120 Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned
Samuel Stennett, c. 1727-95
This hymn was published in John Rippon’s Selection, 1787, with the title, “Chief among Ten Thousand: or the Excellencies of Christ.” It is based on Song of Solomon 5:10-16. The original has 9 stanzas.
The author, Samuel Stennett, prominent non-conformist and champion of religious freedom, was a Baptist clergyman who in 1741 became his father’s assistant in Little Wild Street Church, London, and then succeeded his father in 1758, continuing in the pastorate of the church until his death in 1795.
MUSIC. ORTONVILLE has been a favorite hymn tune for over a century. It is associated with these words now, but at first it was set to “O for a closer walk with God.” Among Hastings’ tunes, this is second in popularity to “Toplady” (148), the tune he made for “Rock of Ages.”
Thos. Hastings, 1784-1872, was born in Connecticut, moved to New York state to farm but left the farm at the age of 33 to devote himself to music. In 1831 he moved to New York City to serve the musical interests of a group of churches. He wrote 600 hymns and about 1,000 hymn tunes. He published 50 books of music and collaborated with Lowell Mason in Spiritual Songs for Social Worship. The University of the City of New York gave him the degree of Doctor of Music in 1858.