Jenny-

So glad to hear you're settling in, and only have the financial matters to sort out with your former housemates. When Judy and I arrive in November, we'll look forward to meeting you. And you certainly may redeem our pledge for your share of a round of Guinness.

Until then, here's another housing hymn for housewarming, from our unpublished Housing and Neighborhood Song Book:

Saints Delight

Notes: This graceful hymn dates back to 1709, being composed by Isaac Watts. Its original title was "The Hopes of Heaven Our Support Under Trials on Earth " which although to the point was quite a mouthful. Among the folk song community, the hymn is probably better known as "On My Journey Home." It was one of the most popular hymns sung by Negroes during the ante-bellum period. Congregations in Southern Appalachia have sung this song for well over 200 years, following the melody and harmony in their "shape-note" hymnals.


SAINT'S DELIGHT

(Words and music by Isaac Watts, 1709)

When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I'll bid farewell to ev'ry fear
And wipe my weeping eyes.

Chorus:

I feel like, I feel like,
I'm on my journey home;
I feel like, I feel like,
I'm on my journey home.


Should earth against my soul engage,
And Hellish darts be hurled,
Then I can smile at Satan's rage
And face a frowning world. (CHO)

Let cares, like a wild deluge come,
And storms of sorrow fall;
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, my Heav'n, my all. (CHO)

There I shall bathe my weary soul,
In seas of heav'nly rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll,
Across my peaceful breast. (CHO)

Cheerily,
Charley Noble