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Isaiah 40 (Comfort, Comfort Now My People)

Author: Catherine Winkworth; Johannes G. Olearius Meter: 8.7.8.7.7.7.8.8 Appears in 126 hymnals Topics: liturgical Scripture Songs; Comfort/Consolation; Forgiveness; Forgiveness from God; God Faithfulness; God Kingdom, Majesty, Realm; God Reign; Humility; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Peace (World); Prophets; Reconciliation; Repentance; Trust; Victory; Advent 2 Year A; Proper 12 Year A; Proper 27 Year A; Advent 2 Year B; Advent 1 Year C; Christmas Day 2 Year C First Line: Comfort, comfort now my people Lyrics: 1 Comfort, comfort now my people; speak of peace; so says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning under sorrow's load. Cry out to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell them that their sins I cover and their warfare now is over. 2 For the herald's voice is crying in the desert far and near, calling all to true repentance, since God's judgement now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting. 3 Then make straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits a holy reign. For the glory of our God now on earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token that God's word is never broken. Scripture: Isaiah 40 Used With Tune: GENEVAN 42

Break Now the Bread of Life

Author: Mary Artemisia Lathbury Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 722 hymnals Topics: The Church at Worship Scripture; liturgical Songs of Illumination; Bible; Biblical Narrative; Calmness and Serenity; Comfort/Consolation; Holy Spirit Illumination; Jesus Christ Presence; Jesus Christ Word; Last Supper; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Service Music Prayer for Illumination; Truth; Word of God; Proper 13 Year A; Easter 7 Year B; Proper 9 Year B; Proper 13 Year B; Palm/Passion Sunday Year C First Line: Break now the bread of life, Saviour, to me Lyrics: 1 Break now the bread of life, Saviour, to me, as once you broke the loaves beside the sea. Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord; my spirit waits for you, O Living Word. 2 Bless your own truth, dear Christ, to me, to me, as when you blessed the bread by Galilee; then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall, and I shall find my peace, my all-in-all. Used With Tune: BREAD OF LIFE

Abide with Me

Author: Henry Francis Lyte Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 1,672 hymnals Topics: The Church at Worship Closing and Evening Hymns; liturgical Closing Songs; Aging; Assurance; Biblical Places Emmaus; Calmness and Serenity; Change; Closing Hymns; Comfort/Consolation; Courage; Encouragement; Eternal Life; Evening; Evening Prayer; Funerals and Memorial Services; God Grace; God Guidance; Grief; Jesus Christ Cross; Jesus Christ Presence; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Service Music Sending Forth/Commissioning; Time; Victory; Proper 11 Year A; Proper 8 Year C; Proper 19 Year C; Easter Evening Year ABC First Line: Abide with me, fast falls the eventide Lyrics: 1 Abide with me; fast falls the eventide: the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide; when other helpers fail, and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me. 2 Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; change and decay in all around I see: O Christ, who changes not, abide with me. 3 I need your presence every passing hour; what but your grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like yourself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me. 4 I have no fear with you at hand to bless; ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; where is death's sting? Where, grave, your victory? I triumph still, if you abide with me. 5 Hold now your cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. Used With Tune: EVENTIDE

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EVENTIDE

Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 976 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: William Henry Monk Topics: The Church at Worship Closing and Evening Hymns; liturgical Closing Songs; Aging; Assurance; Biblical Places Emmaus; Calmness and Serenity; Change; Closing Hymns; Comfort/Consolation; Courage; Encouragement; Eternal Life; Evening; Evening Prayer; Funerals and Memorial Services; God Grace; God Guidance; Grief; Jesus Christ Cross; Jesus Christ Presence; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Service Music Sending Forth/Commissioning; Time; Victory; Proper 11 Year A; Proper 8 Year C; Proper 19 Year C; Easter Evening Year ABC Tune Key: E Flat Major Incipit: 33215 65543 34565 Used With Text: Abide with Me

