Father's Blessing

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My father raised his trembling hand

Author: Thomas MacKellar
Tune: ARLINGTON (Arne)
Published in 7 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Piano/Organ
	Surrender (Hymns of Faith for the Christ…

Representative Text

1 My father raised his trembling hand,
And placed it on my head:
"God’s blessing be on thee, my son!"
Most tenderly he said.

2 He died, and left no gems nor gold,
But still was I his heir—
For that rich blessing which he gave
Became a fortune rare.

3 And in my day of weary toil
To earn my daily bread,
It gladdens me in thought to feel
His hand upon my head.

4 Though infant tongues to me have said
"Dear father!" oft since then,
Yet when I bring that scene to mind,
I’m but a child again.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #12137

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Author: Thomas MacKellar

Mackellar, Thomas, was born in New York, Aug. 12, 1812. At the age of 14 he entered the printing establishment of Harper Brothers. In 1833 he removed to Philadelphia and joined the type-foundry firm of Johnson & Smith, as proof reader. He subsequently became a foreman, and then a partner in that firm, which has been known from 1860 as Mackellar, Smiths, and Jordan, type-founders of Philadelphia. His publications include The American Printer, 1866, a prose work, and the following in verse:— (1) Droppings from the Heart, 1844; (2) Tam's Fortnight Ramble, 1847; (3) Lines for the Gentle and Loving, 1853; (4) Rhymes Atween Times, 1872. The last contains some of his hymns. (5) Hymns and a few Metrical Psalms, Phila. 1883 (71 hymns, 3 psalms… Go to person page >

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