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James Merrick

1720 - 1769 Hymnal Number: 11c Author of "Arise, great God, and let thy grace" in The Heart and Voice Merrick, James , M.A., was born in 1720, and educated at Oxford, where he became a Fellow of Trinity College. He entered Holy Orders, but his health would not admit of parish work. He died at Reading, 1769. His publications include:— (1) Messiah, a Divine Essay. Humbly dedicated to the Reverend the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and the Visitors of the Free School in Reading. By James Merrick, Ætat. 14, Senior Scholar of the School at their last Terminal Visitation, the 7th of October, 1734. Reading. (2) The Destruction of Troy. Translated from the Greek of Tryphiodorus into English Verse, with Notes, &c. 1742. (3) Poems on Sacred Subjects. Oxford . 1763. (4) The Psalms of David Translated or Paraphrased in English Verse. By James Merrick, M.A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford. Reading. J. Carnan and Co. 1765. 2nd ed. 1766. A few only of these paraphrases were divided into stanzas. In 1797 the Rev. W. D. Tattersall pulished the work "Divided into stanzas for Parochial Use, and paraphrased in such language as will be intelligible to every capacity . . . with a suitable Collect to each Psalm from the Works of Archbishop Parker." Merrick's paraphrases, although weak and verbose, were in extensive use in the early part of the present century, both in the Church of England and with Nonconformists. They have, however, fallen very much into disuse. Those in modern hymn-books, mainly in the form of centos, include:— 1. Blest Instructor, from Thy ways. Ps. xix. 2. Descend, O Lord! from heaven descend. Ps. cxliv. (In time of National Peril.) 3. Far as creation's bounds extend. Ps. cxlv. 4. God of my strength, the wise, the just. Ps. xxxi. 5. He who with generous pity glows. Ps. xli. 6. How pleasant, Lord.Thy dwellings are. Ps. lxxxiv. 7. Lift up your voice and thankful sing. Ps. cxxxvi. 8. Lo, my Shepherd's hand divine. Ps. xxiii. 9. Lord, my Strength, to Thee I pray. Ps. xxviii. 10. My heart its noblest theme has found. Ps.xlv. 11. O let me, [gracious] heavenly Lord extend. Ps. xxxix. 12. O turn, great Ruler of the skies. Ps. li. 13. Praise, O praise the Name divine. Ps. cl. 14. Sing, ye sons of [men] might, O sing. Ps. xxix. 15. Teach me, O teach me, Lord, Thy way. Ps. cxix. 16. The festal morn, my [O] God, is come. Ps. cxxii, (Sunday Morning.) 17. The morn and eve Thy praise resound. Ps. lxv. (Harvest.) 18. To Thy pastures, fair and large. Ps. xxiii. From his Poems on Sacred Subjects, 1763, the following centos have also come into common use: -- 19. Author of good, to Thee we turn. Resignation. 20. Eternal God, we look to Thee. Resignation. 21. 'Tis enough, the hour is come. Nunc Dimittis. John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Aaron Crossley Hobart Seymour

1789 - 1870 Person Name: A. C. H. Seymour Hymnal Number: 93a Author of "Jesus, immortal King, arise" in The Heart and Voice Seymour, Aaron Crossley Hobart, son of John Crossley Seymour, M.A., Vicar of Cahirelly, Diocese of Cashel (and elder brother of the Rev. Michael Hobart Seymour, author of several works on the Roman controversy), was born in the county of Limerick, Dec. 19, 1789. From an early age he gave much attention to literary pursuits, and at the age of 21 he published his Vital Christianity exhibited in a Series of Letters on the most Important Subjects of Religion, addressed to Young Persons, 1810. This work, written during an illness, contains several of his hymns and other poetical pieces. He also edited a new edition of Dr. Gillies's Life of Whitefield, and wrote a "Memoir," which was prefixed to the Reliques of Ancient Irish Poetry, by Miss Charlotte Brooke, 1816. His most important work was his Life and Times of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, 2 vols., 1839. He resided for some time in Naples (circa 1839-1847), and then at Bristol. He died Oct., 1870. A few of his hymns are still in common use, including "Jesus, Immortal King, arise," and others. --Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Thomas Raffles

