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H. W. Baker

1821 - 1877 Person Name: Henry W. Baker Hymnal Number: 501 Author of "O what if we are Christ's" in Christian Praise Baker, Sir Henry Williams, Bart., eldest son of Admiral Sir Henry Loraine Baker, born in London, May 27, 1821, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated, B.A. 1844, M.A. 1847. Taking Holy Orders in 1844, he became, in 1851, Vicar of Monkland, Herefordshire. This benefice he held to his death, on Monday, Feb. 12, 1877. He succeeded to the Baronetcy in 1851. Sir Henry's name is intimately associated with hymnody. One of his earliest compositions was the very beautiful hymn, "Oh! what if we are Christ's," which he contributed to Murray's Hymnal for the Use of the English Church, 1852. His hymns, including metrical litanies and translations, number in the revised edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, 33 in all. These were contributed at various times to Murray's Hymnal, Hymns Ancient & Modern and the London Mission Hymn Book, 1876-7. The last contains his three latest hymns. These are not included in Hymns Ancient & Modern. Of his hymns four only are in the highest strains of jubilation, another four are bright and cheerful, and the remainder are very tender, but exceedingly plaintive, sometimes even to sadness. Even those which at first seem bright and cheerful have an undertone of plaintiveness, and leave a dreamy sadness upon the spirit of the singer. Poetical figures, far-fetched illustrations, and difficult compound words, he entirely eschewed. In his simplicity of language, smoothness of rhythm, and earnestness of utterance, he reminds one forcibly of the saintly Lyte. In common with Lyte also, if a subject presented itself to his mind with striking contrasts of lights and shadows, he almost invariably sought shelter in the shadows. The last audible words which lingered on his dying lips were the third stanza of his exquisite rendering of the 23rd Psalm, "The King of Love, my Shepherd is:"— Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His Shoulder gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me." This tender sadness, brightened by a soft calm peace, was an epitome of his poetical life. Sir Henry's labours as the Editor of Hymns Ancient & Modern were very arduous. The trial copy was distributed amongst a few friends in 1859; first ed. published 1861, and the Appendix, in 1868; the trial copy of the revised ed. was issued in 1874, and the publication followed in 1875. In addition he edited Hymns for the London Mission, 1874, and Hymns for Mission Services, n.d., c. 1876-7. He also published Daily Prayers for those who work hard; a Daily Text Book, &c. In Hymns Ancient & Modern there are also four tunes (33, 211, 254, 472) the melodies of which are by Sir Henry, and the harmonies by Dr. Monk. He died Feb. 12, 1877. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

