Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 148:1-6
st. 2 = Ps. 148:11-14
st. 3 = Ps. 150:3-6
Originally "O Praise Ye the Lord," this text is considered to be one of finest written by Henry W. Baker (PHH 342). It was published in the 1875 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (Baker was editor of both the 1861 and 1875 editions).
The entire text is an amplification in hymn form of the "alleluia" phrases that frame Psalm 148 and 150. While stanzas 1-3 are based on various verses in those psalms, stanza 4 is a summary: "For love in creation, for heaven restored, for grace of salvation, sing praise to the Lord!"
Liturgical Use:
Any occasion of praise when Psalm 148 or 150 could also be used; a glorious (although long) doxology for harvest thanksgiving; a choral festival or similar praise service.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1987
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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 cont… Go to person page >
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