1788 - 1863 Hymnal Number: 305b Author of "Sovereign Ruler, Lord of all" in The Heart and Voice Thomas Raffles was born in London in 1788. He studied at Homerton College, and in 1809 became pastor of a Congregational society at Hammersmith. In 1812, he removed to Liverpool, where he was minister in the Great George Street chapel. This position he held for forty-nine years. He died at Liverpool, in 1863. He published several sermons, letters of travel, poems, and hymns for the use of his congregation. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872. ======================= Raffles, Thomas, D.D., LL.D., son of Mr. W. Raffles, solicitor, was born in Princes Street, Spitalfields, London, May 17, 1788. In 1803 he became a clerk in Doctors' Commons, but shortly after retired, and through the influence of Dr. Collyer, of whose church at Peckham he was for some time a member, he entered Homerton College in 1805. His stated ministry began at Hammersmith, where he was ordained as a Congregational minister on June 22, 1809. In 1812 he removed to Liverpool, where he succeeded the Rev. T. Spencer, and remained for 49 years the honoured pastor of the Great George Street Congregational Church. He died at Liverpool, Aug. 18, 1863. For upwards of fifty years Dr. Raffles was one of the most prominent ministers of the Congregational body. His labours outside of his own congregation were very great, his aid as a preacher on behalf of missions and other religious works, being eagerly sought after. The Lancashire Inde-pendent College owes its existence mainly to him; and to many religious works in Liverpool he gave great personal attention. His degree of LL.D. was conferred by the University of Aberdeen in Dec. 1820, and that of D.D. by Union College, Connecticut, in July 1880. His works include Memoirs of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. Thomas Spencer, 1813; A Tour on the Continent, 1817; and several Sermons, &c. He also edited the 1815 edition of Brown's Self-Interpreting Bible; was joint author with J. B. Brown and J. H. Wiffen, of Poems by Three Friends; and joint editor with Dr. Collyer and Dr. J. B. Brown, of the Investigator, a London quarterly. As early as March 8, 1813, he says, in a letter to his friend, Mr. Brown, "I am about to put to press a collection of hymns for the use of my chapel:" but this intention was not carried out until 1853, when he published his Supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms & Hymns. His son's history of this Supplement is:— "Early in January, 1853, he published his long-expected Supplement to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, which he had in hand for many years. He would never have published it at all, but, in common with other Independent Ministers, would have used the Congregational Hymn-book [J. Conder's 1836 and 1842] had that book contained a fair share of his own hymns. In its original form, however, it did not contain one [yes, one, but given as Anonymous]; and Dr. Raffles might, without vanity—seeing that numerous hymn-books of modern date contained one or more of his hymns—-have expected that they would not have been wholly omitted from the hymn-book emphatically of his own denomination. But so it was, and he never would introduce it, though, with the greatest readiness, when the improved edition was contemplated [theNew Congregational Hymn Book, 1859], under the editorship of the Rev. Dr. Gr. Smith, Dr. Raffles contributed some of his hymns to its pages. His own collection is very good, but limited in extent; the hymns are selected with considerable Judgment; and the true versions, as written by the respective authors, are given, wherever the original source could be reached."— Memoirs, 1864, p. 419. Dr. Raffles contributed, in 1812, eight hymns under the signature "T. B." to the Collection of his old friend and former pastor, Dr. Collyer. Gradually other hymns came into notice. These, with others to the number of 46, were included in his Supplement, 1853. His hymns at present in common use include:— 1. Blest hour, when mortal man retiresPrayer. In the "R. MS." this is headed "The Hour of Prayer," and at the foot is written by Dr. Raffles, “Printed in the Amulet for 1829, and thence copied into the Christian Observer." It is dated " Jany. 26,1823," and is in 6 stanzas of 4 lines. 