BREAD OF LIFE

Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 498 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: William Fisk Sherwin Topics: The Church at Worship Scripture; liturgical Songs of Illumination; Bible; Biblical Narrative; Calmness and Serenity; Comfort/Consolation; Holy Spirit Illumination; Jesus Christ Presence; Jesus Christ Word; Last Supper; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Service Music Prayer for Illumination; Truth; Word of God; Proper 13 Year A; Easter 7 Year B; Proper 9 Year B; Proper 13 Year B; Palm/Passion Sunday Year C Tune Key: D Major Incipit: 31356 53132 31356 Used With Text: Break Now the Bread of Life

EVENING

Meter: 6.5.6.5 Appears in 521 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: Joseph Barnby Topics: The Church at Worship Closing and Evening Hymns; liturgical Closing Songs; Children Praising; Closing Hymns; Comfort/Consolation; Evening; Service Music Sending Forth/Commissioning; Traveller Incipit: 55555 56656 76111 Used With Text: Now the Day Is Over

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Instances

Published text-tune combinations (hymns) from specific hymnals

Frommes Herz! sei unbetrübet

Author: H. G. Neuß, 1654-1716 Hymnal: Evang.-Lutherisches Gesangbuch #521 (1872) Topics: Consolation Songs Lyrics: 1 Frommes Herz! sei unbetrübet und vertraue deinen Gott; halte still dem, der dich liebet, der abzehlet deine Noth. Laß du deinen Vater walten, der ja lange hausgehalten: er ist deine Zuversicht, er verläßt die Seinen nicht. 2 Mußt du gleich viel leid erfahren, wundre dich beswegen nicht. Schaue nur vor alten Jahren aller Heiligen Geschicht: ist auch Jemand ohne Leiden kommen zu dem Saal der Freuden? Nein, sie haben alle Theil, so am Kreuze, wie am Heil. 3 Nimm vor dich in allen Stücken deines Jesu Lebenslauf; nimm sein kreuz auf deinen Rücken, nimm es doch nur willig auf. Gott wird dir, in jenem Leben Seligkeit und Himmel geben: denn du wird auch aller Hohn dir zu einer Ehrenkron. 4 Jesus ist durch schweres Leiden gangen ein zur Herrlichkeit: und du woltest nur in Freuden hier zubringen deine Zeit? Wahrlich! du mußt hier mit weinen, wenn dir dort das Licht soll scheinen: wenn der Knecht ist wie sein Herr, was will denn der Knecht ihm mehr? 5 Und was siehest du zurücke auf das Thun der argen Welt? Was siehst du auf ihre Tücke? auf die Netze, das sie stellt? Schau auf Gottes heilge Wege, wie er mit geheimer Pflege herrlich macht in Jesu Christ, was der Welt verachtlich ist. 6 Aber dich wird er erhöhen, wenn du true verbleiben wirst; du wirst in die Freud eingeben, wenn dein Weh vorüber ist: du wirst in dem Freudensaale sitzen bei dem Abendmahle, mit der Patriarchen Schaar, wenn das Heil wird offenbar. 7 Nun so harre du indessen, leid und traue deinem Gott: der wird deiner nicht vergessen, wird im Hunger geben Brod; er wird dich von allem Bösen mit gar starkem Arm erlösen, daß kein Unfall ewiglich stürz und überwinde dich. 8 Du vielmehr wirst überwinden, weil dein Jesus dich erhält: du wirst bei Gott Gnade finden, weil dein Wesen ihm gefällt; er wird hier in allen Nöthen, als dein Helfer, zu dir treten, und dort in der Herrlichkeit wohl belohnen alles Leid. Languages: German

