refrain
Ye who have sold for naught
Your heritage above
Shall have it back unbought,
The gift of Jesus’ love:
Refrain
The Gospel trumpet hear,
The news of heavenly grace;
And saved from earth, appear
Before your Savior’s face: