ABERYSTWYTH
For a discussion of ABERYSTWYTH see PHH 18. The tune’s musical contour is a fine match for this text. It climbs from its initial minor phrases through a touch of major to a convincing high point in the final line before settling to a solemn close. Sing in parts throughout at a restrained pace to permit all the eighth notes to sound clearly. ABERYSTWYTH is set in the key of D at 18, which also provides a canonic harmonization that could be used effectively on stanza 2. 753 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS [Liturgical Use] For times of temptation (as Wesley suggests); as a hymn of prayer following the sermon; with sermons on crossing the Red Sea, Jonah drowning, Peter walking on water, and other situations in which the cosmological imagery of refuge from the waters of chaos is appropriate.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From desperate need (Law) through appeal for refuge to absolute trust in Christ's sustaining grace (Gospel)