2. Cause of all causes, and the Source. Hymn to the Deity. Contributed to Dr. Collyer's Collection, 1812, No. 914, in 5 st. of 6 1. 3. Come, heavenly peace of mind. Peace of Mind. Pub..in Collyer's Collection, 1812, No. 915, in 3 st. of 10 1. In the "R. MS." this, in a revised and expanded form of 10 stanzas of 6 lines, is undated; but underneath Dr. Raffles has written "Printed in the American Xtian Keepsake for 1838." 4. Eternal Father, throned above. Doxology. In the "R.MS." this is in 1 st. of 8 1., and headed "Doxology." It is undated, and underneath is written by Dr. Raffles at a later date (the change in the ink proving this) "Published anonymously in the Congregational Hymn Book," i.e., J. Conder's 1836 and 1842. 5. Father of mercies, God of love, 0 hear a humble, &c. Lent. Appeared in Collyer's Collection, 1812, No. 909, in 6 st. of 6 1., and headed "The Penitent's Prayer." 6. Go, preach the Gospel to the poor Home Missions. In the "R.MS." in 7 st. of 4 1., headed "To the Agents of the Liverpool town mission," and dated "May 1849." At the foot is written "Printed at the Printing Office of the Liverpool Town Mission Bazaar, Lycaeum, Bold Street." 7. High in yonder realms of light. Heaven. Contributed to Collyer's Collection, 1812, No. 911, in 6 st. of 8 1. It was sung at Dr. Raffles's funeral, Aug. 24, 1863. It is the most widely known of his hymns, but is usually given in an abbreviated form. 8. Lord, like a publican I stand. Lent. Dated in the "R.MS." "Seacombe, Oct. 4th, 1831," and headed, “The Publican, Luke xviii. 13." It is in 5 st. of 4 1., and is in several collections. 9. No night shall be in heaven! No gathering gloom. Heaven. In 8 st. of 4 double lines, headed “And there shall be no night there," Rev. xxii. 5, and dated " April 4, 1857." ("R.MS.") 10. 0 God of families, we own. Family Worship. In the "R.MS." in 5 st. of 4 1., entitled "The God of the families of Israel," and dated, "Jany. 15th, 1823." It appeared in the New Song, 1859. 11. Rapid flows the stream of tune. New Year. The last but one of his New Year's hymns, in 6 st. of 8 1., entitled "Hymn for New Year's Morning," and dated, "Jany. 1st, 1861." ("R.MS.") 12. Saviour, let Thy sanction rest. Holy Matrimony. In the “R. MS." in 6 st. of 6 1. entitled “The Marriage Feast," and dated "November 3rd, 1852. On occasion of the marriage of the Rev. J. F. and Mrs. Guenett." Included in the New Congregational Hymn Book, 1859, with the omission of st. v., vi. 13. Sovereign Ruler, Lord of all. Lent. No. 813 in Collyer's Collection, 1812, in 6 st. of 4 1. 14. The cup which my Father hath given. In Affliction. In the “R.MS." in 2 st. of 8 1., but without date. In theMemoirs. 1864, p. 272, the history of the hymn from Dr. Raffles's Diary is this :— "Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 16th [Oct., 1828.] I preached to an immense congregation last night at Nottingham, and slept at Mr. Gilbert's. Mr. Rawson [of Nottingham Castle], a fine young man, and but recently married, has broken a blood-vessel, and with his wife and mother, and father and sister, set out yesterday for Devonshire, to pass the winter. Mrs. Rawson sent me her album, and begged me to insert something appropriate. As I dressed in the morning I composed the following lines, which I sent her just before they set out: ‘The cup, &c.'" Mrs. Rawson, soon left a widow, resided at Wincobank Hall, near Sheffield, nearly 60 years, and died there in 1887. 15. Thou art my Hiding-place, 0 Lord. The Hiding-place. In the "R.MS." in 4 st. of 8 1., and dated “Burnley, June 23rd, 1833." 16. What is life? A rapid stream. Life. In the “R.MS." in 6 st. of 4 1., and dated in pencil 1838. At the foot is written by Dr. Raffles "Originally published in the Investigator, and, anonymously, in Affection's Gift, a poetical selection published by Simpkin and Marshall, Hamilton, &c, London." The "Raffles MS.," from which we have annotated these hymns, was kindly lent by Mr. T. S. Raffles, B.A., Stipendiary Magistrate of Liverpool. Mr. Raffles is the author of his father's Memoirs, 1864, and of hymn 25 in his father's Supplement. Dr. Raffles's original Hymns were published in 1868, with a Preface by J. Baldwin Brown. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

