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Baptist Hymn Writers
AND THEIR HYMNS
BY
HENRY S. BURRAGE, D.D.
AUTHOR OF "a HISTORY OF THE ANABAPTISTS OF SWITZERLAND," ETC.
PORTLAND, MAINE
BROWN THURSTON & COMPANY
Copyright, 1888, by
HENRY S. BURRAGE.
B. Thurston & Co.,
Electrotypers and Printers,
PORTLAND, ME.
Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns,
and spiritual songs. Col. iii. 16.
The pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber, whose windows
opened towards the rising sun. The name of the chamber was
Peace, where he slept till break of day, and then he awoke and sang.
Bunyan's Pilgrim,''s Progress.
Saints below, with heart and voice.
Still in songs of praise rejoice ;
Learning here, by faith and love,
Songs of praise to sing above.
Borne upon their latest breath.
Songs of praise shall conquer death ;
Then amid eternal joy,
Songs of praise their powers employ .
J. Montgomery.
PREFACE.
PREFACE.
During the past two centuries the hymnody of the Christian church
has been greatly enriched. In no other i^eriod, since the advent of
our Loi'd, liave so many of the disciples of Christ given beautiful
expression in verse to the devout sentiments of loving, adoring hearts.
Among these writers of " psalms, and hymns, and sjiiritual songs,"
Baptists have an honorable place. Indeed, to those who have not
given careful attention to this department of Christian literature, it
will be a surprise to learn how many of the hymns oftenest on the
lips of believers of every name were written by Baptists. In this
volume, so far as was possible, I have brought together the promi-
nent facts concerning these hymns and their authors. Of course
mention could not be made of all the Baptists who have written hymns,
for their number is legion. I have been obliged, therefore, to confine
my attention to those who have hymns in published collections. In
the accomplishment of my task, use has been made of all the Bap-
tist hymn books which it was possible for me to bring together.
Some books, doubtless, I have failed to discover, and some writers
who are represented in books in my possession may have eluded my
search. In general, however, I believe it will be found, that in the
following pages the work done by Baptists in promoting " the service
of song in the house of the Lord " is faithfully indicated.
The books I have found most helpful in ray work are Josiah Mil-
ler's "Singers and Songs of the Church" (1869); Rev. Dr. Edwin
F. Hatfield's "Poets of the Church" (1884); Rev. Samuel Wil-
loughby Duffield's "English Hymns" (1SS6); Rev. Dr. Joseph
Belcher's "Historical Sketches of Hymns" (1859); Hezekiah But-
VI BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
tenvorth's " Story of the Hj^mns " (1875); Rev. Edwin M. Long's
"Illustrated History of Hymns and their Authors" (187C); and
John Gadsby's '• Memoirs of the Principal Hymn Writers and Com-
pilers of the 17th and 18th Centuries" (1855).
For valuable assistance in gathering information concerning many
of the English Baptist hymn writers, especially the more recent, I
am indebted to Rev. W. R. Stevenson, M.A., of Carrington, Notting-
ham, England. I am also under great obligations to Rev. Joseph
Angus, D.D., LL.D., president of Regent's Park College, London;
Rev. James Culross, d.d., president of the Baptist College, Bristol;
and Mr. Charles Gordelier, the well known London bookseller.
In preparing sketches of American Baptist hymn writers, I have
had many helpers. From Rev. F. M. Bird, of South Bethlehem,
Penn., well known both in this country and in England as a hym-
uologist, I have I'eceived valuable suggestions and information.
Rev. H. L. Hastings, of* Boston, placed at my disposal his choice col-
lection of Baptist hymn books. Rev. J. A. Broadus, d.d., ll.d., of
the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., sent
to me, from the library of the Seminary, twenty-one hymn books,
many of them rare; and in other ways from the beginning of my
work he has aided me in its prosecution. His colleague, Dr. Basil
Manly, has likewise been exceedingly helpful in imparting informa-
tion concerning Bapti^it hymn writers in the south. Others at the
south, to whom I am under obligations for kindly assistance, are
Rev. J. C. Furman, d.d., of Greenville, S. C ; Rev. B. W. Whilden,
of Williamston, S. C. ; Rev. John Stout, of Society Hill, S. C. ; Rev.
H. A. Tupper, d.d., of Richmond, Va.; and Rev. Andrew Broaddus,
D.D., of Sparta, Va. Of brethren at the north, I am under great
obligations to Rev. S. F. Smith, d.d., who has so long been con-
nected with whatever is best in Christian song, both as a hymn
writer, and as one of the compilers of the " Psalmist "; also to Rev.
PREFACE. VII
S. Dryden Phelps, d.d., of New Haven, Conn., another sweet singer
in our Israel; Rev. G. W. Anderson, d.d., of Philadelphia, Penn. ;
Hon. Horatio Gates Jones, of Philadelphia, Penn ; Rev. Robert
Lowry, d.d., of Plaiufield, N. J ; Rev. Kendall Brooks, d.d., of
Kalamazoo, Mich.; General Mason Brayman, of Ripon, Wis. ; Rev.
