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Josiah Conder

1789 - 1855 Hymnal Number: d367 Author of "Praise on thee, in Zion's gates" in The Vestry Hymn Book Josiah Conder was born in London, in 1789. He became a publisher, and in 1814 became proprietor of "The Eclectic Review." Subsequently to 1824, he composed a series of descriptive works, called the "Modern Traveller," which appeared in thirty volumes. He also published several volumes of poems and hymns. He was the author of the first "Congregational Hymn Book" (1836). He died in 1855. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872. ========================== Conder, Josiah, fourth son of Thomas Conder, engraver and bookseller, and grandson of the Rev. John Conder, D.D., first Theological Tutor of Homerton College, was born in Falcon Street (City); London, Sept. 17, 1789, and died Dec. 27, 1855. As author, editor and publisher he was widely known. For some years he was the proprietor and editor of the Eclectic Review, and also editor of the Patriot newspaper. His prose works were numerous, and include:— The Modern Traveller, 1830; Italy, 1831; Dictionary of Ancient and Modern Geography, 1834; Life of Bunyan, 1835; Protestant Nonconformity, 1818-19; The Law of the Sabbath, 1830; Epistle to the Hebrews (a translation), 1834; Literary History of the New Testament, 1845, Harmony of History with Prophecy, 1849, and others. His poetical works are:— (1) The Withered Oak,1805; this appeared in the Athenceum. (2) The Reverie, 1811. (3) Star in the East, 1824. (4) Sacred Poems, Domestic Poems, and Miscellaneous Poems, 1824. (5) The Choir and the Oratory; or, Praise and Prayer, 1837. Preface dated Nov. 8, 1836. (6) Hymns of Praise, Prayer, and Devout Meditation, 1856. This last work was in the press at the time of his death, and was revised and published by his son, the Rev. E. R. Conder, M.A. He also contributed many pieces to the magazines and to the Associated Minstrels, 1810, under the signature of " C." In 1838, selections from The Choir and Oratory were published with music by Edgar Sanderson, as Harmonia Sacra. A second volume was added in 1839. To Dr. Collyer’s (q.v.) Hymns, &c, he contributed 3 pieces signed "C"; and to Dr. Leifchild's Original Hymns, 1843, 8 hymns. As a hymn-book editor he was also well known. In 1836 he edited The Congregational Hymn Book: a Supplement to Dr. Watts’s Psalms and Hymns (2nd ed. 1844). To this collection he contributed fifty-six of his own hymns, some of which had previously appeared in The Star in the East, &c. He also published in 1851 a revised edition of Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns, and in the game year a special paper on Dr. Watte as The Poet of the Sanctuary, which was read before the Congregational Union at Southampton. The value of his work as Editor of the Congregational Hymn Book is seen in the fact that eight out of every ten of the hymns in that collection are still in use either in Great Britain or America. As a hymn writer Conder ranks with some of the best of the first half of the present century. His finest hymns are marked by much elevation of thought expressed in language combining both force and beauty. They generally excel in unity, and in some the gradual unfolding of the leading idea is masterly. The outcome of a deeply spiritual mind, they deal chiefly with the enduring elements of religion. Their variety in metre, in style, and in treatment saves them from the monotonous mannerism which mars the work of many hymn writers. Their theology, though decidedly Evangelical, is yet of a broad and liberal kind. Doubtless Conder's intercourse with many phases of theological thought as Editor of the Eclectic Review did much to produce this catholicity, which was strikingly shewn by his embodying many of the collects of the Book of Common Prayer, rendered into verse, in his Choir and Oratory. Of his versions of the Psalms the most popular are "How honoured, how dear" (84th), and "O be joyful in the Lord" (100th). His hymns in most extensive use are," Bread of heaven, on Thee I feed; " “Beyond, beyond that boundless sea;" "The Lord is King, lift up thy voice" (this last is one of his best); "Day by day the manna fell;" "How shall I follow him I serve;" "Heavenly Father, to whose eye" (all good specimens of his subdued