I came across this touching hymn story about “All Hail the Power” while reading the book entitled “Famous Hymns and Their Writers” by Michael Daves.

Edward Perronet, an Englishman, wrote the words to this uplifting hymn  in 1779.

Edward was a survivor of religious persecution and was known for his deep piety and religious enthusiasm.   His last words before death in 1792:

Glory to God in the height of His divinity!

Glory to God in the depth of His humanity!

Glory to God in His all-sufficiency!

Into His hands I commend my spirit.

Oliver Holden, a carpenter in the United States, wrote the coronation tune to Edwards’s words of “All Hail the Power”.  Interesting…Oliver & Edward joined hands across the ocean to share this regal hymn of praise to the world.

Now to the touching part of the story. Missionary E.P. Scott to India took a daring hike through the mountains, in spite of friend’s warnings, to a blood thirsty tribe. Along the way, this hostile tribe confronted E.P. with spears in hand. Scott believing to be near death, took out his violin, closed his eyes, and began to sing these words with all his heart:

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all;

Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all!

The natives lowered their spears and wanted to be friends! God’s power was evident!