Ray Palmer

Ray Palmer
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Short Name: Ray Palmer
Full Name: Palmer, Ray, 1808-1887
Birth Year: 1808
Death Year: 1887

Ray Palmer (b. Little Compton, RI, 1808; d. Newark, NJ, 1887) is often considered to be one of America's best nineteenth-century hymn writers. After completing grammar school he worked in a Boston dry goods store, but a religious awakening prodded him to study for the ministry. He attended Yale College (supporting himself by teaching) and was ordained in 1835. A pastor in Congregational churches in Bath, Maine (1835-1850), and Albany, New York (1850-1865), he also served as secretary of the American Congregational Union (1865-1878). Palmer was a popular preacher and author, writing original poetry as well as translating hymns. He published several volumes of poetry and hymns, including Sabbath Hymn Book (1858), Hymns and Sacred Pieces (1865), and Hymns of My Holy Hours (1868). His complete poetical works were published in 1876.

Bert Polman
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Palmer, Ray, D.D., son of the Hon. Thomas Palmer, a Judge in Rhode Island, was born at Little Compton, Rhode Island, Nov. 12, 1808. His early life was spent at Boston, where he was for some time clerk in a dry-goods store. At Boston he joined the Park Street Congregational Church, then under the pastoral care of Dr. S. E. Dwight. After spending three years at Phillips Academy, Andover, he entered Yale College, New Haven, where he graduated in 1830. In 1835 he became pastor of the Central Congregational Church, Bath, Maine. During his pastorate there he visited Europe in 1847. In 1850 he was appointed to the First Congregational Church, at Albany, New York, and in 1865 Corresponding Secretary to the American Congregational Union, New York. He resigned in 1878, and retired to Newark, New Jersey. He died at Newark, Mar. 29, 1887. Dr. Palmer's published works in prose and verse include:--

(1) Memoirs and Select Remains of Charles Pond, 1829; (2) The Spirit's Life, a Poem, 1837; (3) How to Live, or Memoirs of Mrs. C. L. Watson, 1839; (4) Doctrinal Text Book, 1839; (5) Spiritual Improvement, 1839, republished as Closet Hours in 185; (6) What is Truth? or Hints on the Formation of Religious Opinions, 1860; (7) Remember Me, or The Holy Communion, 1865; (8) Hymns and Sacred Pieces, with Miscellaneous Poems, 1865; (9) Hymns of my Holy Hours, and Other Pieces, 1868; (10) Home, or the Unlost Paradise, 1873; and (11) Voices of Hope and Gladness, 1881.

Most of Dr. Palmer's hymns have passed into congregational use, and have won great acceptance. The best of them by their combination of thought, poetry, and devotion, are superior to almost all others of American origin. The first which he wrote has become the most widely known of all. It is:—

1. My faith looks up to Thee. Faith in Christ. This hymn was written by the author when fresh from College, and during an engagement in teaching in New York. This was in 1830. The author says concerning its composition, "I gave form to what I felt, by writing, with little effort, the stanzas. I recollect I wrote them with very tender emotion, and ended the last line with tears." A short time afterwards the hymn was given to Dr. Lowell Mason for use, if thought good, in a work then being compiled by him and Dr. T. Hastings. In 1831 that work was published as Spiritual Songs for Social Worship: adapted to the use of Families, &c. Words and Music arranged by Thomas Hastings, of New York, and Lowell Mason of Boston. It is No. 141 in 4 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled "Self Consecration," and accompanied with the tune by Dr. L. Mason, there given as "My faith looks up to Thee, "but subsequently known as Olivet. (Orig. text of hymn in Thring's Collection, 1882.) It has passed into most modern collections in all English-speaking countries, and has been rendered into numerous languages. That in Latin, by H. M. Macgill (p. 708, ii.), begins "Fides Te mea spectat."
2. Fount of everlasting love. Praise for renewed Spiritual Life. This also appeared in the Spiritual Songs, &c, 1831, No. 191, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines, and headed "Praise for a Revival."

The hymns which are given below are all in Dr. Palmer's Poetical Works, N. Y., 1876, and the dates appended in brackets are those given by him in that work.
3. Thou who roll'st the year around. (1832.) Close of the Year. In several American collections.
4. Away from earth my spirit turns. (1833.) Holy Communion. Appeared in Lowell Mason's Union Hymns, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines. In the Church Praise Book, N. Y.. 1882, it begins with st. ii., "Thou, Saviour, art the Living Bread."
5. Before Thy throne with tearful eyes. (1834.) Liberty of Faith.
6. Stealing from the world away. (1834.) Evening. Written at New Haven in 1834, and is very popular in America.
7. Thine [Thy] holy day's returning. (1834.) Sunday Morning.
8. Wake thee, 0 Zion. (1862.) Zion Exultant.
9. We stand in deep repentance. (1834.) Lent.
This last, No. 9, in common with Nos. 10, 11, 12, is marked "original," in the Presbyterian Parish Hymns, 1843. Probably they were given to the editors of that book in manuscript, and had not previously appeared.
10. And is there, Lord, a rest? (1843.) Rest in Heaven. Written at Bath, Maine, in 1843.
11. 0 sweetly breathe the lyres above. Consecration to Christ. This was accidentally omitted from Dr. Palmer's Poetical Works, 18?6. S. W. Duffield says:—