and pathetic style); and "O shew me not my Saviour dying." This last is full of lyric feeling, and expresses the too often forgotten fact that the Church has a living though once crucified Lord. The popularity of Conder's hymns may be gathered from the fact that at the present time more of them are in common use in Great Britain and America than those of any other writer of the Congregational body, Watts and Doddridge alone excepted. [Rev. W. Garrett Horder] In addition to the hymns named above and others which are annotated under their respective first lines, the following, including two already named (4,16), are also in common use:— i. From Dr. Collyer's Hymns, &c, 1812. 1. When in the hours of lonely woe. Lent. ii. From The Star in the East, &c, 1824. 2. Be merciful, O God of grace. Ps. lxvii. 3. For ever will I bless the Lord. Ps. xxxiv. 4. How honoured, how dear. Ps. lxxxiv. 5. Now with angels round the throne. Doxology. 6. O Thou God, Who hearest prayer. Lent. Dated Sept. 1820. Usually abbreviated. iii. From The Congregational Hymn Book, 1836. 7. Blessed be God, He is not strict. Longsuffering of God. 8. Followers of Christ of every name. Communion of Saints. 9. Grant me, heavenly Lord, to feel. Zeal in Missions desired. 10. Grant, 0 Saviour, to our prayers. Collect 5th S. after Trinity. 11. Head of the Church, our risen Lord. Church Meetings. 12. Holy, holy, holy Lord, in the highest heaven, &c. Praise to the Father. 13. Jehovah's praise sublime. Praise. 14. Leave us not comfortless. Holy Communion. 15. Lord, for Thv Name's sake! such the plea. In National Danger. 16. O be joyful in the Lord. Ps. c. 17. 0 breathe upon this languid frame. Baptism of Holy Spirit desired. 18. 0 give thanks to Him Who made. Thanksgiving for Daily Mercies. 19. 0 God, Protector of the lowly. New Year. 20. 0 God, to whom the happy dead. Burial. 21. 0 God, Who didst an equal mate. Holy Matrimony. 22. 0 God, Who didst Thy will unfold. Holy Scriptures. 23. 0 God, Who dost Thy sovereign might. Prayer Meetings. 24. 0 how shall feeble flesh and blood. Salvation through Christ. 25. 0 how should those be clean who bear. Purity desired for God's Ministers. 26. 0 say not, think not in thy heart. Pressing Onward. 27. 0 Thou divine High Priest. Holy Communion. 28. 0 Thou Who givest all their food. Harvest. 29. 0 Thou Whose covenant is sure. Holy Baptism. 30. Praise on Thee, in Zion-gates. Sunday. 31. Praise the God of all creation. Doxology 32. See the ransomed millions stand. Praise to Christ. 33. The heavens declare His glory. Ps. xix. 34. Thou art the Everlasting Word. Praise to Christ. 35. Thy hands have made and fashioned me. Thanks for Daily Mercies. 36. To all Thy faithful people, Lord. For Pardon. 37. To His own world He came. Ascension. 38. To our God loud praises give. Ps. cxxxvi. 39. Upon a world of guilt and night. Purification of B.V.M. 40. Welcome, welcome, sinner, hear. Invitation to Christ. 41. Wheresoever two or three. Continued Presence of Christ desired. iv. From The Choir and the Oratory, 1837. 42. Baptised into our Saviour's death. Holy Baptism. 43. In the day of my [thy] distress. Ps. xx. 44. 0 comfort to the dreary. Christ the Comforter. v. From Leifchild's Original Hymns, 1843. 45. I am Thy workmanship, 0 Lord. God the Maker and Guardian. 46. 0 Lord, hadst Thou been here! But when. The Resurrection of Lazarus. 47. 'Tis not that I did choose Thee. Chosen of God. This is altered in the Church Praise Book, N. Y., 1882, to “Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee," thereby changing the metre from 7.6 to 8.5. vi. From Hymns of Praise, Prayer, &c, 1856. 48. Comrades of the heavenly calling. The Christian race. When to these 48 hymns those annotated under their respective first lines are added, Conder’s hymns in common use number about 60 in all. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) =================== Conder, Josiah, p. 256, i. Other hymns are:— 1. O love beyond the reach of thought. The love of God. 2. O Thou, our Head, enthroned on high. Missions. 3. Son of David, throned in light. Divine Enlightenment desired. 4. Thou Lamb of God for sinners slain. Christ the Head of the Church. From "Substantial Truth, 0 Christ, Thou art." These hymns are all from his Hymns of Praise, &c, 1856. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)