Justus Bulkley, d.d., of Upper Alton, 111.; Rev. D. C. Eddy, d.d., of
Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rev. Warren Randolph, d.d., Newport, R. I ; Rev.
G. W. Lasher, d.d., of Cincinnati, Ohio; Rev. George E. Tufts, of
Belfast, Me., and especially to Mr. W. E. Chute, of Wales, Mich.,
who for many years has given much attention to hymns and
hymn writers, and whose stores of information thus acquired have
generously been made available for my use.
For assistance in other parts of the work my grateful acknowledg-
ments are due to Rev. Walther Rauschenbusch, of New York; Prof.
N. Schmidt, of Hamilton, N. Y.; Prof. N. P. Jensen, of Morgan
Park, 111.; Rev. H. Andru, of Paris, France; Rev. A. L. Therrien,
of Montreal, Canada; Rev. John T. Grifiith, of Lonsdale, Penn.;
Prof. W. I. Knapp, of New Haven, Conn.; Rev. T. M. Westrup, of
Monterey, Mexico; Rev. D. Z. Sakellarios, of Athens, Greece; Rev.
Lyman Jewett, d.d., of Newton Centre, Mass.; Mrs. Annie H.
Downie, of Nellore, India; Rev. J. N. Gushing, d.d., of Rangoon,
Burma, for very complete notes on Burman, Karen, and Shan hymn
writers; Mrs. A. K. Gurney, of Sibsagor, Assam; Rev. S. B. Part-
ridge, of Swatow, China; Rev. R. H. Graves, d.d., of Canton,
China; Rev. J. R. Goddard, of Ningpo, China; Rev. A. A. Ben-
nett, of Yokohama, Japan; and Rev. Herbert Probert, of Fargo,
Dakota Territory, formerly of the Congo Mission.
I am also indebted for the use of books and other favors to the
Boston Public Library, the library of Harvard College, the library
of Brown University, the library of Colby University, the library of
Newton Theological Institution, and the library of the American
Baptist Publication Society.
VIII BAPTIST HY^rX WRITERS.
And now, at the close of my long search in this delightful lield of
investigation, itiay I be allowed to express the hope that the reader
will derive from the following pages somewhat of the interest and
pleasure which the author has felt in so large a measure during the
progress of his work.
Henky S. Bukrage.
Portland, Me., September, 1888.
CONTENTS. IX
CONTENTS.
Anabaptist Hy^ix Writers and their Hymns, 1
English Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns, 27
American Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns, 223
German Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns, 62.'5
Swedish Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns, 559
Danish and Xorwegian Baptist Hymn Writers and
THEIR Hymns, 5G2
French Baptist Hymn" Writers and their Hymns, 5C7
Welsh Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns, 571
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in Spain, 574
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in Mexico, 577
Baptist Hy3IN Writers and their Hymns in Greece, 580
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in India, 583
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in Burma, 593
Baptist Hymn AVriters axd their Hymns in Assam, 610
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in China, 613
Baptist Hymn Writers and their Hymns in Japan, 618
Baptist Hy^n Writers and their Hymns in Africa, 622
Appendix 1. English Baptist Hymx Books and their
Compilers, G27
Appendix 2. American Baptist Hymn Books and their
Compilers, " 638
Appendix 3. German Baptist Hymn Books and their
Compilers, 669
First Lines of Principal Hymns of the Writers Men-
tioned in this Yoll'me, 671
Index of Names, 677
ILLUSTRATIONS. xi
ILLUSTRATIONS.
John Fawcett, d.d., Frontispiece
Charles II. ypuuGEOX, 208
Samuel F. Smith, d.d., 329
Emily C. Judson, , 396
Basil Manly, d.d., ll.d., 425
ANABAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
Wackerxagel, in liis celebrated work on German
Hynmology, has a section^ entitled " H^mns of the
Martyrs," These hymns, for the most part, were writ-
ten by certain Anabaptists of Switzerland and southern
Germany, who chose rather to die than to deny the
truth which they had accepted as the truth of God.
These hymns, twehe in numlDcr, are taken from a col-
lection published in 1583, entitled " Some Beautiful
Christian Hymns, Composed by the Swiss Brethren^
in the Prison in the Castle at Passau,^ and by other
evang-elical Christians here and there."*
Luther, as early as 1523, composed a martyr hymn,
commencino*
o
Ein newes Lied wir Iieben an,
and referring to two former Augustinian monks, who were
burned at Brussels, July 1, that year, for having ac-
cepted the views which Luther held. This hymn, with
music also by Luther, was soon carried to every part
1 Deutsche Kirchenlied, s. 504 — 523.
' The Swiss Anabaptists among themselves were known simply as " Brethren." The
term Anabaptist was applied to them by their opponents as a term of reproach.
