Daniel’s Wisdom May I Know
Public Domain Old-Time Shape-note Hymn; "76t Holiness" with a tune by E. J. King, 1844 Sacred Harp.
ARTIST: 1991 Sacred Harp "76t Holiness"
SHHET MUSIC:
CATEGORY: Traditional and Public Domain Gospel;
DATE: Providence Selection of Hymns, 1820
RECORDING INFO: Daniel’s Wisdom May I Know
OTHER NAMES: "Holiness" "Christian's Wish"
SOURCES: Sacred Harp; Allen's Slave Songs; Children's Magazine, Volume 4 By General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union- 1832
NOTES: "Daniel’s Wisdom May I Know" (listed as "76t Holiness" with a tune by E. J. King, 1844 Sacred Harp) is a traditional shape-note hymn. A complete set of lyrics were found under the title, "Christian's Wish" (See below).
Sets of lyrics also appeared in the 1867 African-American spiritual, "God Got plenty of Room" found in Allen's Slave Songs (see verse 5 & 6).
128. GOD GOT PLENTY O' ROOM.
[God got plenty o' room, got plenty o' room,
'Way in de kingdom,
God got plenty o' room my Jesus say,
'Way in de kingdom.
1. Brethren, I have come again,
'Way in de kingdom,
To help you all to pray and sing,
'Way in de kingdom.]
2 So many-a weeks and days have passed
Since we met together last.
3 Old Satan tremble when he sees
The weakest saints upon their knees.
4 Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbed the ladder Jacob saw.
5 Daniel's wisdom may I know,
Stephen's faith and spirit sure.
6 John's divine communion feel,
Joseph's meek and Joshua's zeal.
7 There is a school on earth begun
Supported by the Holy One.
8 We soon shall lay our school-books by,
And shout salvation as I fly.
[The above is given exactly as it was sung, some of the measures in 2/8, some in 3/8, and some in 2/4 time. The irregularity probably arises from omission of rests, but it seemed a hopeless undertaking to attempt to restore the correct time, and it was thought best to give it in this shape as at any rate a characteristic specimen of negro singing. The song was obtained of a North Carolina negro, who said it came from Virginia.]
76t Holiness; Tune: E. J. King, 1844 Words: Providence Selection of Hymns, 1820; Meter: Particular Meter: 7,7,7,7,7,7 (1991 Sacred Harp)
Daniel’s wisdom may I know,
Stephen’s faith and spirit show;
John’s divine communion feel,
Moses’ meekness, Joshua’s zeal;
Run like the unwearied Paul,
Win the day and conquer all.
The Christian's Wish- Children's Magazine, Volume 4 By General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union- 1832
Daniel's wisdom may I know-
Stephen's faith and spirit show —
John's divine communion feel —
Moses' meekness — Joshua's zeal —
Run like thee, unwearied Paul,
Win the day, and conquer all.
Mary's love may I possess —
Lydia's tender-heartedness —
Peter's ardent spirit feel —
James' faith by works reveal;
Like young Timothy may I
Every sinful passion fly.
Job's submission let me show —
David's true devotion know —
Samuel's call O may I hear —
Lazarus' happy portion share;
Let Isaiah's hallow'd fire
All my new-born soul inspire!
Mine be Jacob's wrestling prayer —
Gideon's valiant, steadfast care —
Joseph's purity impart!
Isaac's meditative heart!
Abraham's friendship let me prove,
Faithful to the God of love.
Most of all may I pursue
That example Jesus drew —
In my life and conduct show
How He lived and walk'd below;
Day by day, through grace restored,
Imitate my perfect Lord.
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