R. K. Greville

Greville, Robert Kaye, LL.D., was eldest son of Rev. Robert Greville, rector of Edlaston, Derbyshire, and was b. at Bishop Auckland in 1794. He studied medicine at Edinburgh and London, and finally settled, though he did not practise, in Edinburgh. He was a distinguished botanist, and a well-known philanthropist. He edited and contributed to a number of the current annuals from 1830 to 1850. He was a member of the congregation of the Rev. D. T. K. Drummond, and joint editor with him of The Church of England Hymn-book, 1838, contributing thereto 9 hymns. He d. at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, June 4, 1866 (Miller's Singers & Songs, p. 438). [See Scottish Hymnody, § vi.] His hymns, dating from th< collection of 1838, are:—
1. A little while and every fear. Death anticipated.
2. A lost and sinful world to save. Christmas.
3. Before Thy throne in fetters bound. Temperance.
4. God of the world, we praise Thy name. Temperance.
5. O Ancient of eternal days. Praise to the Father.
6. 0 God, the Judge of nations, hear. National Fast.
7. O God, we come before Thee. Happiness desired.
8. While still Thy all-creative hand. God's Faithfulness.
9. Ye humble souls in sorrow bending. Burial.
In addition to these hymns, some of which are still in common use and all are worthy of attention, the following is also by Dr. Greville:—
10. 0 God, from Thee alone. Missions.
It appeared in The Church of England Magazine, Jan. 18, 1839, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines. In 1852 it passed into the S. P. C. K. Hymns, No. 188, and was repeated in later editions and in other collections.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology