Blest angels, while we silent lie

Author: Thomas Ken

Thomas Ken (b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1637; d. Longleat, Wiltshire, England, 1711) studied at Winchester College, Hart Hall, and New College, Oxford, England. Ordained in the Church of England in 1662, he served variously as pastor, chaplain at Winchester College (1669-1679), chaplain to Princess (later Queen) Mary in The Hague, and bishop of Bath and Wells (1685-1691). He was a man of conscience and independent mind who did not shirk from confrontations with royalty. When King Charles II came to visit Winchester, he took along his mistress, the famous actress Nell Gwynne. Ken was asked to provide lodging for her. The story is told that Ken quickly declared his house under repair and had a builder take off the roof! He later… Go to person page >

Blest angels, while we silent lie. This in M. W. Stryker's College Hymnal, 1897, is a cento from Bp. Ken's "Midnight Hymn," p. 620, i.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)