John Keble

1792 - 1866 Hymnal Number: 57 Author of "Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear" in Christian Praise Keble, John, M.A., was born at Fairford, in Gloucestershire, on St. Mark's Day, 1792. His father was Vicar of Coln St. Aldwin's, about three miles distant, but lived at Fairford in a house of his own, where he educated entirely his two sons, John and Thomas, up to the time of their entrance at Oxford. In 1806 John Keble won a Scholarship at Corpus Christi College, and in 1810 a Double First Class, a distinction which up to that time had been gained by no one except Sir Robert Peel. In 1811 he was elected a Fellow of Oriel, a very great honour, especially for a boy under 19 years of age; and in 1811 he won the University Prizes both for the English and Latin Essays. It is somewhat remarkable that amid this brilliantly successful career, one competition in which the future poet was unsuccessful was that for English verse, in which he was defeated by Mr. Rolleston. After his election at Oriel, he resided in College, and engaged in private tuition. At the close of 1813 he was appointed Examining Master in the Schools, and was an exceedingly popular and efficient examiner. On Trinity Sunday, 1815, he was ordained Deacon, and in 1816 Priest, by the Bishop of Oxford, and became Curate of East Leach and Burthorpe, though he still continued to reside at Oxford. In 1818 he was appointed College Tutor at Oriel, which office he retained until 1823. On the death of his mother in the same year, he left Oxford, and returned to live with his father and two surviving sisters at Fairford. In addition to East Leach and Burthorpe, he also accepted the Curacy of Southrop, and the two brothers, John and Thomas, undertook the duties between them, at the same time helping their father at Coln. It should be added, as an apology for Keble thus becoming a sort of pluralist among "the inferior clergy," that the population of all his little cures did not exceed 1000, nor the income £100 a year. In 1824 came the only offer of a dignity in the Church, and that a very humble one, which he ever received. The newly-appointed Bishop of Barbadoes (Coleridge) wished Keble to go out with him as Archdeacon, and but for his father's delicate state of health, he would probably have accepted the offer. In 1825 he became Curate of Hursley, on the recommendation of his old pupil, Sir William Heathcote; but in 1826, on the death of his sister, Mary Ann, he returned to Fairford, feeling that he ought not to separate himself from his father and only surviving sister. He supplied his father's place at Coln entirely. 1827 was memorable for the publication of The Christian Year, and 1828 for the election to the Provostship of Oriel, which his friends, rather than himself, seem to have been anxious to secure for him. In 1829 the living of Hursley was offered to him by Sir William Heathcote, but declined on the ground that he could not leave his father. In 1830 he published his admirable edition of Hooker's Works. In 1831 the Bishop of Exeter (Dr. Philpotts) offered him the valuable living of Paignton, but it was declined for the same reason that Hursley had been declined. In the same year he was also elected to the Poetry Professorship at Oxford. His Praelectiones in that capacity were much admired. In 1833 he preached his famous Assize Sermon at Oxford, which is said by Dr. Newman to have given the first start to the Oxford Movement. Very soon after the publication of this sermon the Tracts for the Times began to be issued. Of these Tracts Keble wrote Nos. 4, 13, 40, and 89. In 1835 his father died, and Keble and his sister retired from Fairford to Coln. In the same year he married Miss Clarke and the Vicarage of Hursley, again becoming vacant, was again offered to him by Sir W. Heathcote, and as the reason for his previous refusal of it no longer existed, he accepted the offer, and in 1836 settled at Hursley for the remainder of his life. That life was simply the life of a devoted and indefatigable parish priest, varied by intellectual pursuits. In 1864 his health began to give way, and on March 29, 1866, he passed away, his dearly loved wife only surviving him six weeks. Both are buried, side by side, in Hursley churchyard. In his country vicarage he was not idle with his pen. In 1839 he published his Metrical Version of the Psalms. The year before, he began to edit, in conjunction with Drs. Pusey and Newman, the Library of the Fathers. In 1846 he published the Lyra Innocentium, and in 1847 a volume of Academical and Occasional Sermons. His pen then seems to have rested for nearly ten years, when the agitation about the Divorce Bill called forth from him in 1851 an essay entitled, An Argument for not proceeding immediately to repeal the Laws which treat the Nuptial Bond as Indissoluble; and in the same year the decision of Archbishop Sumner in the Denison case elicited another essay, the full title of which is The Worship of Our Lord and Saviour in the Sacrament of the Holy Communion, but which is shortly entitled, Eucharistical Adoration. In 1863 he published his last work, The Life of Bishop Wilson (of Sodor and Man). This cost him more pains than anything he wrote, but it was essentially a labour of love. In the popular sense of the word "hymn," Keble can scarcely be called a hymnwriter at all. Very many of his verses have found their way into popular collections of Hymns for Public Worship, but these are mostly centos. Often they are violently detached from their context in a way which seriously damages their significance. Two glaring instances of this occur in the Morning and Evening hymns. In the former the verse "Only, O Lord, in Thy dear love, Fit us for perfect rest above," loses half its meaning when the preceding verse, ending "The secret this of rest below," is excised, as it generally is in collections for public worship, and the same may be said of that most familiar of all Keble's lines, "Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear," which has of course especial reference to the preceding verse, "'Tis gone, that bright and orbed blaze," &c. The Lyra Innocentium has furnished but few verses which have been adopted into hymn collections; the Psalter has been more fortunate, but the translations from the Latin are almost unknown. Taking, however, the word "hymn" in the wider sense in which Dr. Johnson defines it, as "a song of adoration to some superior being," Keble stands in the very first rank of hymnwriters. His uneventful life was the very ideal life for such a poet as Keble was, but not the sort of life which would be best adapted to train a popular hymnwriter. The Christian Year and the Lyra Innocentium reflect in a remarkable degree the surroundings of the writer. They are essentially the works of a refined and cultured mind, and require a refined and cultured mind to enter into their spirit. Keble, all his life long, and never more than in the earlier portion of it, before he wrote, and when he was writing The Christian Year, breathed an atmosphere of culture and refinement. He had imbibed neither the good nor the evil which the training of a public or even of a private, school brings. It was not even the ordinary home education which he had received. He had been trained, up to the very time of his going to college, by his father, who was clearly a man of culture and refinement, and had been himself successively Scholar and Fellow of Corpus. When he went to Oxford, he can scarcely be said to have entered into the whirl of university life. The Corpus of those days has been admirably described by Keble's own biographer, Sir John Coleridge, and by Dean Stanley in his Life of Dr. Arnold; and the impression which the two vivid pictures leave upon the mind is that of a home circle, on rather a large scale, composed of about twenty youths, all more or less scholarly and refined, and some of them clearly destined to become men of mark. When he removed across the road to Oriel, he found himself in the midst of a still more distinguished band. Whether at home or at college he had never come into contact with anything rude or coarse. And his poetry is just what one would expect from such a career. Exquisitely delicate and refined thoughts, expressed in the most delicate and refined language, are characteristic of it all. Even the occasional roughnesses of versification may not be altogether unconnected with the absence of a public school education, when public schools laid excessive stress upon the form of composition, especially in verse. The Christian Year again bears traces of the life which the writer led, in a clerical atmosphere, just at the eve of a great Church Revival, "cujus pars magna fuit." “You know," he writes to a friend, “the C. Y. (as far as I remember it) everywhere supposes the Church to be in a state of decay." Still more obviously is this the case in regard to the Lyra Innocentium. It was being composed during the time when the writer was stricken by what he always seems to have regarded as the great sorrow of his life. Not the death of his nearest relations—-and he had several trials of this kind—-not the greatest of his own personal troubles dealt to him so severe a blow as the secession of J. H. Newman to the Church of Rome. The whole circumstances of the fierce controversy connected with the Tract movement troubled and unsettled him; and one can well understand with what a sense of relief he turned to write, not for, but about, little children, a most important distinction, which has too often been unnoticed. If the Lyra had been written for children it would have been an almost ludicrous failure, for the obscurity which has been frequently complained of in The Christian Year, is still more conspicuous in the latter work. The title is somewhat misleading, and has caused it to be regarded as a suitable gift-book for the young, who are quite incapable of appreciating it. For the Lyra is written in a deeper tone, and expresses the more matured convictions of the author; and though it is a far less successful achievement as a whole, it rises in places to a higher strain of poetry than The Christian Year does. Another marked feature of Keble's poetry is to a great extent traceable to his early life, viz. the wonderful accuracy and vividness of his descriptions of natural scenery. The ordinary schoolboy or undergraduate cares little for natural scenery. The country is to him a mere playing field. But Keble's training led him to love the country for its own sake. Hence, as Dean Stanley remarks, “Oxford, Bagley Wood, and the neighbourhood of Hursley might be traced through hundreds of lines, both in The Christian Year and the Lyra Innocentium.” The same writer testifies, with an authority which no other Englishman could claim, to "the exactness of the descriptions of Palestine, which he [Keble] had never visited.” And may not this remarkable fact be also traced to some extent to his early training? Brought up under the immediate supervision of a pious father, whom he venerated and loved dearly, he had been encouraged to study intelligently his Bible in a way in which a boy differently educated was not likely to do. Hence, as Sir John Coleridge remarks, "The Christian Year is so wonderfully scriptural. Keble's mind was, by long, patient and affectionate study of Scripture, so imbued with it that its language, its train of thought, its mode of reasoning, seems to flow out into his poetry, almost, one should think, unconsciously to himself." To this may we not add that the same intimate knowledge of the Bible had rendered the memory of the Holy Land so familiar to him that he was able to describe it as accurately as if he had seen it? One other early influence of Keble's life upon his poetry must be noticed. Circumstances brought him