Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” is a stirring and triumphant hymn of Christian joy and celebration, written by Edward H. Plumptre, a respected Anglican theologian, poet, and biblical scholar. Originally composed for the annual procession during Peterborough Cathedral's choir festival, the hymn was first published in 1865. From its inception, it was meant to inspire the gathered worshippers to lift their voices in praise, uniting their hearts in gladness as they marched in procession before the Lord.

The text was initially composed with eleven stanzas, though in modern usage this number is often reduced. It first appeared in the third edition of The Church Hymn Book (1868), and later gained popularity through inclusion in Hymns Ancient and Modern and other significant collections. The refrain, “Rejoice, give thanks and sing,” provides a unifying chorus that echoes after each stanza, reinforcing the hymn's core message: rejoicing is not only an act of worship but a characteristic of the Christian life.

Plumptre based the hymn on biblical calls to joyful worship and purity of heart, drawing especially from the Psalms and Paul's epistles. The hymn’s exhortation is directed toward “the pure in heart,” recalling Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:8—“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” It is a call for the people of God, those made clean through Christ, to express their gratitude and holy joy in active and continual worship.

The verses describe the Christian journey not as an escape from suffering, but as a pilgrimage marked by both joy and struggle. In one stanza, the text acknowledges the “fiery path” of tribulation but insists that the Christian should still “rejoice, give thanks and sing.” This is a central theological point of the hymn: rejoicing is not contingent on circumstances but rooted in the unchanging nature of God and the eternal hope found in Christ.

Musically, the hymn is most commonly set to the tune Marion, composed by Arthur Henry Messiter in 1883, which complements the hymn’s majestic and processional tone. Its soaring melody enhances the sense of movement and victory, suitable for both liturgical procession and corporate worship. Other tunes have been used, including Vineyard Haven and Lancashire, but Marion remains the most widely associated.

Plumptre’s contribution through this hymn reflects the Victorian era’s emphasis on moral purity, liturgical order, and the emotional depth of religious experience. His broader theological work and poetic gifts are distilled in this hymn, which continues to inspire worshippers in churches around the world.

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” remains a beloved hymn not only because of its vibrant melody and rhythm but because of its clear and uplifting message. It encourages believers to express the joy that arises from a life sanctified by God, persevering through trial, and looking forward to ultimate victory and eternal praise. Whether sung in solemn procession, Sunday worship, or festive gathering, its words stir the heart toward the high calling of praise—a call echoed in Scripture and answered by saints through the ages.