James Hervey

1714 - 1758 Hymnal Number: 109c Author of "Since all the changing [coming] [downward] varying [various] scenes of time" in The Heart and Voice Hervey, James, M.A., son of the Rector of Weston-Favell and Collingtree, diocese of Peterborough, was born at Hardingstone, near Northampton, Feb. 14, 1714, and educated at the Free Grammar School, Northampton, and Lincoln College, Oxford. At Oxford he had John Wesley, then a Fellow of Lincoln, as his tutor. Ordained in 1736, he assisted his father for a short time, and then became Curate of Dummer. At the end of a year he passed on to Devonshire, first as a guest of Mr. Orchard, at Stoke Abbey, and then as Curate of Bideford. In 1742 he left Bideford and rejoined his father, whom he succeeded as Rector of Weston-Favell and Collingtree in 1752. He died Dec. 25, 1758. His controversial and religious writings were very popular at one time, but have fallen out of use. His Meditations among the Tombs (suggested by a visit paid to Kilkhampton Church, Cornwall), Reflections on a Flower Garden, and a Descant on Creation, were published in one volume in 1746; and his Contemplations on the Night, and The Starry Heavens, with A Winter Piece, were published as a second volume in 1746. A complete edition of his Meditations and Contemplations were published with a Memoir (Lond., W. Tegg) in 1860. From these the following hymns have come into common use:— 1. Make the extended skies your tomb. The True Life. This was given in the Meditations among the Tombs, 1746, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines as the conclusion of a meditation on “The only infallible way of immortalizing our characters":— "The only infallible way of immortalizing our characters, a way equally open to the meanest and most exalted fortune is, 4 To make our calling and election sure/ to gain some sweet evidence that our names are written in heaven.”..... "Make the extended skies your tomb; Let stars record your worth," &c. Its use in modern hymn-books is limited. 2. Since all the downward tracts of time. Providence. This appeared in the Reflections on a Flower Garden, 1746, in 3 stanzas of 4 lines. It is given as a note to the following sentence: "Be still, then thou uneasy mortal: know that God is unerringly wise; and be Assured that, amidst the greatest multiplicity of beings, be does not overlook thee."..... " *Permittas ipsis expendere numinibus, quid Conveniat nobis, rebusque tit utile nostris. Nam pro jucundis aptissima quoeque dabunt dii: Carior est illis homo, quam sibi. —Juv. "Since all the downward tracts of time God's watchful eye surveys; 0! Who so wise to choose our lot, And regulate our ways? "Since none can doubt His equal love, Unmeasurably kind; To His unerring, gracious will Be ev'ry wish resign'd. “Good when He gives, supremely good Nor less, when He denies: E'en crosses, from His sovereign hand, Are blessings in disguise." In addition to this hymn being in common use in this its original form, it is often found in 5 stanzas and beginning, “Since all the downward tracks of time." -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology

August Gottlieb Spangenberg

1704 - 1792 Person Name: A. G. Spangenberg Hymnal Number: 79a Author of "High on his everlasting throne" in The Heart and Voice Spangenberg, August Gottlieb, son of Georg Spangenberg, Lutheran pastor at Klettenberg near Nordhausen, was born at Klettenberg, July 15, 1704. He entered the University of Jena in 1722, as a student of law, but soon abandoned law for the study of theology. He lived in the house of Professor Buddeus, graduated M.A. in 1726, and for some time lectured there. In Sept. 1732 he went to Halle as adjunct of the Theological faculty and superintendent of the Orphanage schools. Here he associated himself with the Separatists, and by an edict from Berlin was deprived of his offices, and, on April 8, 1733, was expelled from Halle. He at once proceeded to Herrnhut, and was received into the Moravian Community, with which he had become acquainted as early as 1727. In 1735 he accompanied the Moravian colony which settled in Georgia, and served also in Pennsylvania and in the Island of St. Thomas. He returned to Germany in 1739, and was for some time at Marienborn in Hesse. In Sept. 1741 he was present at an important Moravian Conference in London, and was there appointed a member of the Unity's Direction, and also director of their financial affairs. While in England he founded, in 1742, the first English Moravian settlement, at Smith House in Yorkshire. He was then, on June 15, 1744, consecrated at Herrenhaag as Moravian Bishop for North America, and from that time till 1762 was for the most part in America, working principally in Pennsylvania, and among the Indians, and paying two visits to Europe. In 1762 he became the senior member of the Unity's Direction as successor to Zinzendorf, and thereafter resided for the most part either at Herrnhut or at Barby. The last years of his life were spent at Berthelsdorf near Herrnhut, where he resigned his offices in Sept. 1791, and died Sept. 18, 1792. (Koch, v. 337; G. F. Otto's Lexicon Oberlausizischer Schriftsteller, iii. 306; Herzog's Real-Encyklopädie, xiv., 460, &c.) Spangenberg was an earnest and able man, was much beloved and respected, and was entrusted by the Brethren with many important missions, being e.g. the principal agent in the negotiations between the Moravians and the British Government. He did good service both in consolidating the Moravian organization and by untiring labours in America. His Autobiography appeared in 1784. He also wrote a life of Zinzendorf, in 8 vols., published at Barby 1772-75. His other chief work is his Idea fidei fratrum, &c, Barby, 1779 (English tr. as An Exposition of Christian Doctrine, as taught in the Protestant Church of the United Brethren, &c, London, 1784), which is accepted as an authorised exposition of the Moravian theology. He only wrote a few hymns, which are of fervent but rational piety, but do not entitle him to high rank as a, hymnwriter. They were mostly written before 1746. Ten of them are included in the Brüder Gesang-Buch of 1778. Of these ten hymns the following may be noted here:— i. Der König runt, und schauet doch. Christian Works. First published as No. 1004 in Appendix, i., 1737, to the Herrnhut Gesang-Buch 1735, and is in 8 stanzas of 10 lines. Tr. as:— High on His everlasting Throne. This is a spirited but free translation by J. Wesley, in Hymns & Sacred Poems, 1742. ii. Die Kirche Christi ist hin und her. Unity of the Christian Church. The hymn has been translated as:— The Church of Christ that He hath hallow'd here. This is a good translation of st. i.-iii. of the 1778 by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 58. iii. Heilige Einfalt, Gnadenwunder. Christian Simplicity. This is an excellent picture of his own Christian character. According to Bunsen, 1833, p. 904, it was written as a birthday hymn for his sister. The date which Bunsen gives for its composition (1744) is probably a misprint for 1741. Translated as:— 1. When simplicity we cherish. This is given in 14 stanzas as No. 387 in pt. ii., 1746, of the Moravian Hymn Book. In the 1789 and later eds. (1849, No. 603) it is reduced to 6 stanzas, and is entirely rewritten, save the opening line. [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.] --Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Thomas Scott