Gott lebt, wie kann ich traurig sein

Author: B. Schmolk, 1672-1737 Hymnal: Evang.-Lutherisches Gesangbuch #522 (1872) Topics: Consolation Songs Lyrics: 1 Gott lebt, wie kann ich traurig sein, als wär kein Gott zu finden? Er weiß ja wohl von meiner Pein, die ich hier muß empfinden. Er kennt mein Herz und meinen Schmerz, so darf ich nicht verzagen, und ihm nur Alles klagen. 2 Gott hört, wenn Niemand hören will: was will der Feind denn sprechen, als würde meiner Seufzer Ziel nicht durch die Wollen brechen? Schrei ich empor, so hört sein Ohr, so steigt die Hülfe nieder, und schallt das Amen wieder. 3 Gott sieht, wie klaget denn mein Herz, als seh er nicht mein Weinen? Vor ihm muß auch der tiefste Schmerz ganz offenbar erscheinen. Kein Thränlein fehlt, so er nicht zählt, und ins Register setzet, bis er uns drauf ergötzet. 4 Gott führt so geh ich immer fort auf allen meiner Wegen; und wenn die Welt durch List und Mord will ihre Stricke legen, so pflegt er mich zwar wunderlich, doch selig auch zu führen, das mich kein Fall kann rühren. 5 Gott giebt, und wär ich noch so arm, doch soll ich nicht verderben. Was hilft mir denn mein steter Harm, als müßt ich Hungers sterben? Er hat so Brod, und wenn die Roth uns nach der Wüsten weiset, doch werden wir gespeiset. 6 Gott liebt,ob ich die Vaterlieb in Schlägen nicht gleich finde; wie er ein lieber Vater blieb am Kreuz bei seinem Kinde, so bleibt er mir mein Vater hier, der je und je mich liebet, obgleich sein kreuz betrübet. 7 Gott ebt, wohlan, ich merke das. Gott Hört, ich will's ihm sagen. Gott sieht, er hat ein Thränenmaaß. Gott führt, ich darf nicht klagen. Gott giebt und liebt: nur unbetrübt! Er wird mir endlich geben, auch dort mit ihm zu leben. Languages: German

Ein Christ kann ohne Kreuz nicht sein

Author: David Nerreter, 1649-1726 Hymnal: Evang.-Lutherisches Gesangbuch #523 (1872) Topics: Consolation Songs Lyrics: 1 Ein Christ kann ohne Kreuz nicht sin. Drum laß dich's nicht betrüben, wenn Gott versucht mit Kreuz und Pein die Kinder, die ihn lieben. Je lieber Kind, je ernster sind des frommen Vaters Schläge. Schau, das find Gottes Wege. 2 Ein Christ kann ohne Kreuz nicht sein. Gott will's nicht anders haben. Auch dieses Lebens Noth und Pein sind deines Vaters Gaben. Soll's denn so sein, so geh es ein. Es kommt von Liebeshänden; Gott wird nichts Böses senden. 3 Ein Christ kann ohne Kreuz nicht sein. Das Kreuz lehrt fleißig beten, zieht ab vom eitlen Trug und Schein und lehrt zu jesu treten. Drum wirf's nicht hin mit sprödem Sinn, wenn's nun zu dir gekommen; es soll der Seele frommen. 4 Ein Cristi kann ohneKreuz nicht sein. Das muß uns immer wecken; wir schliefen sonst in Sünden ein. Wie müßten wir erschrecken, wenn unbereit die Ewigkeit und der Posaunen Schallen uns würde überfallen! 5 Ein Christi kann ohne Kreuz nicht sein. Es lehrt die Sünde hassen und unsern lieben Gott allein mit rechter Lieb umfassen. Die Welt vergeht, und Gott besieht. Bedenk's und laß dich üben, das ewge Gut zu lieben. 6 Auch ich will ohne kreuz nicht sein. Was Gott schickt, will ich tragen. Schicht's doch der liebste Vater mein, sind's doch nur kurze Plagen und wohlgemeint! Wer gläubig weint, lebt dort in steten Freuden. Ich will mit Christo leiden. Languages: German

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People

Authors, composers, editors, etc.

