A popular song I have known and sung from my youth
is Joy Unspeakable. Barney
Elliott Warren wrote both the words and music. The thought is based
on 1
Peter 1:8. It probably first appeared in Salvation Echoes: a New Collection of
Spiritual Songs (Gospel Trumpet Company). Warren was a prolific
songwriter, but sources suggest that most of his songs have fallen out of use
other than among the Churches of God. Joy
Unspeakable has remained popular among us to sing in worship, and when a
new member has joined the church. We sometimes sing his song Beautiful.
B. E. Warren was born February 20, 1867 in
Lewiston, New York. In 1884 he joined the Church
of God (Anderson, Indiana) and ministered in that denomination until
his death. He sang bass in Daniel
Sidney Warner’s company of singers and married Nannie Kigar, who also
sang with Warner’s group. He pastored for the Church of God, and edited
numerous songbooks for the Gospel Trumpet Company, which is the publishing arm
of that Church of God. Warren died on April 21, 1951 in Springfield, Ohio. He
and his wife are buried in Vale Cemetery in Springfield. In 1942, Axchie A.
Bolitho wrote of Warren’s life in To the Chief Singer: A Brief Story of the Work and Influence of Barney
E. Warren.
1. I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.
2. I have found the pleasure I once craved,
It is joy and peace within;
What a wondrous blessing, I am saved
From the awful gulf of sin.
3. I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace;
Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,
I can see His smiling face.
4. I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll;
It is like a great o’erflowing well,
Springing up within my soul.
Refrain:
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory;
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Oh, the half has never yet been told.
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