1705 - 1775 Hymnal Number: 297a Author of "Haste [Hasten], [O] sinner [sinners] [now] to be wise" in The Heart and Voice Thomas Scott was born at Norwich, and was the son of a Dissenting minister. After his education he began his ministerial life at Wartmell, in Norfolk, adding also the labours of school-teaching. Subsequently he changed his pastoral relations several times, spending the last years of his life at Hupton, in Norfolk, where he died in 1776. He was the author of some prose works, several poems, and a few hymns. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872 ============================ Scott, Thomas, son of Thomas Scott, Independent Minister at Norwich, brother of Elizabeth Scott, and nephew of Dr. Daniel Scott, was born at Norwich, 1705. As a young man he kept a school at Wortwell, and preached once a month at Harleston, Norfolk. Then, after a short ministry at Lowestoft, he removed in 1734 to Ipswich as co-pastor with Mr. Baxter of the Presbyterian congregation meeting in St. Nicholas Street Chapel. On the death of his senior in 1740 he became sole pastor. In 1774 he retired to Hapton, and died there in 1775. He was the author of various poetical works, including:— (1) The Table of Cebes; or, the Picture of Human Life, in English Verse, with Notes, 1754; (2) The Book of Job, in English Verse; translated from the original Hebrew, with Remarks, Historical, Critical, and Explanatory, 1771; 2nd ed. 1773; (3) Lyric Poems, Devotional and Moral. By Thomas Scott, London, James Buckland, 1773. To Dr. Enfield's Hymns for Public Worship, Warrington, 1772, he contributed "All-knowing God, 'tis Thine to know" (p. 43, ii.); "Angels! roll the rock away" (p. 69, i.); "As various as the moon " (p. 85, ii.); and the following:— 1. Absurd and vain attempt to bind. Persecution. 2. Behold a wretch in woe. Mercy. 3. Imposture shrinks from light. Private Judgment, its Rights and Duties. 4. Mark, when tempestuous winds arise. Meekness. 5. O come all ye sons of Adam and raise. Universal Praise to God. 6. Th' uplifted eye and bended knee. Devotion vain without Virtue. 7. Was pride,alas, e'er made for man? Humility. 8. Why do I thus perplex? Worldly Anxiety reproved. In his Preface to his Lyric Poems, 1773, he said that the object of his work was:— "To form a kind of little poetical system of piety and morals. The work opens with natural religion. Thence it proceeds to the mission of Jesus Christ, his sufferings, his exaltation, and the propagation of his doctrine. Next is the call to repentance, the nature and blessedness of a Christian life, and the entrance into it. These topics are succeeded by the various branches of devotion: after which are ranked the moral duties, personal and social, the happy end of a sincere Christian, and the coming of Jesus Christ to finish his mediatorial kingdom by the general judgment. The whole is closed with a description of the illustrious times, when by means of the everlasting gospel, the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Of Scott's better known hymns this volume contained most of those named above, and:— 9. Hasten, sinner, to be wise. p. 493, ii. 10. Who, gracious Father, can complain? The Divine Dispensation In the Collection of Hymns and Psalms, &c, 1795, by Kippis, Rees, and others, several of the above were repeated, and the following were new:— 11. If high or low our station be. Justice. 12. Happy the meek whose gentle breast. Meekness. Doctrinally Scott might be described as an evangelical Arian. Hymns of his appear in most of the old Presbyterian collections at the close of the last century, and in the early Unitarian collections. Several are still in common use in G. Britain and America. [Rev. Valentine D. Davis, B.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Gerard T. Noel