into contact with the "Lake poets." The near relation of one of the greatest of them had been his college friend, and John Coleridge introduced him to the writings not only of his uncle, S. T. Coleridge, but also of Wordsworth, to whom he dedicated his Praelectiones, and whose poetry and personal character he admired enthusiastically. To the same college friend he was indebted for an introduction to Southey, whom he found to be "a noble and delightful character," and there is no doubt that the writings of these three great men, but especially Wordsworth, had very much to do with the formation of Keble's own mind as a poet. It has been remarked that in Keble's later life his poetical genius seemed to have, to a great extent, forsaken him; and that the Miscellaneous Poems do not show many traces of the spirit which animated The Christian Year and the Lyra Innocentium. Perhaps one reason for this change may be found in the increased interest "which Keble took in public questions which were not conducive to the calm, introspective state of mind so necessary to the production of good poetry. The poet should live in a world of his own, not in a world perpetually wrangling about University Reform, about Courts of Final Appeal, about Marriage with Deceased Wife's Sister, and other like matters into which Keble, in his later years, threw himself—heart and soul. It is not needful to say much about Keble's other poetical works, The Psalter was not a success, and Keble did not expect it to be. It was undertaken," he tells us, "in the first instance with a serious apprehension, which has since grown into a full conviction, that the thing attempted is, strictly speaking, impossible." At the same time, if Keble did not achieve what he owned to be impossible, he produced a version which has the rare merit of never offending against good taste; one which in every line reflects the mind of the cultured and elegant scholar, who had been used to the work of translating from other languages into English. Hymnal compilers have hitherto strangely neglected this volume; but it is a volume worth the attention of the hymn compiler of the future. There is scarcely a verse in it which would do discredit to any hymnbook; while there are parts which would be an acquisition to any collection. His translations from the Latin have not commended themselves to hymnal compilers. Some of his detached hymns have been more popular. But it is after all as writer of The Christian Year that Keble has established his claim to be reckoned among the immortals. It would be hardly too much to say that what the Prayer Book is in prose, The Christian Year is in poetry. They never pall upon one; they realise Keble's own exquisite simile:— "As for some dear familiar strain Untired we ask, and ask again; Ever in its melodious store Finding a spell unheard before." And it would hardly be too bold to prophesy that The Christian Year will live as long as the Prayer Book, whose spirit Keble had so thoroughly imbibed, and whose "soothing influence" it was his especial object to illustrate and commend. [Rev. John H. 0verton, D.D.] Keble's hymns, poetical pieces, and translations appeared in the following works :— (1.) The Christian Year: Thoughts in Verse for the Sundays and Holy days Throughout the Year. Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1827. Preface dated "May 30th, 1827." The last poem, that on the “Commination," is dated March 9, 1827. The poems on the "Forms of Prayer to be used at Sea," "Gunpowder Treason," "King Charles the Martyr," "The Restoration of the Royal Family," "The Accession," and "Ordination," were added to the 4th edition, 1828. The Messrs. Parker have pub. a large number of editions to date, including a facsimile reprint of the first edition, and an edition with the addition of the dates of composition of each poem. A facsimile of Keble's manuscript as it existed in 1822 was also lithographed in 1882, by Eliot Stock, but its publication was suppressed by a legal injunction, and only a few copies came into the hands of the public. Since the expiration of the first copyright other publishers have issued the work in various forms. (2.) Contributions to the British Magazine, which were included in Lyra Apostolica, 1836, with the signature of "γ." (3.) The Psalter or Psalms of David; In English Verse; By a Member of the University of Oxford. Adapted for the most part, to Tunes in Common Use; and dedicated by permission to the Lord Bishop of Oxford. . . . Oxford, John Henry Parker: J. G. & F. Rivington, London, MDCCCXXXIX. Preface dated “Oxford, May 29, 1839." (4.) The Child's Christian Year: Hymns for every Sunday and Holy-Day. Compiled for the use of Parochial Schools. Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1841. This was compiled by Mrs. Yonge. Keble wrote the Preface, dated “Hursley, Nov. 6, 1841," and signed it “J. K." To it he contributed the four poems noted below. (5.) Lyra Innocentium: Thoughts in Verse on Christian Children, their Ways and their Privileges . . . Oxford: John Henry Parker : F. & J. Rivington, London, 1846. The Metrical Address (in place of Preface) “To all Friendly Readers," is dated "Feb. 8, 1846." (6.) Lays of the Sanctuary, and otter Poems. Compiled and Edited by G. Stevenson de M. Rutherford... London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1859. This was a volume of poems published on behalf of Mrs. Elizabeth Good. To it Keble contributed the three pieces noted below. (7.) The Salisbury Hymn-Book 1857. Edited by Earl Nelson. To this be contributed a few hymns, some translations from the Latin, and some rewritten forms of well-known hymns, as "Guide me, 0 Thou great Jehovah," &c. (8.) Miscellaneous Poems by the. Rev. J. Keble, M.A., Vicar of Hursley. Oxford and London: Parker & Co., 1869. The excellent Preface to this posthumous work is dated "Chester, Feb. 22, 1869," and is signed "G.M," i.e. by George Moberly, late Bishop of Salisbury. This volume contains Keble's Ode written for the Installation of the Duke of Wellington as Chancellor of the University of Oxford, in 1834, his poems from the Lyra Apostolica, his hymns named above, his translations from the Latin, and other pieces not published in his works. The most important centos from The Christian Year, which are in common use as hymns, and also the hymns contributed to the Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, are annotated in full under the first lines of the original poems. The translations from the Latin and Greek are given under the first lines of the originals. There are also several of his more important pieces noted in the body of this work. Those that …have no special history, are the following (the dates given being those of the composition of each piece):— i. From The Christian Year, 1827 and 1828. 1. Creator, Saviour, strengthening Guide. Trinity Sunday. (March 3, 1826.) 2. Father, what treasures of sweet thought. Churching of Women. (March 13, 1827.) 3. God is not in the earthquake: but behold. 9th Sunday after Trinity. The still mall voice. (Aug. 13,1822.) 4. In troublous days of anguish and rebuke. 9th S. after Trinity. The still small voice. (Aug. 13, 1822.) 5. Lessons sweet of spring returning. 1st Sunday after Epiphany. Spring. (May 17,1824.) 6. My Saviour, can it ever be? 4th Sunday after Easter. The promised Comforter. 7. 0 Father of long suffering grace. 18th Sunday after Trinity. God's longsuffering. (Oct. 6, 1823.) 8. 0 God of mercy, God of might, How should, &c. Holy Communion. (Jan. 31, 1827.) 9. 0 Lord my God, do Thou Thy holy will. Wednesday before Easter. Resignation. (Aug. 13, 1821.) 10. 0 say not, dream [think] not, heavenly notes. Catechism. (Feb. 16, 1827.) 11. 0 shame upon thee, listless heart. SS. Philip & James. (Aug. 3, 1825.) 12. 0 who shall dare in this frail scene? St. Mark's Day. (1820.) 13. Red o'er the forest peers the setting sun. 23rd Sunday after Trinity. The Resurrection of the body. (Nov. 12, 1825.) 14. Spirit of Christ, Thine earnest give. Ordination. (March 28, 1828.) 15. Spirit of light and truth, to Thee. Ordination. (March 28, 1828.) 16. Spirit of might and sweetness too. Confirmation. (Feb. 21, 1827.) 17. Sweet nurslings of the vernal skies. 15th S. after Trinity. Consider the lilies. Live for today. (Feb. 3, 1826) 18. The days of hope and prayer are past. 4th Sunday after Easter. The promised Comforter. 19. The live-long night we've toiled in vain. 5th Sunday after Trinity. Miracle of the Fishes. (1821.) 20. The midday sun with fiercest glare. Conversion of St. Paul. (Mar. 2,1822.) 21. The shadow of the Almighty's cloud. Confirmation. (Feb. 22, 1827.) 22. The silent joy that sinks so deep. 2nd Sunday after Epiphany. Turning Water into Wine. 23. Then, fainting soul, arise and sing. 4th Sunday after Easter. The promised Comforter. 24. When brothers part for manhood's race. St. Andrew's Day. (Jan. 27, 1822.) 25. Who is God’s chosen priest ? St. Matthias's Day. 26. Why doth my Saviour weep? 10th Sunday after Trinity. Christ weeping over Jerusalem. (1819.) 27. Why should we faint and fear to live alone? 24th Sunday after Trinity. God's goodness in veiling the future. (June 7, 1825.) 28. Wish not, dear friends, my pain away. 16th Sunday after Trinity. Resignation. (1824.) ii. From The Psalter, 1839. 29. From deeps so wild and drear. Ps. cxxx. 30. God our Hope and Strength abiding. Ps. xlvi. 31. How pleasant, Lord of hosts, how dear. Ps. lxxxiv. 32. Lord, be my Judge, for I have trod. Ps. xxvi. 33. Lord, Thy heart in love hath yearned. Ps. lxxxv. 34. Lord, Thou hast search'd me out and known. Ps. cxxxix 35. My God, my God, why hast Thou me? Ps. xxii. 36. My Shepherd is the living God. Ps. xxiii. 37. My Shepherd is the Lord; J know. Ps. xxiii. 38. Praise the Lord, for He is love. Ps. cxxxvi. 39. Praise ye the Lord from heaven. Ps.cxlviii. 40. Sing the song unheard before. Ps. xcvi. 41. Sound high Jehovah's Name. Ps. cxxxv. 42. The earth is all the Lord's, with all. Ps. xxiv. 43. The mercies of the Lord my God. Ps. lxxxix. 44. The seed of Jacob, one and all. Ps. xxii. iii. From The Child's Christian Year, 1841, and later editions. 45. Bethlehem, above all cities blest. Innocents’ Day. 46. Lo, from the Eastern hills the Lord. l0th Sunday after Trinity. The Gospel. (Late editions.) 47. Our God in glory sits on high. 1st Sunday after Easter. The Epistle. 48. When Christ to village comes or town. 16th Sunday after Trinity. The Gospel. (Late editions.) iv. From Lyra Innocentium, 1846. 49. Christ before thy door is waiting. Presence of Christ in His poor; or, Offertory. 50. How [When] the new-born saints, assembling. Offertory. 51. Once in His Name Who made thee. Holy Baptism. 52. Who for the like of me will care? Naamans' Servant-maid v. From Lays of the Sanctuary, 1859. 53. Lord, lift my heart to Thee at morn. Emigrant's Midnight Hymn. 54. O Love unseen, we know Thee nigh. Cento from No. 53. 55. Slowly the gleaming stars retire. Morning Hymn for Emigrants at Sea. 56. The twilight hour is sweet at home. Evening hymn for Emigrants at Sea. The editor of Keble's Miscellaneous Poems says concerning Nos. 53, 55, and 56:— "The three hymns for Emigrants, for use at Midnight, Morning, and Evening, were written at the request of his friend Sir Frederic Rogers, at that time Emigration Commissioner. They were printed in the first edition of the ‘Prayers for Emigrants, which he had compiled, but were subsequently omitted, perhaps as being thought not sufficiently simple for the class of people for whose use the Book of Prayers was chiefly intended." Preface, p. vi. It is found that nearly 100 hymns (counting centos as such) by Keble are in common use at the present time, and of these some rank with the finest and most popular in the English language. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Harriet Beecher Stowe

