1782 - 1866 Author of "God is in Heaven, can He hear" in The Primary and Junior Hymnal Gilbert, Ann, nèe Taylor, the elder of the two sisters, and daughter of Isaac Taylor, was born at London, Jan. 30, 1782, her father at that time being engaged in London as an engraver. Subsequently her father became a Congregational Minister, and resided, first at Colchester and then at Ongar. In 1813 she was married to the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, Classical and Mathematical Tutor at the Congregational College, Masborough, near Rotherham, Yorkshire. From Masborough they passed to Hull, and then to Nottingham, where Mr. Gilbert died in 1852. Mrs. Gilbert remained at Nottingham, and died there Dec. 20, 1866. In addition to contributing hymns to the joint works of herself and her sister Jane, a few were given in Collyer's Collection, 1812, signed " A." or "A. T.," and about 100 of her hymns appeared in Dr. Leifchild's Original Hymns, 1842, and a few in the Nottingham Hymn Book (1812, 20th edition, 1861). She published independently, Hymns for Sunday School Anniversaries, 1827; Hymns for Infant School, 1827; and The Wedding among the Flowers. Her Memoirs by her son, Josiah Gilbert, were published in 1874.
Mrs. Ann Taylor Gilbert is the author of the following (the date in brackets indicates the book in which each hymn appeared):—
1. Among the deepest shades of night (1812). Omniscience.
2. As Mary sat at Jesus' feet (1809). On repeating the Catechism.
3. Father, my spirit owns (1342). Resignation.
4. God is in heaven! Can he hear? God's care of Little Children.
5. Good Daniel would not cease to pray (1812). Prayer.
6. Hark the sound of joy and gladness (1842). Universal Peace.
7. How long, sometimes a day appears (1809). Time and Eternity.
8. I faint, my soul doth faint (1842). Contrition.
9. I thank the goodness and the grace (1809). Praise.
10. Jesus, that condescending King (1809). Coming to Jesus.
11. Jesus was once despised and low (1809). The Love of Jesus.
12. Jesus Who lived above the sky (1812). The Love of Jesus.
13. Lo, at noon, 'tis sudden night. Good Friday.
14. Lord, help us as we hear. Opening of Divine Service.
15. Lord, what is life? 'tis like a flower [the bow] (1809). Life.
16. My Father, I thank Thee for sleep (1809). Morning.
17. O [How] happy they who safely housed (1842). Death.
18. Spared to another spring (1827). Spring.
19. The God of heaven is pleased to see (1809). Brotherly Love.
20. This year is just going away (1810). New Year's Eve.
21. Wearied with earthly toil and care (1843). Sunday.
22. When I listen to Thy word. Comfort of the Scripture.
23. When little Samuel woke (1809). About Samuel.
24. Why should we weep for those who die (1843) . Death.
Mr. Gilbert's edition of the Hymns for Infant Minds, 1886, together with manuscript notes, are our authorities for the foregoing ascriptions of authorship. Mr. Gilbert cannot distinguish the authorship of the following hymns by her or her sister, Jane Taylor:—
1. Good David, whose Psalms have so often been sung (1812). Concerning David.
2. If Jesus Christ was sent (1812). Repentance.
3. King Solomon of old (1812). Concerning Solomon.
Taken as a whole, her hymns are somewhat depressing in tone. They lack brightness and warmth.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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