Richard Baxter

1615 - 1691 Hymnal Number: d61 Author of "Christ leads me through no darker rooms" in The Vestry Hymn Book Baxter, Richard. Only s. of Richard Baxter, yeoman, Eaton Constantine, Shropshire, b. at Rowton, Shropshire, Nov. 12,1615. He was educated at Wroxeter School, and for a time held the Mastership of the Dudley Grammar School. On taking Holy Orders, he became, in 1640, Ourate of Kidderminster. Subsequently he was for some time chaplain to one of Cromwell's regiments. Through weakness he had to take an enforced rest, during which he wrote his Saints’ Everlasting Rest. On regaining his health he returned to Kidderminster, where he remained until 1660, when he removed to London. At the Restoration he became chaplain to Charles II and was offered the bishopric of Hereford, which he refused. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity, he retired from active duty as a Minister of the Church of England. In or about 1673 he took out a licence as a Nonconformist Minister and commenced lecturing in London. He d. Dec. 8, 1691. His prose works are very numerous. His poetical are :— (1) Poetical Fragments: Heart Imployment with God and Itself; The Concordant Discord of a Broken-healed Heart, tendon, Printed by T. Snowdon for B. Simmons, at the 3 Golden Cocks, &c, 1681 (2nd ed. 1689; 3rd ed. 1699). It consists of accounts of his religious experiences in verse, and is dated "London, at the Door of Eternity; Rich. Baxter, Aug. 1, 1681." (2) Additions to the Poetical Fragments of Rich. Baxter, written for himself, and Communicated to such as are more for serious Verse than smooth, London, Printed for B. Simmons at the Three Golden Cocks at the Westend of St. Pauls, 1683. (3) A Paraphrase on the Psalms, With other Hymns Left fitted for the Press, pub. the year following his death (1692). [Early English Hymnody, x., and English Psalters, 6 xii.] The Poetical Fragments were republished by Pickering, Lond., 1821. From this work his well-known hymn, " Now [Lord] it belongs not to my care," is taken (see "My whole, though broken, heart, O Lord.") -John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) See also in: Hymn Writers of the Church

John Leland

1754 - 1841 Hymnal Number: d436 Author of "The day is past and gone, the evening shades appear" in The Vestry Hymn Book Leland, John, an American Baptist minister, was born at Grafton, Massachusetts, on May 15th, 1754, and began to preach at the age of 20. From 1776 to 1790 he was in Virginia, and thereafter in Massachusetts, mostly at Cheshire. He died Jan. 14, 1841. His Sermons, Addresses, Essays and Autobiography were published by his niece, Miss L. F. Greene, at Lanesboro, Massachusetts, in 1845. His influence seems to have been equalled by his peculiarities. We hear of his "restless activity and roving disposition"; his "mad devotion to politics," wherein he had much local and temporary weight; his "ready wit and endless eccentricities;" as also of his high character. Of the hymns which have been ascribed to him, some on doubtful authority, the following are the most important:— 1. The day is past and gone, The evening, &c. Evening. This is in universal American use, and Leland's claim to the authorship has never been disputed, although it is supported by no known particulars. It was first made widely known by the invaluable Hartford Selection (Congregational) of 1799. Its first appearance, so far as known, was in Philomela, or, A Selection of Spiritual Songs, by George Roberts, Petersburg,1792, No. 82. 2. 0 when shall I see Jesus! The Christian Race. This vigorous lyric is ascribed by Dr. Hitchcock, in Hymns and Songs of Praise, 1874, to Leland. It has generally been regarded as anonymous, and is of uncertain date, cir. 1807, or probably earlier. 3. Christians, if your hearts are warm. Holy Baptism. Adult. The only hymn by Leland which can be authenticated by date and circumstances is this familiar doggerel:— "Christians, if your hearts are warm, Ice and snow can do no harm." Dr. Belcher says, in his Historical Sketches of Hymns, &c, 1859, that it was written for one of Leland's large baptisms in Virginia, 1779. [Rev. Frank M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Oliver Holden

1765 - 1844 Hymnal Number: d465 Author of "They who seek the throne of grace" in The Vestry Hymn Book Holden, Oliver, one of the pioneers of American psalmody, was born in 1765, and was brought up as a carpenter. Subsequently he became a teacher and music-seller. He died at Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1844. His published works are American Harmony, 1793; the Worcester Collection, 1797; and other Tune books. One of his most popular tunes is "Coronation." It is thought that he edited a small hymn-book, published at Boston before 1808, in which are 21 of his hymns with the signature "H." A single copy only of this book is known, and that is without title-page. Of his hymns the following are in common use:— 1. All those who seek a throne of grace. [God present where prayer is offered.] Was given in Peabody's Springfield Collection, 1835, No. 92, in a recast form as, “They who seek the throne of grace." This form is in extensive use in America, and is also in a few collections in Great Britain. 2. With conscious guilt, and bleeding heart. [Lent.] This, although one of the best of Holden's hymns, has passed out of use. It appeared, with two others, each bearing bis signature, in the Boston Collection (Baptist), 1808. 3. Within these doors assembled now. [Divine Worship.] [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology

