Come, Thou Fount (mellophone)

Come, Thou Fount

The lyrics of “Come, Thou Fount” were written by Robert Robinson in 1758. By the early 1800’s the melody to which these lyrics were sung was typically the anonymous hymntune “Nettleton” which first appeared in print in 1813.

In the camp meeting or revival movement during early years of the 19th century it was common practice to adapt lyrics to new melodies and add an infectious and exciting refrain. This resulted in the use of the hymntune “Warrenton” composed by J. Williams and William Walker in 1835. This new pairing was included in William Walker’s “Southern Harmony” of 1838.

The instrument I am playing is a 1930s mellophone with bell facing forward. Relatively few of these were made–most had a rear-facing bell like a French horn.

1. Come, Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
I am bound for the kingdom, Will you go to glory with me?
Hallelujah, praise the Lord.
2. Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I'm come; And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.
I am bound for the kingdom, Will you go to glory with me?
Hallelujah, praise the Lord.
3. O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be!Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee.
I am bound for the kingdom,Will you go to glory with me?
Hallelujah, praise the Lord.