1782 - 1851 Hymnal Number: 156d Author of "If human kindness meets return" in The Heart and Voice Gerard Thomas Noel was born in 1782. His studies were pursued at the Universities of Edinburgh and Cambridge. He graduated M.A. from Trinity College, Cambridge. He was successively Curate of Radwell, Vicar of Rainham, and Curate of Richmond. In 1834, he was Canon of Winchester, and in 1840, Vicar of Romsey, were he died in 1851. He published some Sketches of Travel, and a Selection of Psalms and Hymns. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872. =================== Noel, Hon. Gerard Thomas, M.A., elder brother of the Hon. Baptist W. Noel, was born Dec. 2, 1782, and educated at Edinburgh and Cambridge. Taking Holy Orders, he held successively the curacy of Bad well, Hertfordshire, the Vicarages of Rainham and Romsey, and a Canonry in Winchester Cathedral. He died at Romsey, Feb. 24, 1851. His published works include Fifty Sermons for the Use of Families, 1830; Sermons preached in Romsey, 1853; and Arvendel, or Sketches in Italy and Switzerland, 1813. In this last work some of his earlier hymns appeared. He also compiled:— A Selection of Psalms and Hymns from the New Version of the Church of England and others; corrected and revised for Public Worship, London, J. Hatchard, 1810. In this Selection he gave a few hymns of his own, but anonymously. The 3rd edition, 1820, is enlarged, and has an Appendix of 17 hymns. Three of his hymns are in common use:— 1. If human kindness meets return. Jesus the Friend. This appeared in his Arvendel, &c, and his Selection of Psalms & Hymns, 1810, No. 45. It is in extensive use. 2. Stamped as the purpose of the skies. Missions. This is found in the February number of the Christian Observer, 1810, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines, and is signed "N." In his Selection of Psalms & Hymns, 1810, No. 48, and in the 3rd edition, 1820, No. 174, it begins "Mark'd as the purpose of the skies." In this form it is known to the modern collections. 3. When musing sorrow weeps [mourns] the past. Desiring Heaven. Given in the second edition of his Selection 1813, No. 48. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

