Propitiation in hymns

Dear Editor,

In his letter (April en), Andrew Proud quite rightly points out that the use of “propitiation” in hymns is rare. For many years, our church used Gadsby’s Selection. I found one hymn in there which uses the term: hymn 130 by Joseph Hart. Praising the character and offices of Jesus Christ, verse two reads:

He is the Son to free,
The Bishop he to bless,
The full Propitiation he,
The Lord our Righteousness,
His body’s glorious Head,
Our Advocate that pleads,
Our Priest that prayed, atoned and bled,
And ever intercedes.

For some years now we have used Psalms and Hymns of Reformed Worship. I could not find “propitiation”, but hymn 674 comes close with “propitious” in verse 4.

By influence of the Light divine,
Let your own light to others shine;
Reflect all Heaven’s propitious rays
In ardent love and cheerful praise.

Composed by Thomas Ken, the last verse is familiar to us all;

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Yours sincerely,

Matthew Aldridge
Pastor – Westoning Baptist Church