In holy contemplation we sweetly now pursue

Representative Text

1 In holy contemplation
We sweetly now pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may.

2 It can bring with it nothing,
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe His people too.
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

3 Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there,
God still the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Amen.


Source: The Hymnal and Order of Service #179

Author: William Cowper

William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: In holy contemplation we sweetly now pursue
Author: William Cowper (1779)
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

ST. THEODULPH (Teschner)

Now often named ST. THEODULPH because of its association with this text, the tune is also known, especially in organ literature, as VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN. It was composed by Melchior Teschner (b. Fraustadt [now Wschowa, Poland], Silesia, 1584; d. Oberpritschen, near Fraustadt, 1635) for "Valet wi…

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JESU, MAGISTER BONE


BENTLEY (Hullah)


Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 20 of 20)
Page Scan

Church Book #430

TextPage Scan

Church Book #430

Hymnal of the Evangelical Church. Word ed. #d326

Hymns and Harmonies #d33

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Hymns for the use of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, by the Authority of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania #454

Hymns of Devotion #d88

Service and Hymns for Sunday Schools #d61

Page Scan

Song-Hymnal of Praise and Joy #219

Songs for Social and Public Worship. Rev. ed. #d185

Songs for the New Life #d294

The Book of Worship #d233

Page Scan

The Book of Worship #358

The Church-Book #d193

TextPage Scan

The Hymnal and Order of Service #179

Text

The Hymnal and Order of Service #179

The Hymnal of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod. Text ed. #d235

The Hymns for the Use of Evangelical Lutheran Congregations #d200

TextPage Scan

The Lutheran Hymnary #460

Page Scan

The Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book #378b

The Sabbath Hymn Book. Baptist ed. #d472

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