"It was written in the winter of 1842-43, at a time of revival. At the previous Communion several had been received under circumstances that made Doddridge's hymn, ‘0 happy day that fixed my choice 'a most appropriate selection. Not caring to repeat it, and needing something similar, Dr. Palmer composed the present hymn." English Hymns, N. Y., 1886, p. 432.

12. When downward to the darksome tomb. (1842.) Death Contemplated. Written at Bath, Maine, 1842.

From 1843 there comes a long break, and Dr. Palmer seems to have done no more hymn-writing until called upon by Professors Park and Phelps, of Andover, for contributions to their Sabbath Hymn-Book, 1858. His hymns written for that important collection rank amongst the best that America has produced. This is specially true of the first four (Nos. 13-16) from the Latin.
13. Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts. (l858.) Translation of a cento from "Jesu dulcis memoria" (p. 588, ii.).
14. 0 Bread to Pilgrims given. (1858.) Translation of “O esca viatorum" (q.v.).
15. 0 Christ our King, Creator Lord. (1858.) Translation of “Rex Christe, factor omnium "
16. Come Holy Ghost, in love. (1858.) Translation of “Veni Sancte Spiritus" (q.v.)
17. Jesus, these eyes have never seen. (1858.) Christ loved, though unseen. This hymn is accounted by many as next in merit and beauty to "My faith looks up to Thee."
18. Lord, my weak thought in vain would climb. (1858.) God Unsearchable. This hymn deals with the mysteries of Predestination in a reverent and devout manner.
19. Thy Father's house! thine own bright home. (1858.) Heaven.

The next group, Nos. 20-27, appeared in Dr. Robinson's Songs for the Sanctuary, 1865.
20. Lord, Thou wilt bring the joyful day. (1864.) Contemplation of Heaven. Written in New York City.
21. Eternal Father, Thou hast said. (i860.) Missions.
22. Jesus, Lamb of God, for me. (1863.) Jesus, the Way of Salvation. Written in Albany, New York.
23. Take me, 0 my Father, take me. (1864.) Lent.
24. Wouldst thou eternal life obtain. (1864.) Good Friday.
25. Come Jesus, Redeemer, abide Thou with me. (1864.) Holy Communion.
26. Lord, Thou on earth didst love Thine own. (1864.) Fellowship with Christ.
27. Thou, Saviour, from Thy throne on high. (1864.) Prayer.

The next four (Nos. 28-31) present another group. They appeared in D. E. Jones's Songs for the New Life, 1869, and the Reformed Dutch Hymns of the Church, N. Y., 1869. The dates of composition are from Dr. Palmer's Poems, 1876.
28. Lord, Thou hast taught our hearts to glow. (1865.) Ordination, or Meeting of Ministers.
29. When inward turns my searching gaze. (1868.) Evening.
30. 0 Jesus, sweet the tears I shed. (1867.) Good Friday.
31. Jesus, this [my] heart within me burns. (1868.) Love.

The hymns which follow are from various sources.
32. 0 Christ, the Lord of heaven, to Thee. (1867.) Universal Praise to Christ. Appeared in the author's Hymns of my Holy Hours, 1867. It is a hymn of great merit, and is widely used.
33. Behold the shade of night is now receding. (1869.) A translation of "Ecce jam noctis." (p. 320, i., and Various).
34. Hid evening shadows let us all be waking. (1869.) A translation of "Nocte surgentes" (p. 809, i.).
35. I give my heart to Thee. (Aug. 20, 1868.) A translation of "Cor meum Tibi dedo," p. 262, ii.
36. Holy Ghost, that promised came. (1873.) Whitsuntide. From the author's Poems, 1876.
37. 0 Holy Comforter, I hear. The Comforter. Appeared in the Boston Congregationalist, September 7th, 1867.
38. Lord, when my soul her secrets doth reveal. (1865.) Holy Communion.
Most of the foregoing hymns are in common in Great Britain, and all are found in one or more American hymnbooks of importance. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

