How Firm a Foundation

Composer Hal H. Hopson, based on an early American melody
Text Anonymous 18th century text
Voicing SATB, keyboard, opt. handbells
Topics Redemption, Grace of God
Length Price $1.95 (U.S.) Released 8/00
Catalog no. 410-684 Difficulty Mod. Easy
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Review
"Hal Hopson's 'How Firm a Foundation' makes no such demands [the previous reviewed piece required "excellent singing, first-rate brass, and a conductor equal to the task"], yet it is utterly beguiling. Hopson's deft choral writing will make even a modest choir sound like a million dollars." --AAM Journal, September 2002

Description
An effective rendering of this well-known early American hymn for SATB, organ, and optional handbells (handbell part available separately). The arrangement is both sturdy and colorful, and will be appreciated by mixed choirs of any size and ability.

Text
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus hath fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call the to go,
the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow.
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The fire shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes.
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

Text: "K" in Rippon's A Selection of Hymns, 1787

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