Andrew James Symington

Symington, Andrew James, son of E. B. Symington, of Paisley, Scotland, was born there on July 27, 1825. After receiving his education at the Grammar School of his native town he entered into business with his father and brother. During the intervals of business he has devoted himself to literature. His publications include Harebell Chimes, 1848; Genevieve, and Other Poems, 1851; The Beautiful in Nature, Art, and Life, 1857; Pen and Pencil Sketches of Faröe and Iceland, 1862; The Reasonableness of Faith; with Appendix containing Hymns and Verses of Consolation and Hope, 1870; Hints to our Boys, 1884; Poems, and other works. He also edited Blackie's series of Men of Light and Learning, and has contributed to a large number of magazines in Great Britain and the United States. Several of his hymns have been published by J. and R. Parlane, Paisley, as leaflets, and include:—
1. Hear Jesus say to Thee. Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (1869.)
2. Hemmed in, armed hosts behind, on either side. Israel at the Red Sea.
3. How much ow'st thou? Debtors to Mercy. (Sep. 1870.)
4. I long for rest. Rest desired. (1869.)
5. Lord in love and mercy save us. Morning or Evening. (1869.)
6. Near Jordan's ford. Christ's Invitation.
7. Tossing through the starless night. Rest. (1869.)
8. When anguish overwhelms the heart. Comfort.
Of these hymns No. 5 is the best known and most widely used. Taken as a whole Mr. Symington's hymns are better suited for private devotion than for public worship.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)