1811 - 1896 Hymnal Number: 388 Author of "Abide in me, O Lord, and I in thee" in Christian Praise Stowe, Harriet, née Beecher, daughter of the Rev. Lyman Beecher, D.D., was born at Litchfield, Connecticut, June 15, 1812. In 1832, her father having been appointed President of Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, she removed therewith the family; and in 1833 was married to the Rev. Calvin E. Stowe, D.D., Professor of Languages and Biblical Literature in the same Institution. Her high reputation as an author is well known; and the immense success of Uncle Tom's Cabin, which first appeared in The National Era, in 1852, ensures her a lasting reputation. She has also written other well-known works. Three of her hymns appeared in the Plymouth Collection, edited by her brother, H. W. Beecher, in 1855:— 1. Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh. Resting in God. 2. That mystic word of Thine, 0 sovereign Lord. Abiding in Jesus. 3. When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean. Peace. Another hymn by Mrs. Stowe, "How beautiful, said he of old" (The Gospel Ministry), is No. 231 in the Boston Hymns of the Spirit, 1864. Her poetic pieces were published in her Religious Poems, 1867; and from a poem therein the hymn, "Knocking, knocking, who is there?" (Christ knocking), in Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos is adapted. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Frederick Oakeley

1802 - 1880 Person Name: F. Oakeley Hymnal Number: 160 Author of "O come, all ye faithful, Joyfully triumphant" in Christian Praise Frederic Oakeley graduated M.A. at Oxford, and took Orders in the Church of England. He became Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral, preacher at Whitehall, and incumbent of Margaret Chapel, London. He was active in the "Oxford Movement," and in 1845, called attention to his views for the purpose of seeing if he could continue to hold an Oxford degree, with so great a change in his opinions. The question was tried, and he was perpetually suspended unless he retracted. He then resigned his positions in the Church of England, and entered the Church of Rome, in which he became a Priest, and Canon of the diocese of Westminster. His publications are numerous, and some of them have considerable value. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872 ================= Oakeley, Frederick, D.D., youngest son of Sir Charles Oakeley, Bart., sometime Governor of Madras, was born at Shrewsbury, Sept. 5, 1802, and educated at Christ Church, Oxford (B.A. 1824). In 1825 he gained a University prize for a Latin Essay; and in 1827 he was elected a Fellow of Balliol. Taking Holy Orders, he was a Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral, 1832; Preacher at Whitehall, 1837; and Minister of Margaret Chapel, Margaret Street, London, 1839. In 1845 he resigned all his appointments in the Church of England, and was received into the Roman Communion. Subsequently he became a Canon of the Pro-Cathedral in the Roman Catholic ecclesiastical district of Westminster. He died January 29, 1880. Miller (Singers and Songs of the Church, 1869, p. 497), writing from information supplied to him by Canon Oakeley, says:— ”He traces the beginning of his change of view to the lectures of Dr. Charles Lloyd, Regius Professor, delivered at Oxford about the year 1827, on the 'History and Structure of the Anglican Prayer Book.' About that time a great demand arose at Oxford for Missals and Breviaries, and Canon Oakeley, sympathising with the movement, co-operated with the London booksellers in meeting that demand.....He promoted the [Oxford] movement, and continued to move with it till, in 1845, he thought it right to draw attention to his views, to gee if he could continue to hold an Oxford degree in conjunction with so great a change in opinion. The question having been raised, proceedings were taken against him in the Court of Arches, and a sentence given that he was perpetually suspended unless he retracted. He then resigned his Prebendal stall at Lichfield, and went over to the Church of Rome." Canon Oakeley's poetical works included:— (1) Devotions Commemorative of the Most Adorable Passion of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 1842; (2) The Catholic Florist; (3) The Youthful Martyrs of Rome, a Christian Drama, 1856; (4) Lyra Liturgica; Reflections in Verse for Holy Days and Seasons, 1865. Canon Oakeley also published several prose works, including a translation of J. M. Horst's Paradise of the Christian Soul, London, Burns, 1850. He is widely known through his translation of the “Adeste fideles.” Several of his original hymns are also in Roman Catholic collections. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Laurentius Laurenti

1660 - 1722 Person Name: Laurentius-Laurenti Hymnal Number: 574 Author of "Rejoice, rejoice, believers!" in Christian Praise Laurenti, Laurentius, son of Herr Lorenz, or Laurenti, a burgess of Husum, in Schleswig, was born at Husum, June 8, 1660. He entered the University of Rostock in 1681, and after a year and a half spent there, went to Kiel to study music. In 1684 he was appointed cantor and director of the music at the cathedral church at Bremen. He died at Bremen, May 29, 1722 (Koch, iv. 281; Rotermund's continuation of Jöcher's Gelehrten-Lexicon, iii. 1405, &c). Laurenti was one of the best hymn-writers of the Pietistic school. His hymns are founded on the Gospels for Sundays and Festivals, and they draw out the bearing on the Christian life of the leading thoughts therein contained. They are of noble simplicity; are Scriptural, fervent, and often of genuine poetical worth. In Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704 and 1714, no less than 34 are included, and many of these, with others by him, are still in extensive German use. They appeared in his:— Evangelia Melodica, das ist: Geistliche Lieder,und Lobgesange, nach den Sinn der ordentlichen Sonn-und Festages Evangelien, &c. Bremen, 1700 [Royal Library, Berlin], with 148 hymns on the Gospels, and two others. Of his hymns those which have passed into English are:—— i. Du wesentliches Wort. Christmas. Founded on St. John i. 1-12. In his Evangelia Melodica, 1700, p. 30, in 8 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled, "For the Third Day of Christmas." Included in Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704, No. 20; and, recently, as No. 83, in the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, 1863. The translations in common use are:— 1. 0 Thou essential Word, Who from. A good translation, omitting st. iii., v., by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, first Ser., 1855, p. 15 (2nd edition, 1856, considerably altered); and repeated, abridged, in Flett's Collection, Paisley, 1871. Varying centos, beginning with st. i., 1. 5, altered to "O Saviour of our race," are found in America, as in Boardman's Selections, Philadelphia, 1861; the Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Book, 1868; and the Dutch Ref. Hymns of the Church, 1869. 2. 0 Thou essential Word, Who wast. By Miss Winkworth, in her Chorale Book for England, 1863, No. 54. This is her 1856 version (as above) rewritten to the original metre. Repeated, in full, in Dr. Thomas's Augustine Hymn Book, 1866, and the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880; and, abridged, in the English Presbyterian Psalms & Hymns, 1867, and Laudes Domini, N. Y., 1884. ii. Ermuntert euch, ihr Frommen. Second Advent. This is his finest hymn. In his Evangelia Melodica, 1700, p. 353, in 10 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled, "For the 27th Sunday after Trinity." It is founded on St. Matt. xxv. 1-13; and unites the imagery of the parable of the Ten Virgins with that of Rev. xx., xxi. Included, as No. 578, in Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704; and, recently, as No. 1519, in the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863. The translation in common use is:— Rejoice, all ye believers. By Mrs. Findlater, in Hymns from the Land of Luther, 1st Ser., 1854, p. 61 (1884, p. 62), a good translation of st. i.-iii., vii., viii., x. In full, but altered to the original metre, in Schaff’s Christ in Song, 1869 and 1870. This version is found in a large number of English and American hymnals, under the following forms:— (1) Rejoice, all ye believers (st. i.). Varying centos are found in Mercer, 1864, Hymnal Companion, 1876, &c.; and in America in Hatfield's Church Hymn Book, 1872, Evangelical Hymnal, N. Y., 1880, and others. (2)