S. Baring-Gould

1834 - 1924 Person Name: Sabine Baring-Gould Topics: The Church at Worship Closing and Evening Hymns; liturgical Closing Songs; Children Praising; Closing Hymns; Comfort/Consolation; Evening; Service Music Sending Forth/Commissioning; Traveller Author of "Now the Day Is Over" in Voices United Baring-Gould, Sabine, M.A., eldest son of Mr. Edward Baring-Gould, of Lew Trenchard, Devon, b. at Exeter, Jan. 28, 1834, and educated at Clare College, Cambridge, B.A. 1857, M.A. 1860. Taking Holy Orders in 1864, he held the curacy of Horbury, near Wakefield, until 1867, when he was preferred to the incumbency of Dalton, Yorks. In 1871 he became rector of East Mersea, Essex, and in 1881 rector of Lew Trenchard, Devon. His works are numerous, the most important of which are, Lives of the Saints, 15 vols., 1872-77; Curious Myths of the Middle Ages, 2 series, 1866-68; The Origin and Development of Religious Belief, 2 vols., 1869-1870; and various volumes of sermons. His hymns, original and translated, appeared in the Church Times; Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1868 and 1875; The People's Hymnal, 1867, and other collections, the most popular being "Onward, Christian soldiers," "Daily, daily sing the praises," the translation "Through the night of doubt and sorrow," and the exquisite Easter hymn, "On the Resurrection Morning." His latest effort in hymnology is the publication of original Church Songs, 1884, of which two series have been already issued. In the Sacristy for Nov. 1871, he also contributed nine carols to an article on "The Noels and Carols of French Flanders.” These have been partially transferred to Chope's and Staniforth's Carol Books, and also to his Church Songs. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) ================== Baring-Gould, S., p. 114, i. Other hymns in common use are:— 1. Forward! said the Prophet. Processional. Appeared in the New Mitre Hymnal, 1874. 2. My Lord, in glory reigning. Christ in Glory. In Mrs. Brock's Children's Hymn Book, 1881. 3. Now severed is Jordan. Processional. Appeared in the S. Mary, Aberdeen, Hymnal, 1866, the People's Hymnal, 1867, &c. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)