Elizabeth Mills

1805 - 1829 Person Name: Elizabeth K. Mills Hymnal Number: d512 Author of "We speak of the realms of the blest" in The Vestry Hymn Book Mills, Elizabeth, née King, daughter of Philip King, was born at Stoke Newington in 1805; married to Thomas Mills, M.P., and died at Finsbury Place, London, April 21, 1829. Her popular hymn:— We speak of the realms of the blest. [Heaven] is thus annotated in Miller's Singers and Songs, &c, 1869, p. 483: "We are much indebted to John Remington Mills, Esq., M.P. for information about this hymn, written by his accomplished relative. The original has 6 st. and was composed after reading ‘Bridges on the 119th Psalm' (on ver. 44, p. 116), ‘We speak of heaven, but oh! to be there.' . . . Already deservedly a favourite, new interest will be added to this hymn when we know that the authoress was early called to ‘the realms of the blest,' of which she sang so sweetly, and that she wrote this hymn a few weeks before her death." The text of this hymn is usually given in an imperfect form. The corrections are supplied by W. F. Stevenson in his Hymns for Church and Home, 1873, "Children's Hymns," No. 151, and the note thereon. Few children's hymns have been received with more favour. It is found in almost every hymn-book published for Children in Great Britain and America during the last fifty years. In some collections it begins, "We sing of the land of the blest"; and in others,"We talk of the land of the blest," --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

William B. Tappan

1794 - 1849 Person Name: William B. Tappan, 1794-1849 Hymnal Number: d461 Author of "There is an hour of peaceful rest" in The Vestry Hymn Book See also in: Hymn Writers of the Church ============================= Tappan, William Bingham, was born at Beverley, Massachusetts, Oct. 29, 1794, and was apprenticed to a clockmaker at Boston in 1810. In 1815 he removed to Philadelphia, where he was engaged in business for a time. In 1822 he was engaged as Superintendent of the American Sunday School Union. In 1840 he was licensed to preach with the Congregational body, his sphere of usefulness on behalf of Sunday Schools being thereby considerably widened. He died suddenly, of cholera, at West Needham, Massachusetts, June 18,1849. His poetical works include:— (1) New England and Other Poems, 1819; (2) Poems, 1822; (3) Lyrics, 1822; (4) Poetry of the Heart, 1845; (5) Sacred and Miscellaneous Poems, 1848; (6) Poetry of Life, 1848; (7) The Sunday School and Other Poems, 1848; (8) Late and Early Poems, 1849; (9) Sacred Poems, 1849; (10) Gems of Sacred Poetry, 1860. Of these works the earliest are the most-important. His hymns in common use include the following:— 1. Holy be this as was the place. Public Worship. Included in his Lyrics, 1822; and given in Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868. 2. The ransomed spirit to her home. Love. Appeared in Nettleton's Village Hymns, 1824. This is probably his best hymn. 3. There is an hour of hallowed peace. Heaven, a Place of Rest. Given in his New England and Other Poems, 1819. 4. There is an hour of peaceful rest. Heaven a Place of Rest. The author's account of this hymn in his Gems of Sacred Poetry, 1860, is that it "was written by me, in Philadelphia, in the summer of 1818, for the Franklin Gazette, edited by Richard Bache, Esq., and was introduced by him to the public in terms sufficiently flattering to a young man who then certainly lacked confidence in himself. The piece was republished in England and on the Continent, in various newspapers and magazines, and was also extensively circulated in my own native land, where it has found a place in several hymn and music-books. It was published in my first volume of Poems, at Philadelphia, in 1819, and soon after was set to music by A. P. Heinrich, Esq., in the same city." It is in Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868, p. 265. 5. 'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow. Gethsemane. Appeared in his Poems, 1822, and repeated in Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868, and several hymnals. 6. Wake, isles of the south, your redemption is near. Missions. Appeared in the Lyrics, 1822. It was sung at the wharf in New Haven at the embarkation of Missionaries for the Sandwich Islands, 1822. 7. When sorrow casts its shades around us. Resignation. From his New England and Other Poems, 1819. It is in Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868. 8. While the solemn note of time. Saturday Evening. Published in his Poems, 1822; repeated in Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868, and thence into Thring's Collection, 1882. [Rev F. M. Bird, M.A.] --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Benjamin Beddome