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Palmer, Ray, D.D., p. 877, i. The following original hymns by Dr. Palmer are also in common use:—
1. O Rock of Ages, since on Thee. Faith. From his Poetical Works, 1876, p. 27, where it is dated 1869. Bp. Bickersteth says "This hymn"... is "worthy of Luther." (Note Hymnal Companion, ed. 1876.)
2. Thy holy will, my God, be mine. Resignation. From his Hymns of my Holy Hours, &c, 1868, p. 47. Also in his P. Works, 1876, dated 1867.
3. We praise Thee, Saviour, for Thy grace. Holy Communion. From his Hymns and Sacred Pieces, &c, 1865. Also in P. Works, 1876, dated 1864.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)

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Ray Palmer was born at Little Compton, Rhode Island, in 1808. He studied at Phillip's Academy, Andover, Mass., and graduated at Yale College in 1830. In 1835, he was ordained pastor of a Congregational Society in Bath, Maine, from which he removed, in 1850, to the pastorate of a Congregational Society in Albany, N.Y. He has published many hymns, some of his own authorship, and some translations. He has published some sermons and reviews.
--Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872.


Texts by Ray Palmer (115)sort descendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
ඇදහිල්ලෙන් බලම් (Aedahillen balam)Ray Palmer (Author)Sinhala2
Alone with thee, alone with theeRay Palmer (Author)2
Amid the darkness, when the stormRay Palmer (Author)2
அனாதி தேவா உம் வாக்கு (Aṉāti tēvā um vākku)Ray Palmer (Author)Tamil2
And is there, Lord, a restRay Palmer (Author)English66
أراك بالإيمان يا حمل الرحمانRay Palmer (Author)Arabic2
Away from earth my spirit turnsRay Palmer (Author)English30
Before Thy throne with tearful eyesRay Palmer (Author)4
Behold, the shade of night is now recedingRay Palmer (Translator)English14
Come, Father, with the coming nightRay Palmer (Author)5
Come, gladden my spirit that waiteth for TheeRay Palmer (Author)2
Come Holy Ghost, in love, descend celestial doveR. Palmer (Translator)English2
Come, Holy Ghost, in love, Shed on us from aboveRay Palmer (Translator)English145
Come, Jesus, from the sapphire throneR. Palmer (Author)English21
Come, Jesus, Redeemer, abide Thou with meRay Palmer (Author)English72
Come, O thou mighty SaviorRay Palmer (Author)English5
Confío sólo en tiRay Palmer (Author)Spanish3
Deign, Jesus, Lord, my soul to hideRay Palmer (Author)2
Deign, Jesus, Lord, my soul to hide Within thy pieced and bleeding side!Ray Palmer (Author)2
Divino SalvadorRay Palmer, 1808-1887 (Author)Spanish3
Espero em ti, Senhor. Cordeiro, por amorRay Palmer (Author)Portuguese2
Eternal Father, Thou hast saidThe Rev. R. Palmer, D.D. (Author)English68
Eternal Lord, whose power can calmRay Palmer (Author)3
Far I've wandered, O my FatherRay Palmer (Author)English2
Fount of everlasting loveRay Palmer (Author)English32
God the Father, God of graceRev. Ray Palmer (1808-1887) (Author)English6
Here's a lesson we should heed, try try againPalmer (Author)English1
Holy Ghost that, promised, cameRay Palmer (Author)4
I give my heart to Thee, O Jesus most desiredDr. Ray Palmer (Author)English10
Ia oe ku'u hilina'iRay Palmer (Author)Hawaiian3
In the shadow of the rock, Let me rest, let me restRay Palmer (Author)English60
In thee, O God, the hosts aboveRay Palmer (Author)4
Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts!Rev. Ray Palmer (Author)English464
Jesus, Lamb of God, for meRay Palmer (Author)English37
Jesus, Lord, I heard Thee callingRay Palmer (Author)English2
Jesus Lord, we hail Thee KingRay Palmer (Author)English3
Jesus, my [this] heart within me burnsRay Palmer (Author)English16
Jesus nitowaonśidaRay Palmer (Translator)Dakota1
Jesus, our Savior, thou joy of our heartsRay Palmer (Author)2
Jesus! the very thought of TheePalmer (Author)English1
Jesus, these eyes have never seenRay Palmer (Author)English210
Jesus, thy name our souls adoreRay Palmer (Author)3
Kenta agtalecacRay Palmer (Author)Tagalog2
Let me fly to Jesus' armsRay Palmer (Author)English3
Life of the world, I hail TheeRay Palmer (Author)English5
Long from Thee my footsteps strayingRev. Ray Palmer (Author)English3