William Hiley Bathurst

1796 - 1877 Person Name: W. H. Bathurst Hymnal Number: 347 Author of "O for a faith that will not shrink" in Christian Praise Bathurst, William Hiley , M.A., son of the Rt. Hon. Charles Bragge (afterwards Bathurst) some time M.P. for Bristol, born at Clevedale, near Bristol, Aug. 28, 1796, and educated at Winchester, and Christ Church, Oxford, graduating B.A. in 1818. From 1820 to 1852 he held the Rectory of Barwick-in-Elmet, near Leeds. Resigning the Rectory in the latter year, through his inability to reconcile his doctrinal views with the Book of Common Prayer, he retired into private life, and died at Lydney Park, Gloucestershire, Nov. 25, 1877. His works include, The Georgics of Virgil: Translated by W. H. B., 1849; Metrical Musings; or, Thoughts on Sacred Subjects in Verse, 1849; and Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Use, 1831 (2nd ed. 1842). This last contains 141 versions of Psalms, and 206 hymns. All the latter, and many of the former are original. Of his hymns, those in most extensive use are, "Hark! the distant isles proclaim," "Holy Spirit from on high,” "Jesus, Thy Church with longing eyes,” "Eternal Spirit, by whose power," "O for a faith that will not shrink” and “O Saviour, may we never rest." In addition to these and a few others (all of which are annotated under their first lines), the following are in common use, but mainly in America:— 1. Before Thy cross, my dying Lord. Faith. 2. Before Thy mercy-seat, O Lord. Holy Scriptures. 3. Behold what unspeakable love. Heaven. 4. Does the Lord of Glory speak? Holy Scripture. 5. Ere the world with light invested. Holy Spirit. 6. Except the Lord our labours bless. Ps. cxxvii. 1. Full of weakness and of sin. The Creator Spirit desired. 8. Glory to the Almighty Father. Praise. 9. Holy Lord, our hearts prepare. Preparation for Prayer. 10. Holy Spirit from on high. Holy Spirit's direction implored. 11. How blest are they who feel the weight. Repentance. 12. How strange that souls whom Jesus feeds. Conflict. 13. How sweet it is in early youth. Youthful Piety. 14. How sweet the hour of closing day. Death. 15. Led by a Father's gentle hand. Communion of Saints 16. Lord, a better heart bestow. Lent. 17. Lord, bid the light arise. To the Holy Spirit. 18. Lord, shed Thy glory as of old. Whitsuntide. 19. Lord, what blessed consolation. Safety of the Church. 20. Lord, when our offerings we present. Offertory. 21. 0 for a beam of heavenly light. Lent. 22. 0 for that flame of living tire. Holy Spirit. 23. 0 give thanks unto the Lord. Ps. cv. 24. Shepherd of Israel, from above. On behalf of Children. 25. This day the Lord hath called His own. Sunday. 26. When the world my heart is rending. Heaven. 27. Why search ye in the narrow tomb? Ascension. 28. Ye servants of the living God. Praise. All these hymns were given in his Psalms & Hymns , &c, 1831 (Preface dated November 15th, 1830), and repeated, without alteration, in the 2nd ed., 1842. They are characterized by simplicity of language, and directness of aim; but do not in any instance rise above the ordinary level of passable hymn-writing. In some American collections Bathurst's name is contracted to "Bath," and this is regarded either as a complete surname or as a Bath Collection. The contraction was given by Bickersteth in his Christian Psalmody, 1833. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) =================== Bathurst, William H., p. 117, ii. Additional hymns from his Psalms & Hymns, 1831, are in common use as follows:— 1. Great God, when I approach Thy throne. Redemption. 2. How bright a day was that which saw. The First Sabbath. 3. How frail and fallible I am. Jesus Unchangeable. 4. In Jesus' name with one accord. Divine Worship. 5. Lord, I claim Thee for my own. Ps. lxiii. 6. Lord shew Thy glory as of old. This is not "Lord shed Thy glory, &c," as stated at p. 118, i., 18. 7. Lord, when I lift my voice to Thee. Ps. ci. 8. O Lord, defend us as of old. Ps. lxxiv. 9. O Lord, how long shall heathens hold. Ps. lxxix. 10. 0 Lord, look down with pitying eye. Intercession for the Jews. Begins with st. iv. of “0 how is Zion's glory gone." 11. Praise God, O my soul. Ps. cxlvi. 12. Saviour, at Thy feet we bow. United Prayer. 13. 'Tis past, that agonizing hour. Ascension. 14. The Lord look'd all around. Universal Corruption. 15. To the Source of every blessing. Praise to the Father. 16. What can relieve the troubled soul? Christ the Comforter. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)

Gerard Moultrie

1829 - 1885 Hymnal Number: 579 Author of "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh" in Christian Praise Moultrie, Gerard, M.A., son of the Rev. John Moultrie, was born at Rugby Rectory, Sept. 16, 1829, and educated at Rugby and Exeter College, Oxford (B.A. 1851, M.A. 1856). Taking Holy Orders, he became Third Master and Chaplain in Shrewsbury School; Chaplain to the Dowager Marchioness of Londonderry, 1855-59; curate of Brightwaltham, 1859; and of Brinfield, Berks, 1860; Chaplain of the Donative of Barrow Gurney, Bristol, 1864: Vicar of Southleigh, 1869, and Warden of St. James's College, Southleigh,1873. He died April 25, 1885. His publications include: 1) The Primer set forth at large for the use of the Faithful. In Family and Private Prayer. Edited from the Post Reformation editions, 1864. (2) Hymns and Lyrics for the Seasons and Saints' Days of the Church, 1867. The hymns of his sister, Mary Dunlop Moultrie (q.v.), were included in this volume. (3) The Espousals of S. Dorothea and Other Verses, 1870. (5) The Devout Communicant, 1867. (6) Six Years' work in Southleigh, 1875. (7) Cantica Sanctorum, or Hymns for the Black Letter Saints Days in the English and Scottish Calendars, to which are added a few Hymns for Special Occasions, 1880. Mr. Moultrie's hymns include translations from the Greek, Latin, and German, in addition to original compositions. A large number appeared in the Church Times, and other papers; and many were written for special Saints' Days, and Other Festivals, for the People's Hymnal, 1867, in which some were signed "D. P." (i.e. Desiderius Pastor). The following are in common use:— i. In The Primer, 1864. 1. Father of all, to Thee we pray. Lord's Prayer. 2. In the Name of God the Father. Laying Foundation Stone. (2nd stanza: "And as on the morning stillness.") First appeared in the Church Times, Oct. 1, 1864, and again (as rewritten for the laying of the foundation stone of St. Margaret's, East Grinstead), July 29, 1865. ii. In Hymns and Lyrics, 1867. 3. Bishop of the souls of men. St. Matthias. 4. Come, faithful people, come away. Palm Sunday. 5. Easter-day is here, and we. Easter. 6. Heavenly Father, God alone. Harvest. 7. Mother, from whose bosom's veil. St. Anne. July 26. 8. 0 Jesu, 0 Redeemer. St. Luke. 9. Mary, maiden undefiled. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 10. Silence reigns at eventide. Whitsuntide. In the Altar Hymnal, 1884, it begins with st. iii., "Hark, a rushing mighty sound." 11. The Marriage feast is ready. All Saints. Usually given in an abbreviated form. 12. Virgin-born the King of heaven. Christmas Midnight Hymn. ("To be sung at the Midnight Cele¬bration.") In the Church Times, Nov. 26, 1864, and revised for Hymns & Lyrics. 13. We march, we march to victory. Processional. In the Church Times, Aug, 19, 1865, and headed "Processional hymn before service (written expressly for use during present troubles)." 14. Who is this that shines so bright! St. Laurence. In the People's Hymnal, 1867. 15. Who keeps his birthday feast tonight? Beheading of St. John Baptist. In the People's Hymnal, 1867. iii. In The People's Hymnal, 1867. 16. Heart to heart, and side by side. Holy Matrimony. 17. I know that my Redeemer liveth. Burial. A paraphrase of the Responsory in the Roman Office for the Dead. 18. Jesus Christ, we humbly pray. Opening of a School House. 19. Lord of heaven, Whose faithful love. Ember Days. 20. Lord, today we bring to Thee. Reception of a Privately Baptized Child. 21. Lord, we come today to Thee. Choir Festival. 22. 0 God, Who bad'st Thine angel sheathe. National Thanksgiving for restored Public Health. This is given in the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Church Hymns, 1871, as "0 God, Whose angel stayed his hand," and in the Hymnary, 1872, as "Lord, Who didst bid Thine angel sheathe." 23. 0 Lord of Hosts, Thou God of might. National Thanksgiving for Peace. In several collections. 24. Sevenfold Spirit, Lord of life. Consecration of a Bishop. First sung at the consecration of an American bishop at New York, in 1867. Included in the author's Espousals of St. Dorothea, 1870. 25. Sounds the bell in solemn cadence. Burial. In The Espousals of S. Dorothea, 1870, p. 82, the note is added, "This hymn was first sung at the funeral of the Rev. Warwick Wroth of Clerkenwell." It is headed "Funeral Hymn for a Priest." iv. In Cantica Sanctorum, 1880. 26. In the midst of gladness, sorrow. Annunciation in Holy Week. 27. Jesus, tender Shepherd. Holy Communion. 28. Swing the censer, wave the banner. Processional. v. In The Altar Hymnal, 1884. 29. Our great High Priest is standing. Holy Communion. 30. Lo, the Sacrifice atoning. Holy Communion. vi. Various. 31. Forward, Christians, forward. Processional. Written for the Church of England Working Men's Society in 1879, and issued as a leaflet, of which 40,000 copies were sold during the first year. 32. Laid in this garden full of bloom. Easter Eve. In the Churchman's Companion, April, 1879. 33. On the wings of the wind fell a hymn from the sky. Christmas. In Husband's Supplemental Hymns, N.D. [1873]. 34. Shades of night are falling round us. Evening. Novello & Co., with Music by Shad Frost. 35. There is a sound of rejoicing around the great throne. Processional. Written for St. Michael's Church, Folkestone, and published in E. Husband's Appendix to Hymns Ancient & Modern, N.D. [1873]. It was set to music by Mr. Husband, and is commonly known as "The Folkestone Processional." 36. This is the festal day of jubilation. Sunday School Anniversary. A hymn to be sung alternately by men and boys during the collection, written in 1877 for St. Agnes's, Kennington, London. 37. This is the hour of peace and blest communion. Holy Communion. Written for the English Church Union Commemoration held at St. Agnes's, Kennington Park, London, June 9, 1880. From the subjects of the hymns noted above it will be seen that Mr. Moultrie wrote principally on matters not usually dealt with by hymnwriters. This is specially the case with his Cantica Sanctorum, in which most of the 103 hymns are for "Black Letter Saints' Days." --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) =================== Moultrie, G., p. 771, ii. We find that Mr. Moultrie wrote the preface to the Cantica Sanctorum, 1880, but did not edit the book. He and others contributed some thirteen hymns thereto. It was edited by Miss Isabella Leefe, p. 1663, i., who wrote 90 of the hymns. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907) See also in: Hymn Writers of the Church