1717 - 1795 Hymnal Number: d66 Author of "Come, blessed Spirit, source of [heavenly] light" in The Vestry Hymn Book Benjamin Beddome was born at Henley-in Arden, Warwickshire, January 23, 1717. His father was a Baptist minister. He studied at various places, and began preaching in 1740. He was pastor of a Baptist society at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, until his death in 1795. In 1770, he received the degree of M.A. from the Baptist College in Providence, Rhode Island. He published several discourses and hymns. "His hymns, to the number of 830, were published in 1818, with a recommendation from Robert Hall." Montgomery speaks of him as a "writer worthy of honour both for the quantity and the quality of his hymns." --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872. ========================= Beddome, Benjamin , M.A. This prolific hymnwriter was born at Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, Jan. 23, 1717, where his father, the Rev. John Beddome, was atthat time Baptist Minister. He was apprenticed to a surgeon in Bristol, but removing to London, he joined, in 1739, the Baptist church in Prescott St. At the call of this church he devoted himself to the work of the Christian ministry, and in 1740 began to preach at Bourton-on-the-Water, in Gloucestershire. Declining invitations to remove to London or elsewhere, he continued pastor at Bourton until his death, on Sep. 3, 1795, at the age of 78. Mr. Beddome was for many years one of the most respected Baptist ministers in the West of England. He was a man of some literary culture. In 1770 he received the degree of M.A. from Providence College, Rhode Island. He was the author of an Exposition of the Baptist Catechism, 1752, in great repute at the time, and reprinted by Dr. C. Evans in 1772. It was his practice to prepare a hymn every week to be sung after his Sunday morning sermon. Though not originally intended for publication, he allowed thirteen of these to appear in the Bristol Baptist Collection of Ash & Evans (1769), and thirty-six in Dr. Rippon's Baptist Selection (1787), whence a number of them found their way into the General Baptist Hymn Book of 1793 and other collections. In 1817, a posthumous collection of his hymns was published, containing 830 pieces, with an introduction by the Rev. Robert Hall, and entitled "Hymns adapted to Public Worship or Family Devotion, now first published from the Manuscripts of the late Rev. B. Beddome, M.A." Preface dated "Leicester, Nov. 10, 1817." Some of the early copies bear the same date on the title page. Copies bearing both the 1817 and 1818 dates are in the British Museum. The date usually given is 1818. Some hymns are also appended to his Sermons, seven volumes of which were published l805—1819; and over twenty are given in the Baptist Register of various dates. Beddome's hymns were commended by Montgomery as embodying one central idea, "always important, often striking, and sometimes ingeniously brought out." Robert Hall's opinion is just, when in his "Recommendatory Preface" to the Hymns, &c, he says, p. vii.:— "The man of taste will be gratified with the beauty and original turns of thought which many of them ex¬hibit, while the experimental Christian will often perceive the most secret movements of his soul strikingly delineated, and sentiments pourtrayed which will find their echo in every heart." With the exception of a few composed for Baptisms and other special occasions, their present use in Great Britain is limited, but in America somewhat extensive. One of the best is the Ordination Hymn, "Father of Mercies, bow Thine ear." Another favourite is “ My times of sorrow and of joy," composed, by a singular coincidence, to be sung on Sunday, Jan. 14, 1778, the day on which his son died, most unexpectedly, in Edinburgh. "Let party names no more," is very popular both in Great Brit, and America. "Faith, His a precious gift," "Witness, ye men and angels, now," and the hymn for Holy Baptism, "Buried beneath the yielding wave," are also found in many collections. Beddome's popularity is, however, now mainly in America. [Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A.] Beddome is thus seen to be in common use to the extent of about 100 hymns. In this respect he exceeds every other Baptist hymnwriter; Miss Steele ranking second. The authorities for Beddome's hymns are: (1) A Collection of Hymns adapted to Public Worship, Bristol, W. Pine, 1769, the Collection of Ash & Evans; (2) Dr. Rippon's Selections 1787, and later editions; (3) Sermons printed from the Manuscripts of the late Rev. Benjamin Beddome, M.A.,... with brief Memoir of the Author, Dunstable & Lond., 1805-1819; (4) Dr. Rippon's Baptist Register, 1795, &c.; (5) The Beddome Manuscripts, in the Baptist College, Bristol; (6) and Hymns adapted to Public Worship, or Family Devotion now first published, from Manuscripts of the late Rev. B. Beddome, A.M. With a Recommendatory Preface by the Rev. R. Hall, A.M. Lond., 1817. In his Preface, Mr. Hall gives this account of the Beddome Manuscript:— "The present Editor was entrusted several years ago with the MSS, both in prose and verse, with permission from the late Messrs. S. & B. Beddome, sons of the Author, to publish such parts of them as he might deem proper. He is also indebted to a descendant of the Rev. W. Christian, formerly pastor of the Baptist Church at Sheepshead, Leicestershire, for some of the Author's valuable hymns, which had been carefully preserved in the family. From both these sources, as well as others of less consequence, the present interesting volume has been derived." -- Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) ======================= Beddome, Benjamin, pp. 121-124. Other hymns in common use:— 1. Great God, before Thy mercy-seat. (1817). Lent. 2. Great God, oppressed with grief and fear. (1787.) Reading H. Scripture. 3. How glorious is Thy word, 0 God. Holy Scripture. From "When Israel, &c," p. 124, i. 4. In God I ever will rejoice. Morning. From his Hymns, &c, 1817. 5. Jesus, my Lord, divinely fair. (1817.) Jesus the King of Saints. Begins with stanza ii. of “Listen, ye mortals, while I sing." 6. Rejoice, for Christ the Saviour reigns. Missions. Altered form of "Shout, for the blessed, &c," p. 123, ii. 7. Satan, the world, and sin. (1817.) In Temptation. 8. Thou, Lord of all above. (1817.) Lent. 9. Unto Thine altar, Lord. (1787.) Lent. 10. Ye saints of every rank, with joy. (1800.) Public Worship. The dates given above are, 1787 and 1800, Rippon's Selection; and 1817 Beddome's Hymns. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II