Lord, my weak thought in vain would climbRay Palmer (Author)English54
Lord, thou hast taught our hearts to glowRay Palmer (Author)English16
Lord, Thou on earth didst love Thine ownRay Palmer (Author)English43
Lord, Thou wilt bring the joyful dayRay Palmer (Author)English18
Mą wiarą patrzę wzwyżRay Palmer (Author)Polish2
Mein Glaube blickt auf DichRay Palmer (Author)German1
Mein Glaube traut dir jaRay Palmer (Author)German4
Mein Glaube tritt dir nahPalmer (Author)German8
Mi corazón elevo a tiRay Palmer (Author)Spanish1
Mi fe contempla a tiRay Palmer (1808-1887) (Author)Spanish3
Mi fe descansa en tiRay Palmer, 1808-1887 (Author)Spanish2
Mi fe espera en tiRay Palmer (Author)Spanish9
'Mid evening shadows, let us all be watchingRay Palmer (Author)English9
Min Tro ser op til digRay Palmer (Author)2
Min tro ser upp till digRay Palmer (Author)2
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of CalvaryRay Palmer (Author)English1870
O blessed Spirit, let me feelRay Palmer (Author)3
O bread to pilgrims givenRay Palmer (Author)English82
O Christ, I long to know theeRay Palmer (Author)3
O Christ, our King, Creator, LordRay Palmer, 1808 - 87 (Translator)English43
O Christ, the Lord of heaven, to TheeRay Palmer (Author)English26
O God, Thy grace impartR. Palmer (Author)English4
O holy comforter I hearRay Palmer (Author)3
O Jesus, sweet the tears I shedRay Palmer (Author)English56
O thou Redeemer of our raceR. Palmer (Translator)English3
O wondrous grace, my loving LordRay Palmer (Author)English2
Objeto de mi fe, Divino SalvadorRay Palmer (Author)Spanish7
Oh buen Señor, velada está Ray Palmer (1808-1887) (Author)Spanish2
Oh Cristo, nuestro gozo y bienRay Palmer (Author)Spanish4
O long and darksome was the nightRay Palmer (Author)3
¡Oh, pan de peregrinosRay Palmer (Author)Spanish2
O Rock of ages, since on theeRev. Ray Palmer, D.D. (Author)2
O sweetly breathe the lyres aboveRay Palmer (Author)English60
Our hearts, by dying love subduedRay Palmer (Author)2
Praise him, praise the conquering KingRay Palmer (Author)2
Rest of the weary, Joy of the sadRay Palmer (Author)English3
Sing, and the mystery declareRay Palmer (Translator)English3
Smile, O my God, on meRay Palmer (Author)2
Stand for Christ, bravely standRay Palmer (Author)2
Stealing from the world awayRay Palmer (Author)English69
Take me, O my Father, take meRay Palmer (Author)English132
The morning star upon us gleamsRay Palmer (Author)English1
Thine holy day's returningRay Palmer (Author)English53
Thou hast not, dearest Lord, forgotRay Palmer (Author)English2
Thou, Savior, art the living breadRay Palmer (Author)2
Thou, Savior, from Thy throne on highRay Palmer (Author)English17
Thou who rollest the year aroundRev. Ray Palmer, 1808- (Author)English47
Thy Father's house, thine [thy] own bright homeRay Palmer (Author)English22
Thy glory, O Thou God of graceRay Palmer (Author)English2
Thy holy will, my God, be mineRay Palmer (Author)5
വിശ്വാസാല്‍ നോക്കുന്നേന്‍ (Viśvāsāl nēākkunnēn)Ray Palmer (Author)Malayalam2
Wake thee, O Zion, thy mourning is endedRay Palmer (Author)English12
We are waiting, Jesus, waiting (Palmer)Ray Palmer (Author)English2
We praise thee, Savior, for the graceRay Palmer (Author)English4
We stand in deep repentanceR. Palmer (Translator)English61
We wait thy triumph, Savior all gloriousRay Palmer (Author)2
We wait Thy triumph, Savior KingRev. Ray Palmer (Author)English2
We welcome thee in Jesus' nameRay Palmer (Author)English2
When downward to the darksome tombRay Palmer (Author)English35
When inward turns my searching gazeRay Palmer (Author)2
While life's dark maze I treadRay Palmer (Author)2
Why should these eyes be tearfulRay Palmer (Author)2
With thine own pity, Savior, seeRay Palmer (Author)English9
我以信心仰望你在十字架上,我的救主!(Wǒ yǐ xìnxīn yǎngwàng nǐ zài shízìjià shàng, wǒ de jiù zhǔ!)Ray Palmer (Author)Chinese2
Wonder of wonders On the crossRay Palmer (Author)2
Wouldst thou eternal life obtainRay Palmer (Author)English14
Yes, kind Savior, grieving o'er the sad pastRay Palmer (Author)3
Yesu kwa imaniRay Palmer (Author)Swahili2
You're starting my boy on life's journeyRay Palmer (Author)English10

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