John Stevens

Stevens, John, was born at Aldwinkle, in Northamptonshire, June 8th, 1776. About the age of sixteen he went to London, where he joined the Baptist church in Grafton Street, whose pastor was at that time R. Burnham. He began to preach, and in 1797 became minister at Oundle, soon afterwards at St. Neots, and then at Boston. In 1811, after the death of Burnham, he was invited to succeed him at Grafton Street. Stevens had popular gifts as a preacher: the place became too small, and ultimately a new chapel was built in Meard's Court, Soho, where he continued to minister until he died Oct. 6, 1847.

Stevens was a High Calvinist in theology, and an ardent polemic. He wrote several controversial works, the most famous of which was entitled, A Scriptural Display of the Triune God & the early existence of Jesus' human soul, Lond. 1812. From the theory advocated in this book he was called a Pre-existerian. In 1809 he published A New Selection of Hymns, including also several Original hymns never before offered to the Public. This, and the 2nd edition, 1812, contained 465 hymns. The 5th ed., 1825, had an Appendix of 102 hymns, and the 12th, 1868, one of 365 hymns. The edition of Stevens's hymn-book now in common use was edited, in 1881, by J. S. Anderson. It is described on the title-page as "enlarged and improved," and contains 970 hymns. Of these a few are by Mr. Anderson, and 34 by Stevens. Many of the hymns of Stevens embody High Calvinistic views, strongly expressed; some, however, on the Lord's Supper would be accepted by most Christians. Of his hymns the following are in Snepp's Songs of Grace & Glory, 1872.
1. Christ has a chosen Church (1809). Election.
2. Eternal election preserves me secure (1809). Election.
3. Grace is Jehovah's sovereign will (1809). Election.
4. Long as I live I'll sing the Lamb (1809). Praise to Jesus. [Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)