Johann Olearius

1611 - 1684 Person Name: Johannes G. Olearius Topics: liturgical Scripture Songs; Comfort/Consolation; Forgiveness; Forgiveness from God; God Faithfulness; God Kingdom, Majesty, Realm; God Reign; Humility; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Peace (World); Prophets; Reconciliation; Repentance; Trust; Victory; Advent 2 Year A; Proper 12 Year A; Proper 27 Year A; Advent 2 Year B; Advent 1 Year C; Christmas Day 2 Year C Author of "Isaiah 40 (Comfort, Comfort Now My People)" in Voices United Johannes Olearius (b. Halle, Germany, 1611; d. Weissenfels, Germany, 1684) Born into a family of Lutheran theologians, Olearius received his education at the University of Wittenberg and later taught theology there. He was ordained a Lutheran pastor and appointed court preacher to Duke August of Sachsen-Weissenfels in Halle and later to Duke Johann Adolph in Weissenfels. Olearius wrote a commentary on the entire Bible, published various devotional books, and produced a translation of the Imitatio Christi by Thomas a Kempis. In the history of church music Olearius is mainly remembered for his hymn collection, which was widely used in Lutheran churches. Bert Polman ======================= Olearius, Johannes, son of Johann Olearius, pastor of St. Mary's Church and superintendent at Halle, was born at Halle, Sept. 17, (N.S.) 1611. He entered the University of Wittenberg in 1629 (M.A. 1632, D.D. 1643], where he became lecturer, and, in 1635, adjunct of the philosophical faculty. In 1637 he became Superintendent at Querfurt; and, in 1643, was appointed by Duke August of Sachsen-Weissenfels as his chief court preacher, and private chaplain at Halle, where he became in 1657 Kirchenrath, and in 1664 General Superintendent. When, on the death of Duke August in 1680, the administration of Magdeburg fell to the Elector of Brandenburg, Duke Johann Adolf gave Olearius similar appointments at Weissenfels, which he held till his death on April 24, 1684 (Koch, iii. 346; Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie xxiv. 279, &c). Olearius was the author of a Commentary on the whole Bible, and of various devotional works. He was also the compiler of one of the largest and most important German hymn-books of the 17th century, viz. the Geistliche Singe-Kunst, of which the first edition appeared at Leipzig in 1671, with 1207 (1218) hymns, and the second at Leipzig in 1672, with 1340. The first edition contained 302 hymns by Olearius himself, and marked "D. J. O." They may best be described as useful, being for times and seasons hitherto unprovided for, and filling up many gaps in the various sections of the German hymn-books. They are mostly short, many of only two verses, simple and easy of comprehension, often happy in expression and catching, and embodying in a concise form the leading ideas of the season or subject. Many were speedily adopted into German hymn-books, and a considerable number are still in use. Of Olearius's hymns the following have passed into English:— i. Gelobet sei der Herr. Trinity Sunday. One of his best hymns. Founded on the Gospel for Trinity Sunday. Included in 1(571 as above, No. 709, in 5 stanzas of 8 lines, and entitled "Encouragement from the Gospel to thankful meditation on this great mystery." In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder ed. 1863, No. 17. Translated as:— 1. Blest be my Lord and God. A good translation, omitting st. v. by A. T. Russell, as No. 134, in his Psalms & Hymns 1851. 2. 0 praise the Lord! His name extol. A version of st. i.-iii., as No. 115 in the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880. ii. Herr Jesu Christ, dein theures Blut. Passiontide. His finest hymn. Founded on I St. John i. 7. In 1671 as above, No. 576, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines and entitled "Meditation on the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ." St. ii. is based on the hymn “In Christi Wunden schlaf ich ein" (p. 319, ii.). In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, edition 1863, No. 233. Translated as:— 1. Lord Jesu Christ! Thy precious blood Brings to my soul. A good and full translation by A. T. Russell, as No. 161 in his Psalms & Hymns, 1851. 2. Lord Jesus Christ! Thy precious blood Is to my soul. In full by C. H. L. Schnette, as No. 77 in the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880. Another translation is "Lord Jesus Christ, Thy blessed blood." By Miss Manington, 1863, p. 43. iii. Herr, öffhe mir die Herzensthür. Holy Scripture. After Sermon. In 1671 as above, No. 975, in 2 stanzas and a doxology. In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 422. The translation in common use is:— Lord, open Thou my heart to hear, And by Thy Word to me draw near. In full by Dr. M. Loy in the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880. iv. Nun kommt das neue Kirchenjahr. Advent. In 1671 as above, No. 384, in 3 stanzas and a doxology. In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 145. The translation is:— The new Church year again is come. By E. Cronenwett, as No. 15 in the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, l880. v. Tröstet, tröstet meine Lieben. St. John Baptist's Day. In 1671 as above, No. 733, in 4 stanzas of 8 lines, and entitled "Meditation on the Lesson of the Festival. Isaiah xl." In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 124. Translated as:— Comfort, comfort ye my people. A full and good translation by Miss Winkworth, as No. 83 in her Chorale Book for England, 1863. Repeated in full in the Parish Hymn Book, 1865, and the Ohio Lutheran Hymnal, 1880, and, omitting st. ii. in the Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Book, 1868. Other hymns by Olearius have been translated into English, viz.:— vi. Gott Lob, mein Jesus macht mich rein. Presentation in the Temple. In 1671 as above, No. 507, as a hymn on the Purification in 6 stanzas, and entitled "Encouragement from the Gospel," viz. St. Luke ii. 22-32. In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 1270. The form tr. is "Durch Jesum kann ich auch mit Freud," which is No. 428 in Knapp's Evangelischer Liederschatz, 1837, and is st. iv.-vi. altered. Translated as "I too, through Jesus, may in peace." By Dr. H. Mills, 1845 (1856, p. 277). vii. Sollt ich meinem Gott nicht trauen. Trust in God. In 1671 as above, No. 878, in 6 stanzas, and entitled “Encouragement from the Gospel," viz. St. Matt. vi. 24 ff, the Gospel for the 15th Sunday after Trinity. In the Berlin Geistliche Lieder, ed. 1863, No. 857. Tr. as, "Shall I not trust my God." By Miss Warner, 1858, p. 206. viii. Wenn dich Unglüick hat betreten. Cross and Consolation. In 1671 as above, No. 827, in 6 st., and entitled "Encouragement from the Gospel," viz. St. Matt. xv. 21-28, the Gospel for Reminiscere Sunday (2nd Sunday in Lent). In Porst's Gesang-Buch, ed. 1855, No. 997. The translations are (1) "When afflictions sore oppress you." By Miss Cox, 1841, p. 129. (2) "When affliction rends the heart." By Lady E. Fortescue, 1843, p. 55. [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.] --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Ray Palmer

