A Gladsome Mind Comes from Thanks-giving!

In this season of “thanksgiving” and at all times, it is worthwhile to remember that joy and happiness in life is the byproduct of thankfulness and praise. In the activity of thanks and praise we are brought face to face with the fact that all of our accomplishments, all that we are and all that we have are ours only because of the gracious and generous hand of God. How much healthier and happier an attitude that is, than that of one who boasts only in his own meager accomplishments!

John Milton is best known as the blind Englishman who wrote the classic works, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. Few people know, however that Milton also had a great influence on two of the world’s greatest hymnwriters: Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley. Even fewer know that Milton was a hymn-writer as well and wrote at least 19 hymns based upon various psalms. At the age of 15, he wrote one entitled “Let Us With Gladsome Mind”, based upon Psalm 136.1,2,7 & 23.

The repeated refrain of this psalm, after each verse, is a reminder of God’s great love, mercy and kindness which endure forever. “Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. His mercy endureth forever.”