John Leland

1754 - 1841 Hymnal Number: 74 Author of "The day is past and gone" in Christian Praise Leland, John, an American Baptist minister, was born at Grafton, Massachusetts, on May 15th, 1754, and began to preach at the age of 20. From 1776 to 1790 he was in Virginia, and thereafter in Massachusetts, mostly at Cheshire. He died Jan. 14, 1841. His Sermons, Addresses, Essays and Autobiography were published by his niece, Miss L. F. Greene, at Lanesboro, Massachusetts, in 1845. His influence seems to have been equalled by his peculiarities. We hear of his "restless activity and roving disposition"; his "mad devotion to politics," wherein he had much local and temporary weight; his "ready wit and endless eccentricities;" as also of his high character. Of the hymns which have been ascribed to him, some on doubtful authority, the following are the most important:— 1. The day is past and gone, The evening, &c. Evening. This is in universal American use, and Leland's claim to the authorship has never been disputed, although it is supported by no known particulars. It was first made widely known by the invaluable Hartford Selection (Congregational) of 1799. Its first appearance, so far as known, was in Philomela, or, A Selection of Spiritual Songs, by George Roberts, Petersburg,1792, No. 82. 2. 0 when shall I see Jesus! The Christian Race. This vigorous lyric is ascribed by Dr. Hitchcock, in Hymns and Songs of Praise, 1874, to Leland. It has generally been regarded as anonymous, and is of uncertain date, cir. 1807, or probably earlier. 3. Christians, if your hearts are warm. Holy Baptism. Adult. The only hymn by Leland which can be authenticated by date and circumstances is this familiar doggerel:— "Christians, if your hearts are warm, Ice and snow can do no harm." Dr. Belcher says, in his Historical Sketches of Hymns, &c, 1859, that it was written for one of Leland's large baptisms in Virginia, 1779. [Rev. Frank M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

George Washington Doane

1799 - 1859 Hymnal Number: 506 Author of "Fling out the banner, let it float" in Christian Praise Doane, George Washington, D.D. Bishop Doane was born at Trenton, New Jersey, May 27, 1799, and graduated at Union College, Schenectady, New York. Ordained in 1821, he was Assistant Minister at Trinity Church, New York, till 1824. In 1824 he became a Professor at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.; in 1828 Rector of Trinity Church, Boston; and, in 1832, Bishop of New Jersey. He founded St. Mary's Hall, Burlington, 1837, and Burlington College, Burlington, 1846. Died April 27, 1859. Bishop Doane's exceptional talents, learning, and force of character, made him one of the great prelates of his time. His warmth of heart secured devoted friends, who still cherish his memory with revering affection. He passed through many and severe troubles, which left their mark upon his later verse. He was no mean poet, and a few of his lyrics are among our best. His Works, in 4 volumes with Memoir by his son, were published in 1860. He issued in 1824 Songs by the Way, a small volume of great merit and interest. This edition is now rare. A second edition, much enlarged, appeared after his death, in 1859, and a third, in small 4to, in 1875. These include much matter of a private nature, such as he would not himself have given to the world, and by no means equal to his graver and more careful lyrics, on which alone his poetic fame must rest.The edition of 1824 contains several important hymns, some of which have often circulated without his name. Two of these are universally known as his, having been adopted by the American Prayer Book Collection, 1826:-- 1. Softly now the light of day. Evening. This, in addition to its use in American hymnals, is also found in the English Collections, including Snepp's Songs of Grace & Glory. Written in 1824. 2. Thou art the way, to Thee alone. Christ the Way. This, in the judgment of many, is the first of American hymns, and one of the most admirable and useful in the English language. In the United States its use is most extensive, and since its introduction into the English Collections by Bickersteth in 1833, Hall in his Mitre, in 1836, and others, it has grown in favour until it ranks with the most popular of the great English hymns. Near in merit to the foregoing stands a companion piece in the same work, which deserves to be better known :— 3. Lord, should we leave Thy hallowed feet. The next three have been overlooked at home, but have obtained considerable circulation in English Collections. 4. Father of mercies hear, Thy pardon we implore. Ash Wednesday or Lent. A translation of "Audi, benigne Conditor" q.v.), published in his Songs by the Way, 1824, together with several other translations, thus anticipating by twelve years the great English movement in that direction. Original translation in his Songs by the Way, 1875Miller (S. & S., p. 12) attributes this translation to Dr. Neale in error. 5. Return and come to God. Invitation. In his Songs, &c, 1824. It is found in Hall’s Mitre, 1836; the Baptist Hymnal, 1879, and several others. 6. To thee, 0 Lord, with dawning light. Morning. This hymn is attributed to Heber by Miller (S. & S. , p. 381) in error. It is included in the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Hymns, 1852; in Windle and others. It is from the Songs, &c, 1824. His later hymns, the dates of which are generally preserved in the last edition of his Songs by the Way, include the following, which are more or less in use :— 7. Beloved, it is well. All well in Christ. This is entitled "To my wife"; is dated Mar. 12, 1833, and was written in a copy of Dr. Bedell's "It is well." It is given in Kennedy, 1863. 8. Broken-hearted, weep no more. Assurance of Peace. The date of this hymn is not preserved. It is found as early as 1829, when it appeared in the 2nd edition of Cleland's (Baptist) Hymns. 9. Fling out the banner, let it float. Missions, Home & Foreign. This hymn, sometimes dated 1824 in error, was written at Riverside, 2nd Sunday in Advent, 1848, and is one of the author's latest effusions. It is in extensive use both in Great Britain and America. 10. He came not with His heavenly crown. The two Advents. In his Songs by the Way, edition 1875, this poem is dated Dec. 1827. In Dale's English Hymnbook, 1879, it is given with the omission of stanza iii., and in the American Protestant Episcopal Hymnal, 1871, it begins with stanza iv., "Once more, O Lord, Thy sign shall be." Full text in Lyra Sac. Amer., p. 92. 11. Lift not thou the wailing voice. Burial. A funeral hymn, adopted by the Anglican Hymnbook, but dated 1826 in error, for 1830. 12. What is that, mother? The lark, my child. This is not a hymn, but a familiar and long popular song. 13. "When darkness erst [once] at God's command. Israel in Egypt. In Kennedy, 1863, No. 722. 14. Young and happy while thou art. Youth for Christ. A favourite piece in many juvenile collections. It is dated Sept., 1827, and is given in Songs by the Way, 1875. The Lyra Sacra Americana also contains the following:— 15. Brightness of the Father's glory. Morning. A tr. of "Consors Paterni luminis " (q.v.). It is from the Songs, &c, 1824. 16. Child that kneelest meekly there. Child at Prayer. Suggested by a cast from a piece of sculpture by Greenough representing a child at prayer. 17. Grant me, Lord, Thy graces three. Faith, Hope, and Charity desired. 18. Perfect through suffering may it be. Uses of suffering. Dated in Songs by the Way, "The Breakers, June 1, 1853." 19. Yes, it is a faithful saying. Redemption. In his Songs, &c, 1824. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Isaac Williams