Timothy Dwight

1752 - 1817 Hymnal Number: d202 Author of "I love thy kingdom, Lord" in The Vestry Hymn Book Timothy Dwight (b. Northampton, MA, 1752; d. Philadelphia, PA, 1817) was a grandson of Jonathan Edwards who became a Congregationalist pastor, a Revolutionary War army chaplain, a tutor and professor at Yale College, and president of Yale from 1795 to 1817. As president he continued to teach and serve as chaplain and was instrumental in improving both the academic and the spiritual life of the college. Bert Polman =============== Dwight, Timothy, D.D. This is the most important name in early American hymnology, as it is also one of the most illustrious in American literature and education. He was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, May 14, 1752, and graduated at Yale College, 1769; was a tutor there from 1771 to 1777. He then became for a short time a chaplain in the United States Army, but passed on in 1783 to Fairfield, Connecticut, where he held a pastorate, and taught in an Academy, till his appointment, in 1795, as President of Yale College. His works are well known, and need no enumeration. He died at New Haven, Jan. 11, 1817. In 1797 the General Association of Connecticut, being dissatisfied with Joel Barlow's 1785 revision of Watts, requested Dwight to do the work de novo. This he did liberally, furnishing in some instances several paraphrases of the same psalm, and adding a selection of hymns, mainly from Watts. The book appeared as— "The Psalms of David, &c.... By I. Watts, D.D. A New Edition in which the Psalms omitted by Dr. Watts are versified, local passages are altered, and a number of Psalms are versified anew in proper metres. By Timothy Dwight, D.D., &c….To the Psalms is added a Selection of Hymns," 1800. Dwight's lyrics are all professedly psalms, but they are by no means literal versions. His original compositions number 33. Of these many are still in common use, the most important being:— 1. Blest be the Lord, Who heard my prayer. Psalm xxviii. This is the second part of Psalm xxviii., in 5 stanzas of 4 lines. It is in the English New Congregational Hymn Book, 1859. 2. I Love Thy kingdom, Lord. Psalm cxxxvii. This is version three of Ps. 137, in 8 stanzas of 4 lines, and is in extensive use at the present time throughout the States. It is also included in many English, Irish, and Scottish collections, sometimes in the original form, as in Alford's Year of Praise, 1867; again as, "I love Thy Church, 0 God," which opens with the second stanza, as in the Scottish Evangelical Union Hymnal, 1878, in 3 stanzas, and "We love Thy kingdom, Lord," in the Irish Church Hymnal, 1873. In Cleveland's Lyra Sacra Americana six stanzas only are given from the original. Next to this in popularity are his 2nd and 3rd renderings of Psalm lxxxviii.:— 3. Shall man, 0 God of life and light. (3rd stanza) 4. While life prolongs its precious light. (2nd stanza) Both of which are in extensive use. From his 4th version of the same Psalm (88), the following hymns have been compiled, each opening with the stanza indicated:— 5. Just o'er the grave I hung. Stanza ii. 6. I saw beyond the tomb. Stanza iv. 7. Ye sinners, fear the Lord. Stanza xii. This last is found in Spurgeon's 0ur Own Hymnbook. The original version consists of 13 stanzas. 8. 0 Thou Whose sceptre earth and seas obey. Psalm lxxii. This is his second version of this Psalm, and was given in the Comprehensive Rippon, 1844. The following, most of which are of a more jubilant character, are well known:— 9. How pleasing is Thy voice. Psalm lxv. 10. In Zion's sacred gates. Psalm cl. 11. Lord of all worlds, incline Thy gracious [bounteous] ear. Psalm llii. 12. Now to Thy sacred house. Psalm xliii., st. 3. 13. Sing to the Lord most high. Psalm c. 14. In barren wilds shall living waters spring. Psalm liii. 15. Lord, in these dark and dismal days. Psalm cxxxvii. No. 9 is found in Lyra Sacra Americana, pp. 101-2, the seven stanzas of the original being abbreviated to five. In addition to the Psalms, Dr. Dwight published three poems, "The Conquest of Canaan," 1785; "Greenfield Hill," 1794; "Triumph of Infidelity," 1788. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] - John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Jane Taylor