1808 - 1887 Topics: The Church at Worship Holy Communion; liturgical Communion Songs; Adoration and Praise; Comfort/Consolation; Consecration; Faith; Feast; God Presence; Jesus Christ Friend; Jesus Christ Light; Jesus Christ Love For; Jesus Christ Person; Jesus Christ Presence; Joy; Life; Light; Nurture; Peace (Inner, Calmness, Serenity; Petition; Seeking God; Thirst For God; Truth; Lent 3 Year A; Easter 2 Year A; Pentecost Year A; Proper 23 Year A; Palm/Passion Sunday Year B; Proper 5 Year B; Proper 13 Year B; Proper 14 Year B; Proper 15 Year B; Lent 3 Year C; Proper 10 Year C; Proper 11 Year C; Proper 13 Year C; Proper 17 Year C; Tuesday in Holy Week Year ABC Translator of "O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts" in Voices United Ray Palmer (b. Little Compton, RI, 1808; d. Newark, NJ, 1887) is often considered to be one of America's best nineteenth-century hymn writers. After completing grammar school he worked in a Boston dry goods store, but a religious awakening prodded him to study for the ministry. He attended Yale College (supporting himself by teaching) and was ordained in 1835. A pastor in Congregational churches in Bath, Maine (1835-1850), and Albany, New York (1850-1865), he also served as secretary of the American Congregational Union (1865-1878). Palmer was a popular preacher and author, writing original poetry as well as translating hymns. He published several volumes of poetry and hymns, including Sabbath Hymn Book (1858), Hymns and Sacred Pieces (1865), and Hymns of My Holy Hours (1868). His complete poetical works were published in 1876. Bert Polman =================== Palmer, Ray, D.D., son of the Hon. Thomas Palmer, a Judge in Rhode Island, was born at Little Compton, Rhode Island, Nov. 12, 1808. His early life was spent at Boston, where he was for some time clerk in a dry-goods store. At Boston he joined the Park Street Congregational Church, then under the pastoral care of Dr. S. E. Dwight. After spending three years at Phillips Academy, Andover, he entered Yale College, New Haven, where he graduated in 1830. In 1835 he became pastor of the Central Congregational Church, Bath, Maine. During his pastorate there he visited Europe in 1847. In 1850 he was appointed to the First Congregational Church, at Albany, New York, and in 1865 Corresponding Secretary to the American Congregational Union, New York. He resigned in 1878, and retired to Newark, New Jersey. He died at Newark, Mar. 29, 1887. Dr. Palmer's published works in prose and verse include:-- (1) Memoirs and Select Remains of Charles Pond, 1829; (2) The Spirit's Life, a Poem, 1837; (3) How to Live, or Memoirs of Mrs. C. L. Watson, 1839; (4) Doctrinal Text Book, 1839; (5) Spiritual Improvement, 1839, republished as Closet Hours in 185; (6) What is Truth? or Hints on the Formation of Religious Opinions, 1860; (7) Remember Me, or The Holy Communion, 1865; (8) Hymns and Sacred Pieces, with Miscellaneous Poems, 1865; (9) Hymns of my Holy Hours, and Other Pieces, 1868; (10) Home, or the Unlost Paradise, 1873; and (11) Voices of Hope and Gladness, 1881. Most of Dr. Palmer's hymns have passed into congregational use, and have won great acceptance. The best of them by their combination of thought, poetry, and devotion, are superior to almost all others of American origin. The first which he wrote has become the most widely known of all. It is:— 1. My faith looks up to Thee. Faith in Christ. This hymn was written by the author when fresh from College, and during an engagement in teaching in New York. This was in 1830. The author says concerning its composition, "I gave form to what I felt, by writing, with little effort, the stanzas. I