1802 - 1865 Hymnal Number: 452 Author of "How shall we show our love to thee" in Christian Praise Isaac Williams was born in London, in 1802. His father was a barrister. The son studied at Trinity College, Oxford, where he gained the prize for Latin verse. He graduated B.A. 1826, M.A. 1831, and B.D. 1839. He was ordained Deacon in 1829, and Priest in 1831. His clerical appointments were Windrush (1829), S. Mary the Virgin's, Oxford (1832), and Bisley (1842-1845). He was Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford, from 1832 to 1842. During the last twenty years of his life his health was so poor as to permit but occasional ministerial services. He died in 1865. He was the author of some prose writings, amongst which are Nos. 80, 86 and 87 of the "Oxford Tracts." His commentaries are favourably known. He also published quite a large number of poems and hymns and translations. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872 ========================== Williams, Isaac, B.D., was born at Cwmcynfelin in Cardiganshire, Dec. 12, 1802, where his mother happened to be staying at her father's house at the time of his birth. But his parents' house was in Bloomsbury, London, his father beiug a Chancery barrister at Lincoln's Inn. He received his early education from a clergyman named Polehampton, with whom he was at first a day pupil in London, but whom he afterwards accompanied to a curacy at Worplesdon, near Guildford. All Mr. Polehampton's pupils (15), with the exception of Isaac Williams and his two elder brothers, were being prepared for Eton, where great stress was laid upon Latin versification; and it was in these early years that Isaac Williams acquired his fondness for, and proficiency in, this species of composition. In 1814 he was removed to Harrow, where Mr. Drury was his private tutor. He gained several school prizes, and became so used, not only to write, but to think, in Latin, that when he had to write an English theme he was obliged to translate his ideas, which were in Latin, into English. In 1821 he proceeded to Trinity College, Oxford, that college being chosen on the advice of Mr. Drury; and in his second term he was elected scholar of Trinity. In 1823 he won the University Prize for Latin Verse, the subject being Ars Geologica. The gaining of this prize was indirectly the turning point of his life, for it brought him into close relationship with John Keble, who may be termed his spiritual father. He had been previously introduced to Mr. Keble by the Vicar of Aberystwith, Mr. Richards, whom he had met at his grandfather's house. But there was no intimacy between them until he had won the Latin Verse Prize, when Mr. Keble came to his rooms and offered to look over the poem with him before it was recited and printed. This led to an intimate acquaintance which ripened into a warm friendship of infinite benefit to Isaac Williams's spiritual life. Mr. Keble offered to take him with him into the country and read with him during the Long Vacation, without any payment. Robert Wilberforce, then an undergraduate of Oriel, was also to be of the party. They settled at Southrop, near Fahford, a name familiar to the readers of Keble Life. Here Isaac Williams made the acquaintance of Hurrell Froude, who was also reading with Mr. Keble, and this acquaintance also ripened into a friendship which was terminated only by death. Keble was like a boy with his pupils, entering with zest into all their amusements, but he also exercised a deep influence over their religious characters, especially that of Isaac Williams. Williams spent this and all his subsequent Long Vacations at Southrop, and became more and more influenced for good by Mr. Keble. He also became a great friend of Sir George Prevost, then an undergraduate of Oriel, who afterwards married his only sister. During one of these sojourns at Southrop, Keble showed Williams and Froude a manuscript copy of the Christian Year, but, strange to say, the young men did not appreciate its beauties. Williams's intimacy with Keble caused alarm to Mr. Hughes, the successor of the Vicar of Aberystwith who had first brought the two together; Mr. Hughes was greatly shocked to hear that he was a friend of Mr. Keble of Oriel, and said he would introduce him to a most excellent and promising person there, a Mr. Newman, whom the evangelical vicar knew in connexion with the Church Missionary Society, and who would, he doubtless thought, supply an antidote to Keble's High Church opinions. While Williams was an undergraduate at Oxford, though he was a member of Trinity College, he spent much of his time at Oriel, attracted thither, not only because it was Keble's college, but also because he had many friends there, the chief of whom were the Wilberforces, Ryder, Anderson (now Sir C. Anderson), Hurrell Froude, and Sir G. Prevost. As an accomplished scholar who had the benefit of Keble's tuition, it was naturally expected that he would take a high degree; and so, no doubt, he would have done, had he not attempted too much. In spite of the warnings of friends, he resolved to aim at a "double first," and, as mathematical studies were not to his taste, the labour over this uncongenial work in addition to the necessary preparation for the classical school was too severe for him; his health broke down, and he was obliged to be content with a pass degree. In 1829 he was ordained to the curacy of Windrush, about twelve miles from Fairford where Keble then lived, and about twenty from Bisley, where his brother-in-law, Sir George Prevost, who was now married, was curate. But he did not stay long at Windrush. Passman though he was, he competed successfully for a Trinity Fellowship, and had to return to Oxford the same year as college tutor. He lived on terms of great intimacy with Hurrell Froude, then Fellow of Oriel, and was introduced by him to J. H. Newman, to whom he was much attracted, like almost all who were brought into contact with that remarkable man. The attraction appears to have been mutual, and Williams became Newman's curate at S. Mary's, Oxford, which then included the village or rather hamlet of Littlemore. In 1842 he married Caroline, the third daughter of Arthur Champernown, of Dartington Hall, Devon, left Oxford, and went to Bisley as curate to Mr. T. Keble. So far as his outer life went, little more need be said. Nothing seems to have occurred to ruffle its placid course, except one episode which occurred in 1841-2. When John Keble resigned the Poetry Professorship at Oxford, he was naturally anxious that his friend Williams should be his successor. Not only was there a warm personal friendship and an entire sympathy of opinion on the most important of all matters between the two men, but on the score of poetical merit, Williams seemed to him obviously the proper person. He had already published several of his poetical works, and his reputation as a sacred poet was second only to that of Keble himself. But he was also identified in a peculiar way with the Tract writers. He had actually written that Tract which, next to the memorable Tract 90, had given the greatest offence of all, viz.: Tract 80, on Reserve in the Communication of Religious Knowledge, and he was also known as the especial friend and late coadjutor of Newman. It is not, therefore, surprising that vehement opposition was raised against his election. A rival candidate was found in the person of Mr. Edward Garbett, of Brasenose, a First Classman, but quite unknown in the domain of poetry. There was really no comparison whatever between the fitness of the two candidates, but that counted for little when men's minds were heated by the "odium theologicum." It became simply a party question; but a public contest was happily averted by a private comparison of votes, when it was found that there was a large majority of votes in favour of Mr. Garbett. Mr. Williams was much hurt—not by the opposition of the Low Churchmen, for he expected that,—but by the desertion of several whom he counted upon as friends. He withdrew from Oxford and from public life (which had never possessed much attraction to a man of his retiring and studious habits) altogether. He remained at Bisley until 1848, when he removed to Stinchcombe; and there he lived until his death. From time to time some cultured and thoughtful work from his pen was given to the world, but that was all; and when the announcement that he had quietly passed away on SS. Philip and James Day, May 1, 1865, appeared, the outer world had almost forgotten that he was still living, though it had not forgotten, and will not, it is hoped, while the English language lasts, ever forget his writings. He died of a decline, the seeds of which had long been sown. As a devotional writer both in prose and verse the name of Isaac Williams stands deservedly high, but as a writer of hymns for congregational use, he does not, either for quantity or quality, at all reach the first rank. Indeed, it would have been very distressing to him if he had done so, for he shared the distaste which most of the early leaders of the Oxford movement felt for the congregational use of any metrical hymns apart from the Psalter, and it is said that he purposely made his translations of the Hymns from the Parisian Breviary rough, in order to prevent them from being so used. His poetical works are:— (1.) The Cathedral, his first publication in verse, issued in the early part of 1838. It was written about the same time as the famous Tract on Reserve, and "in pursuance of the same great object we had undertaken " (in the Tracts for the Times). What