1783 - 1824 Hymnal Number: d457 Author of "There is a glorious world of light" in The Vestry Hymn Book Taylor, Jane, the younger of two sisters, was born at London, Sept. 23, 1783. Her gift in writing verse displayed itself at an early age. Her first piece was printed in the Minor's Pocket Book for 1804. Her publications included Display, a tale, 1815; Essays in Rhymes, 1816; and the posthumous work edited by her brother, entitled The Contributions of Q. Q., 1824, being pieces in prose and verse from the Youth's Magazine, to which she had contributed under the signature of "Q. Q." She died at Ongar, Essex, April 13, 1824. Her Memoir and Poetical Remains, were published by her father in 1825. The joint productions of the two sisters, Ann Taylor Gilbert & Jane Taylor, were:-- (1) Original Poems, 1805; (2) Hymns for the Nursery, 1806; (3) Hymns for Infant Minds, 1809; 2nd edition 1810; 52nd edition 1877. To the 35th edition, 1844, Mrs. Gilbert interspersed 23 additional hymns by herself, thereby raising the total to 93. In 1886 Josiah Gilbert revised these hymns, added thereto from the works named above, supplied the initials "A." and "J." respectively, and published the same under the original title as the Authorized Edition." (4) Original Hymns for Sunday Schools, 1812. In addition to the hymns which are noted under their respective first lines, Miss Taylor is the authors of the following (the date in brackets indicates the book in which each hymn appeared):— 1. A sinner, Lord, behold I stand (1809). A Child's Humble Confession. 2. Almighty God, Who dwellest high (1809). Praise to God. 3. Come, my fond, fluttering heart (Collyer's Collection 1812). Renunciation of the World. 4. God is so good that He will hear (1809). Encouragement to Pray. 5. God!—What a great and awful name (1809). God's Condescension. 6. How dreadful to be turned away (1812). Expulsion from Sunday School. 7. Lord, I would own thy tender care (1809). Thanks for Daily Mercies. 8. Love and kindness we may measure (1809). Against Selfishness. 9. Now condescend, Almighty King (1809). Evening Hymn for a Small Family. 10. This is a precious book indeed (1809). Holy Scripture. 11. What is there, Lord, a child can do? Repentance. 12. When daily I kneel down to pray (1809). Against wandering thoughts in Prayer. 13. When for some little insult given (1809). Against Anger, &c. 14. When to the house of God we go (1809). Public Worship. Mr. Gilbert's edition of the Hymns for Infant Minds, 1886, together with manuscript notes, are our authorities for the foregoing ascriptions of authorship. Mr. Gilbert cannot distinguish the authorship of the following hymns by one or both sisters:— 1. Good David, whose Psalms have so often been sung (1812). Concerning David. 2. If Jesus Christ was sent (1812). Repentance. 3. King Solomon of old (1812). Concerning Solomon. In literary excellence Mrs. Gilbert's hymns surpass those of her sister. They are more elevated in style, ornate in character, broader in grasp, and better adapted for adults. The best are "Great God, and wilt Thou condescend?", "Jesus, Who lived above the sky," and "Lo! at noon 'tis sudden night." Miss Taylor's hymns are marked by great simplicity and directness. The most popular and one of the best is, "There is a path that leads to God." Taken as a whole, her hymns are somewhat depressing in tone. They lack brightness and warmth. --Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Laurentius Laurenti