recollect I wrote them with very tender emotion, and ended the last line with tears." A short time afterwards the hymn was given to Dr. Lowell Mason for use, if thought good, in a work then being compiled by him and Dr. T. Hastings. In 1831 that work was published as Spiritual Songs for Social Worship: adapted to the use of Families, &c. Words and Music arranged by Thomas Hastings, of New York, and Lowell Mason of Boston. It is No. 141 in 4 stanzas of 8 lines, entitled "Self Consecration," and accompanied with the tune by Dr. L. Mason, there given as "My faith looks up to Thee, "but subsequently known as Olivet. (Orig. text of hymn in Thring's Collection, 1882.) It has passed into most modern collections in all English-speaking countries, and has been rendered into numerous languages. That in Latin, by H. M. Macgill (p. 708, ii.), begins "Fides Te mea spectat." 2. Fount of everlasting love. Praise for renewed Spiritual Life. This also appeared in the Spiritual Songs, &c, 1831, No. 191, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines, and headed "Praise for a Revival." The hymns which are given below are all in Dr. Palmer's Poetical Works, N. Y., 1876, and the dates appended in brackets are those given by him in that work. 3. Thou who roll'st the year around. (1832.) Close of the Year. In several American collections. 4. Away from earth my spirit turns. (1833.) Holy Communion. Appeared in Lowell Mason's Union Hymns, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines. In the Church Praise Book, N. Y.. 1882, it begins with st. ii., "Thou, Saviour, art the Living Bread." 5. Before Thy throne with tearful eyes. (1834.) Liberty of Faith. 6. Stealing from the world away. (1834.) Evening. Written at New Haven in 1834, and is very popular in America. 7. Thine [Thy] holy day's returning. (1834.) Sunday Morning. 8. Wake thee, 0 Zion. (1862.) Zion Exultant. 9. We stand in deep repentance. (1834.) Lent. This last, No. 9, in common with Nos. 10, 11, 12, is marked "original," in the Presbyterian Parish Hymns, 1843. Probably they were given to the editors of that book in manuscript, and had not previously appeared. 10. And is there, Lord, a rest? (1843.) Rest in Heaven. Written at Bath, Maine, in 1843. 11. 0 sweetly breathe the lyres above. Consecration to Christ. This was accidentally omitted from Dr. Palmer's Poetical Works, 18?6. S. W. Duffield says:— "It was written in the winter of 1842-43, at a time of revival. At the previous Communion several had been received under circumstances that made Doddridge's hymn, ‘0 happy day that fixed my choice 'a most appropriate selection. Not caring to repeat it, and needing something similar, Dr. Palmer composed the present hymn." English Hymns, N. Y., 1886, p. 432. 12. When downward to the darksome tomb. (1842.) Death Contemplated. Written at Bath, Maine, 1842. From 1843 there comes a long break, and Dr. Palmer seems to have done no more hymn-writing until called upon by Professors Park and Phelps, of Andover, for contributions to their Sabbath Hymn-Book, 1858. His hymns written for that important collection rank amongst the best that America has produced. This is specially true of the first four (Nos. 13-16) from the Latin. 13. Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts. (l858.) Translation of a cento from "Jesu dulcis memoria" (p. 588, ii.). 14. 0 Bread to Pilgrims given. (1858.) Translation of “O esca viatorum" (q.v.). 15. 