John Pierpont

1785 - 1866 Person Name: J. Peirpont Hymnal Number: 34b Author of "O thou to whom in ancient time" in The Heart and Voice Pierpont, John, son of James Pierpont, of Litchfield, Connecticut, was born at Litchfield, April 6, 1785, and educated at Yale College, where he graduated in 1804. After fulfilling engagements as a Tutor in New Haven, and in Charlestown, South Carolina, he was admitted to the Bar in 1812. Shortly after he retired and went into business, only to leave it also, and to pass on to Harvard College as a student in theology. In 1819 he succeeded Dr. Holley as the pastor of the Unitarian congregation in Hollis Street, Boston. At length his zeal against intemperance and slavery caused him to resign his charge in 1840 [sic. 1845] (see Lothrop's Proceedings of an Eccl. Council in the case of the Hollis Street Meeting and the Rev. J. Pierpont). At this date he published his Poems & Hymns, including his anti-slavery and temperance poems and songs. In 1845 he became the pastor of an Unitarian congregation at Troy, New York. This he vacated for another at Medford, Massachusetts, in 1849. That he resigned in 1859. When over 70 years of age he became Chaplain in the United States Army (1862), and was finally a Government clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington. He died suddenly at Medford, Aug. 27, 1866. Pierpont's publications include Airs of Palestine, 1816, some school books, and his Poems & Hymns, 1840 and 1854. His hymns in common use include:— 1. Another day its course hath run. Evening. Appeared in Hymns for Children, Boston, 1825; in Greenwood's Chapel Liturgy, 1827; and in the author's Poems & Hymns, 1840. 2. Break forth in song, ye trees. Public Thanksgiving. Written for the Second Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of Boston, Sept. 17, 1830, and included in the Poems & Hymns, 1840. 3. Break the bread and pour the wine. Holy Communion. In Harris's Hymns for the Lord's Supper, 1820. 4. Father, while we break the bread. Holy Communion. 5. God Almighty and All-seeing. Greatness of the Father. Contributed to Elias Nason's Congregational Hymn Book, Boston, 1857. 6. God of mercy, do Thou never. Ordination. Written for the Ordination of John B. P. Storer at Walpole, Nov. 15, 1826; and published in the author's Poems, &c, 1840. 7. God of our fathers, in Whose sight. Love of Truth desired. This hymn is composed of st. ix., x. of a hymn written for the Charlestown Centennial, June 17, 1830. In this form it was given in the Boston Hymns of the Spirit, 1864, and others. 8. Gone are those great and good. Burial. Written in 1830. Part of No. 2 above. 9. I cannot make him dead. Gone Before. "A part of an exquisitely touching and beautiful poem of ten stanzas, originally printed in the Monthly Miscellany, Oct. 1840." 10. Let the still air rejoice. Praise. 11. Mighty One, Whose name is Holy. Charitable Institutions. Written for the anniversary of the Howard Benevolent Society, Dec. 1826, and included in the author's Poems, &c, 1840. 12. My [0] God, I thank Thee that the night. Morning. Appeared in his Poems, &c, 1840. In Martineau's Hymns, &c, 1873, it begins "O God, I thank Thee," &c. 13. 0 bow Thine ear, eternal One. Opening of Divine Service. This is dated 1823, but was not included in the author's Poems, &c, 1840, although one of his best productions. 14. 0 Thou to Whom in ancient time. Universal Worship. “Written for the opening of the Independent Congregational Church in Barton Square, Salem, Massachusetts, Dec. 7, 1824," and printed at the close of the sermon preached by Henry Colman on that day. It was given in Pierpont's Poems, &c, 1840, and is found in several collections in Great Britain and America. It is widely known. 15. 0 Thou Who art above all height. Ordination. “Written for the Ordination of Mr. William Ware, as Pastor of the First Congregational Church in New York, Dec. 18, 1821," and included in his Poems, &c, 1840. 16. 0 Thou Who on the whirlwind rides. Dedication of a Place of Worship. Written for the opening of the Seamen's Bethel in Boston, Sept. 11, 1833. Sometimes given as “Thou Who on the," &c. 17. O'er Kedron's stream, and Salem's height. Gethsemane. One of eight hymns contributed to Dr. T. M. Harris's Hymns for the Lord's Supper, 1820. It is in Martineau's Hymns, &c, London, 1873, and others. 18. On this stone, now laid with prayer. Foundation-stone Laying. Written for the laying of the cornerstone of Suffolk Street Chapel, Boston, for the Ministry of the Poor, May 23, 1839. 19. With Thy pure dews and rain. Against Slavery. Written for the African Colonization Society, and included in Cheever's American Common Place Book, 1831. Not in the author's Poems, &c, 1840. Pierpont's talents as a hymn-writer, as in other fields, were respectable rather than commanding, but so energetically employed as to make their mark. Thus, although he never wrote a single hymn that can be called a great lyric, yet he has attained to a prominent position in American hymnody. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