1660 - 1722 Hymnal Number: d383 Author of "Rise up, all ye believers" in The Vestry Hymn Book Laurenti, Laurentius, son of Herr Lorenz, or Laurenti, a burgess of Husum, in Schleswig, was born at Husum, June 8, 1660. He entered the University of Rostock in 1681, and after a year and a half spent there, went to Kiel to study music. In 1684 he was appointed cantor and director of the music at the cathedral church at Bremen. He died at Bremen, May 29, 1722 (Koch, iv. 281; Rotermund's continuation of Jöcher's Gelehrten-Lexicon, iii. 1405, &c). Laurenti was one of the best hymn-writers of the Pietistic school. His hymns are founded on the Gospels for Sundays and Festivals, and they draw out the bearing on the Christian life of the leading thoughts therein contained. They are of noble simplicity; are Scriptural, fervent, and often of genuine poetical worth. In Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704 and 1714, no less than 34 are included, and many of these, with others by him, are still in extensive German use. They appeared in his:— Evangelia Melodica, das ist: Geistliche Lieder,und Lobgesange, nach den Sinn der ordentlichen Sonn-und Festages Evangelien, &c. Bremen, 1700 [Royal Library, Berlin], with 148 hymns on the Gospels, and two others. Of his hymns those which have passed into English are:—— i. Du wesentliches Wort. Christmas. Founded on St. John i. 1-12. In his Evangelia Melodica, 1700, p. 30, in 8 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled, "For the Third Day of Christmas." Included in Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704, No. 20; and, recently, as No. 83, in the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, 1863. The translations in common use are:— 1. 0 Thou essential Word, Who from. A good translation, omitting st. iii., v., by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, first Ser., 1855, p. 15 (2nd edition, 1856, considerably altered); and repeated, abridged, in Flett's Collection, Paisley, 1871. Varying centos, beginning with st. i., 1. 5, altered to "O Saviour of our race," are found in America, as in Boardman's Selections, Philadelphia, 1861; the Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Book, 1868; and the Dutch Ref. Hymns of the Church, 1869. 2. 0 Thou essential Word, Who wast. By Miss Winkworth, in her Chorale Book for England, 1863, No. 54. This is her 1856 version (as above) rewritten to the original metre. Repeated, in full, in Dr. Thomas's Augustine Hymn Book, 1866, and the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880; and, abridged, in the English Presbyterian Psalms & Hymns, 1867, and Laudes Domini, N. Y., 1884. ii. Ermuntert euch, ihr Frommen. Second Advent. This is his finest hymn. In his Evangelia Melodica, 1700, p. 353, in 10 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled, "For the 27th Sunday after Trinity." It is founded on St. Matt. xxv. 1-13; and unites the imagery of the parable of the Ten Virgins with that of Rev. xx., xxi. Included, as No. 578, in Freylinghausen's Gesang-Buch, 1704; and, recently, as No. 1519, in the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863. The translation in common use is:— Rejoice, all ye believers. By Mrs. Findlater, in Hymns from the Land of Luther, 1st Ser., 1854, p. 61 (1884, p. 62), a good translation of st. i.-iii., vii., viii., x. In full, but altered to the original metre, in Schaff’s Christ in Song, 1869 and 1870. This version is found in a large number of English and American hymnals, under the following forms:— (1) Rejoice, all ye believers (st. i.). Varying centos are found in Mercer, 1864, Hymnal Companion, 1876, &c.; and in America in Hatfield's Church Hymn Book, 1872, Evangelical Hymnal, N. Y., 1880, and others. (2)