0 Christ our King, Creator Lord. (1858.) Translation of “Rex Christe, factor omnium " 16. Come Holy Ghost, in love. (1858.) Translation of “Veni Sancte Spiritus" (q.v.) 17. Jesus, these eyes have never seen. (1858.) Christ loved, though unseen. This hymn is accounted by many as next in merit and beauty to "My faith looks up to Thee." 18. Lord, my weak thought in vain would climb. (1858.) God Unsearchable. This hymn deals with the mysteries of Predestination in a reverent and devout manner. 19. Thy Father's house! thine own bright home. (1858.) Heaven. The next group, Nos. 20-27, appeared in Dr. Robinson's Songs for the Sanctuary, 1865. 20. Lord, Thou wilt bring the joyful day. (1864.) Contemplation of Heaven. Written in New York City. 21. Eternal Father, Thou hast said. (i860.) Missions. 22. Jesus, Lamb of God, for me. (1863.) Jesus, the Way of Salvation. Written in Albany, New York. 23. Take me, 0 my Father, take me. (1864.) Lent. 24. Wouldst thou eternal life obtain. (1864.) Good Friday. 25. Come Jesus, Redeemer, abide Thou with me. (1864.) Holy Communion. 26. Lord, Thou on earth didst love Thine own. (1864.) Fellowship with Christ. 27. Thou, Saviour, from Thy throne on high. (1864.) Prayer. The next four (Nos. 28-31) present another group. They appeared in D. E. Jones's Songs for the New Life, 1869, and the Reformed Dutch Hymns of the Church, N. Y., 1869. The dates of composition are from Dr. Palmer's Poems, 1876. 28. Lord, Thou hast taught our hearts to glow. (1865.) Ordination, or Meeting of Ministers. 29. When inward turns my searching gaze. (1868.) Evening. 30. 0 Jesus, sweet the tears I shed. (1867.) Good Friday. 31. Jesus, this [my] heart within me burns. (1868.) Love. The hymns which follow are from various sources. 32. 0 Christ, the Lord of heaven, to Thee. (1867.) Universal Praise to Christ. Appeared in the author's Hymns of my Holy Hours, 1867. It is a hymn of great merit, and is widely used. 33. Behold the shade of night is now receding. (1869.) A translation of "Ecce jam noctis." (p. 320, i., and Various). 34. Hid evening shadows let us all be waking. (1869.) A translation of "Nocte surgentes" (p. 809, i.). 35. I give my heart to Thee. (Aug. 20, 1868.) A translation of "Cor meum Tibi dedo," p. 262, ii. 36. Holy Ghost, that promised came. (1873.) Whitsuntide. From the author's Poems, 1876. 37. 0 Holy Comforter, I hear. The Comforter. Appeared in the Boston Congregationalist, September 7th, 1867. 38. Lord, when my soul her secrets doth reveal. (1865.) Holy Communion. Most of the foregoing hymns are in common in Great Britain, and all are found in one or more American hymnbooks of importance. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) =================== Palmer, Ray, D.D., p. 877, i. The following original hymns by Dr. Palmer are also in common use:— 1. O Rock of Ages, since on Thee. Faith. From his Poetical Works, 1876, p. 27, where it is dated 1869. Bp. Bickersteth says "This hymn"... is "worthy of Luther." (Note Hymnal Companion, ed. 1876.) 2. Thy holy will, my God, be mine. Resignation. From his Hymns of my Holy Hours, &c, 1868, p. 47. Also in his P. Works, 1876, dated 1867. 3. We praise Thee, Saviour, for Thy grace. Holy Communion. From his Hymns and Sacred Pieces, &c, 1865. Also in P. Works, 1876, dated 1864. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907) ========== Ray Palmer was born at Little Compton, Rhode Island, in 1808. He studied at Phillip's Academy, Andover, Mass., and graduated at Yale College in 1830. In 1835, he was ordained pastor of a Congregational Society in Bath, Maine, from which he removed, in 1850, to the pastorate of a Congregational Society in Albany, N.Y. He has published many hymns, some of his own authorship, and some translations. He has published some sermons and reviews. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872.

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