William Cameron

1751 - 1811 Hymnal Number: 154b Author of "When the last trumpet's awful voice" in The Heart and Voice William Cameron was born in 1751. He studied at Marischal College, Aberdeen, and in 1785 was ordained minister of Kirknewton, in Mid Lothian. He died in 1811. He was the author of several works. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872. ================ Cameron, William, M.A., seems to have been born in 1751, at or near Pananich, a hamlet near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, his father, a son of Cameron of Glen Nevis, being apparently then a farmer in the parish of Glenmuick. He studied at the University of Aberdeen (Marischal College), where he graduated M.A. in 1770, was ordained parish minister of Kirk-newton, Midlothian, in 1786, and died at Kirk-newton, Nov. 17,1811. Though not a member of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly of 1775, to revise the Scottish Translations and Paraphrases of 1745-51, yet the burden of revision seems to have fallen upon him (probably through the influence of Dr. Hugh Blair), as to him are ascribed the changes made in 1775-1781 in no less than 34 of that collection, which in the 1781 are numbered thus:—Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 7.22, 24, 26, 32, 34, 36, 39-43, 45-47, 49-52, 54-57, 59-61, 63, 65-67. He is also said to be the author of Nos. 14 and 17, in the 1781 collection, and to have altered Nos. 5, 12 of those first included there. His published works are:— (1) Poems on Various Subjects (Edin., Gordon & Murray). 1780, containing 8 poems, 3 fables, and 20 lyric odes, two of which are called hymns. (2) Poems on Several Occasions (Edin., A. Constable & Co.), 1813; with 2 poems (1 from 1780), 2 fables (from 1780), and 23 lyric odes. Of the lyric odes 6 are so-called hymns (2 from 1780), and 5 are Psalm versions. Of the remaining twelve, 7 are from his 1780 volume, and 6— including a continuation of Dr. Beattie's Minstrel, in two books—printed for the first time. But neither volume contains any of the original hymns or recasts he is said to have contributed to the Translations and Paraphrases of 1781. The ascriptions above are taken from the markings by Cameron's eldest daughter in a copy of the Psalms and Paraphrases kindly lent by her son, Mr. R. G. Sillar, of Bexley, Kent. Another son, Mr. W. C. Sillar, of Blackheath, London, possesses a us. volume of poems by his grandfather, which, however, like the printed volumes, contains none of the Paraphrases of 1781. To Cameron, No. 12 of the 1781, and the changes made, in 1781, on Nos. 13,15, and Hymn iv. have been sometimes ascribed, but they are not assigned to him in his daughter's markings. These markings thus apportion the remainder of the Scottish contributions:—to Logan, Nos. 8-11,27, 31, 63,58, and Hymn v., besides No. 48, which he merely altered, and No. 59, in which he probably had no share: to Logan and Morison, No. 28; to Morison, Nos. 19, 21, 29,30,35, besides No. 38, which more probably owes its form in 1781 to Bruce or Logan: to Blair Nos. 4,33, 34, 44 (a cento): to Robertson, Nos. 25, 26,42, 43: to Blacklock, No. 16: to Randall, No. 49: and to Ogilvie, No. 62. They also give Logan as alterer of Nos. 2, 18, 23, 25, from the 1745-51; and of No. 30 of those added in 1781. Bruce's name is never mentioned. Nos. 6,12,18,23,52, are ascribed to Watts—so far as we can see without shadow of proof—while the recast from Watts, No. 50 in 1781, is ascribed to Randall. A list by the late Principal Lee of Edinburgh (now, as revised by the late Dr. David Laing, in the possession of Mr. William Bonar, Kensington, London), professedly based on a list in the possession of Cameron, differs in ascribing No. 12 of the 1781 to Cameron, and the alterations on Nos. 13,15; while not ascribing to him the alterations on Nos. 5, 32,56. It marks as anonymous from the 1745, Nos. 23, 26, 30 (!), 52, 59. The recast from the 1745, No. 38, it ascribes to Logan, and the recast No. 50, from Watts, is given as anonymous from the 1745. [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.] --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

John Bulmer

1784 - 1857 Hymnal Number: 245a Author of "O thou who art the light" in The Heart and Voice Bulmer, John, born in Yorkshire in 1784, educated for the Congregational Ministry at the Rotherham (Masborough) Independent College, and successively pastor at Haverford-west, Rugelcy, Bristol, Newbury, and Langrove, near Ross. He died in 1857. He composed a few hymns, and compiled:— (1) Hymns, Original and Select, 1834; (2) Hymns and Evangelical Songs for the use of Sunday Schools; (3) Original Hymns intended to be sung at the Public Meetings and other Services of Temperance Societies, 1836; and (4) Beauties of the Vicar of Llandovery: Light from the Welshman's Candle; being translated from the Welsh of Poems by Rees Prichard (died 1644), (2nd edition, 1830). . From his Collection of 1834 the following are still in common use:— 1. Lord of the vast creation. Lent. 2. To Thee in ages past. Public Worship. These hymns, are in the New Congregational Hymn Book and others. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)