that object was is intimated in the alternative title, The Cathedral, or the Catholic and Apostolic Church in England. It followed very much the same lines as George Herbert's Temple, only it worked out the ideas far more in detail, connecting each part of the edifice with some portion of church doctrine or discipline. The whole volume is written in the true spirit of poetry, and some of the sonnets in it are good specimens of that difficult form of composition; but it contains scarcely any verses out of which even centos of hymns can be formed. (2.) Later on in the same year (1838) he published a volume, entitled Thoughts in Past Years, though, as the title implies, many of its contents were written at an earlier date. In fact the composition ranged over a period of at least twelve years. In the writer's own opinion there was more true, poetry in this volume than in The Cathedral, but the latter had the advantage of being written on one systematic plan, while the Thoughts was a collection of detached poems. The connexion between the four divisions of the volume was, that they were all suggested by the writer's surroundings. Thus the “Golden Valley" was the beautiful district in the neighbourhood of Stroud known by that name; "The Mountain Home" was the writer's own birthplace, Cwmcynfelin in Cardiganshire; "The River's Bank" was the River Windrush, on the banks of which was the writer's first curacy; "The Sacred City" is Oxford. In a later edition (1852) there is an additional division entitled "The side of the Hill," that is, Stinchcombe Hill, Gloucestershire. Like The Cathedral, this is rather a volume of sonnets and sacred poems for private use, than of hymns in the popular sense of the term. The same volume contains his Beliquiae Latinae; or Harrow School Exercises, and his Oxford Prize Poem, Ars Geologica. The Latinity of these poems fully bears out the writer's own remark, that in his early years he was more at home in Latin than he was in his own language. It also contained a translation of the "Dies Irse, Dies Ilia," to which, in the revised and enlarged edition of 1848, were added, under the title of Lyra Ecclesiastica, a number of translations from other Latin and Greek Hymns. These translations are for the most part very free, and are not adapted, as they were certainly not intended, for congregational use. (3.) His next publication was Hymns translated from the Parisian Breviary, 1839. He thought that "the ancient Latin hymns were the best source from which our acknowledged deficiency in metrical psalmody should be supplied, as being much more congenial to the spirit of our own Liturgy than those hymns which are too often made to take part in our ancient services;" and he had already published many of the translations which appear in this volume, at intervals from 1833 to 1837, in the British Magazine, the church organ which was edited by Hugh James Rose. A few hymns from this volume, e.g. "0 Heavenly Jerusalem," "Disposer Supreme," "0 Word of God above," have been adopted for congregational use, but most of these are, perhaps purposely, done into such irregular metres, that they are not available for the purpose. Indirectly, however, they have been highly serviceable to the cause of congregational psalmody, for Mr. Chandler tells us in the Preface to his Hymns of the Primitive Church that Mr. Williams's translations in the British Magazine led him to produce that work. (4.) The next little volume, Hymns on the Catechism, was written at Bisley and published in 1842. Its object was strictly practical; it was intended as "an aid towards following out that catechetical instruction which is so essential a part of the church system." It cannot be said that these hymns are likely to be so attractive to children, as, for example, those of Mrs. Alexander, but they are suitable for congregational, or at any rate, for Sunday school use, and one of them, "Be Thou my Guardian and my Guide," has found its way deservedly into most collections. (5.) In the same year (1842) a much more ambitious work, The Baptistery, also saw the light. One seems to recognize in this work the pupil of John Keble, for its leading idea is very much the same as that of Tract , viz.: that earthly things are a shadow of heavenly. It is divided into thirty-two "Images," as the author terms them; it is not easy reading, but it well repays the careful attention which it requires, for both in form and matter it is the product of a true poet. One of the "Images," the 20th, "The Day of Days, or the Great Manifestation," has supplied our well-known hymn, "Lord, in this, Thy mercy's day," but the general tenour of the work is quite apart from hymnody. (6.) The same may be said of The Altar, published in 1847, which takes the second great Sacrament of the Gospel, as The Baptistery took the first, for the basis of a series of devout meditations, 34 in number. The first edition was illustrated by 34 pictures, one to each meditation, after the fashion of a foreign book which the writer had seen; but the illustrations were thought unworthy of the subject, and the later editions appeared without them. The object of the work was to connect the various events which occurred at the time of our Blessed Lord's Passion with the Eucharistic Service. It consists exclusively of a series of sonnets, and supplies no hymns for congregational use. (7.) In the same year (1849) appeared another work of a very different type. It is entitled The Christian Scholar, and its object is "to render the study of the classics subservient to a higher wisdom." It incidentally gives us an interesting insight into the author's own training under Mr. Keble, for he tells us in the Preface that he himself "derived, not merely moral benefit, but actual religious training from this indirect mode of instruction in another to whom he owes everything that renders life valuable." The plan of the book is, in a word, to take passages from all the chief classical authors, and to give Christian comments on each. (8.) His only other poetical work was Ancient Hymns for Children, 1842, which consisted of a reprint, with slight alterations, of 30 of his translations from the Latin, previously published in 1838 and 1839 as above. Although Isaac Williams's prose writings are as valuable, and perhaps more popular than his verse, yet from the point of view of this article it will suffice to enumerate the principal of them. They include— Several reviews for The British Critic at various dates; Thoughts on the Study of the Gospels, 1842; Sermons on the Characters of the Old Testament, 1856; The Beginning of the Book of Genesis, with Notes and Reflections, 1861; The Psalms interpreted of Christ, vol. i., 1864 (no other volumes were published); A Memoir of the Rev. R. A. Suckling, late Perpetual Curate of Bussage, 1852; A Harmony of the Four Gospels, 1850; Sermons on the Epistles and Gospels, 3 vols., 1853; Sermons on the Female Characters of Holy Scripture, 1859; The Apocalypse, 1851, and many other minor works. Besides these, he edited a large number of Plain Sermons at different dates by various writers, and he also wrote some of the Tracts for the Times, notably Tract 80 (1838), and 87 (1840), on Reserve in Communicating Religious Knowledge. It is difficult to see why these should have given so much offence. The principles on which the conclusion is based are obviously correct. Perhaps the title Reserve was alarming when men's minds were excited by the fear that they were being led by the new Oxford school they knew not whither. These two Tracts, with Tract 86, also by Isaac Williams, would fill an octavo volume of more than 200 pages. Both the character and the writings of Isaac Williams are singularly attractive. They both present a striking combination of qualities which are not often found in union. He was as firm as a rock in the maintenance and expression of his principles, but so quiet and retiring that his personality came far less before the public than that of any of the other leaders of the Oxford movement. His writings are so Christian and unaggressive in their tone that we are won over to his side almost without knowing it. He was a most valuable ally on this very account to his party, and the hymnologist may well regret that he did not devote his exquisite poetical taste, his refined culture, and his ardent piety more to hymnwriting than he did. [Rev. J. H. Overton, D.D.] Isaac Williams's position in hymnody does not lie so much in the actual work which he did, as in the influence he had over others. His translation from the Latin, mainly through the metres which he deliberately adopted, have not had a wide acceptance in the hymnody of the Church. J. Chandler, however, has left it on record that Williams's translations in the British Magazine led him to undertake kindred work, and Chandlers translations are amongst the most popular in the English language. Williams's Hymns on the Catechism, 1842, were with, Dr. Neale's Hymns for Children of the same year the forerunners of the more popular productions on the same lines by later writers. Of his original hymns the following are also in common use:- 1. How solemn, silent, and how still. Obedience (1842.) 2. Jesus, most loving Lord. Hymn to Christ (1844.) 3. Lord, Thou dost abhor the proud. Humility. 4. Members of Christ are we. Members of Christ. 5. The child leans on its parent's breast. Trust in God. (1842.) 6. The High Priest once a year. Ascension. (1842.) The dates here given indicate the works in which these hymns appeared. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)