» Auss Bundt, das ist: etliche schone Christenliche Lieder, wie die in der Gefangnuss
zu Passau in dem Schloss von den Schweizer Briidern uiid andern rechtsrlaubigen Christen
bin und her gedichtet worden. Several editions of this hymn book have been pnblishecl.
A copy, which Wackernas:el thinks belongs to the 17th century, is in the Mennonite library
at Anisterda-n. Wackeriiairpl's own copv was published at Basel in 1809. The library of
Newton Theological Institution has a copy published at Basel in 1838.
* Passau is a town in Bavaria, at the confluence of the Inn and the Danube, and is
ninety-two miles northeast of Munich. With its two castles and eight smaller works of
defence, it is at present one of the most important strongholds on the Danube, and it
was relatively as strong at the time of the Reformation.
2 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
of Germany, and on the lips of the common people
did much to advance the reform movement. Luther's
hymn, together with two other martyr hymns com-
posed by followers of Luther, one in 1524, and one in
1525, are the only Lutheran martyr hymns that have
come down to us. The Anabaptists furnished the martyrs
from this time on, and it is their hymns that we have
in the collection to which I have referred.
FELIX MANTZ.
The first of these martyrs Avas Felix Mantz, a Swiss
Anabaptist. He was a native of Ziirich, a man of
scholarly attainments, and from the beginning of the
reform movement in Switzerland he entered into it
heartily, standing at Zwingli's side. But differences at
length arose in reference to infant baptism. At first
Zwingli, like Luther, thought that faith before baptism
was indispensable. In conversation with the Anabap-
tist leaders, he frequently took this position. As he
himself afterward confessed, there was a time when
he believed it would be better not to baptize chiklren
until they were somewhat advanced in years. But he
at length changed his mind. " He saw that the setting
aside of infant baptism was the same as the setting
aside of the national church, exchano-ino* a hitherto
national reformation of the church for one more or
less Donatist. For if infant baptism were given up
because faith was not yet there, then there only
remained as the right time for it the moment when
living faith and regeneration were certain. And then
baptism would become the sign of fellowship of the
regenerate, the saints, who bind themselves together
as aliens out of the world. "^ And so Zwingli and the
Anabaptists drew apart, and the latter very soon be-
came the objects of relentless persecution. Mantz was
^ Dorner's Geschicbte d. prot. Theologie, s. 293, 294.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 3
at length arrested and thrown mto prison. Jan. 5,
1527, he was sentenced to death. Smce he had em-
braced Anabaptism, he was told, and had become one
of the leaders in the Anabaptist movement ; since he
would not be induced to retract his errors, but, in spite
of the edict and of his oath, clung to his errors, sep-
arating himself from the Christian church, and lab-
oring to organize a sect; since, further, he rejected
the magistracy [which Mantz, however, stoutly denied],
opposed the death penalty, to the destruction of the
common Christian peace, — he should be delivered to
the executioner, who should bind his hands, place him
in a boat, and throw him, bound, into the water, there
to die.
Mantz received his sentence in a true martyr spirit.
In an exhortation which he left to his brethren, for
their comfort and admonition, he said : " My heart re-
joiceth in God, who giveth me such understanding,
and guideth me, that I may escape eternal death.
Therefore I praise thee, 0 Christ, Lord of heaven, that
thou succorest me in my affliction and sorrow, which
the Savior God hath sent me for an example and a
light, who hath called me to his heavenly kingdom be-
fore my end is come, that I may have eternal joy with
him, and love him in all his judgments, which shall
endure both here and hereafter in eternity, without
which nothing avails or subsists."
In this spirit Mantz went to execution. Bullinger
says that as he was led to the boat he praised God that
he was about to die for the truth. When bound upon
the hurdle, and about to be thrown into the stream, he
sang with a loud voice, "Into thy hands, 0 Lord, I com-
mend my spirit." The waters then closed over him,
and he obtained the martyr's crown. His heroic death
was reported far and wide. Capito, a friend of Zwingli,
wrote to the latter from Strasburg, Jan. 22, 1527 : " It is
reported here, that poor Felix Mantz has suffered
punishment, and died gloriously, on which account the
4 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
cause of truth and piety which you sustain is greatly
depressed."
Mantz's martyr hymn contains eighteen stanzas of
seven lines each. It expresses his joy in God, and
praises him for salvation through Christ, who com-
pels no man to accept his righteousness, but welcomes
all who repent of their sins and obey his commandments.
The hymn opens with these lines :
Mit lust so will ich singen,
Mein Hertz freut sicli in Gott,
Der mir vil kunst thut bringen,
Das ich entrinn dem Todt
Der ewiglich nimmet kein endt.
Ich preiss dich Christ von Himmel,
Der mir mein kummer'wendt.
With rapture I will sing,
Grateful to God for breath,
The strong, almighty King
Who saves ray soul from death,
The death that has no end.
Thee, too, O Christ, I praise,
Who dost thine own defend.
MICHAEL SATTLER.
Not so much is known of Michael Sattler, another
of the Swiss Anabaptist martyr singers. His home
was in Staufen, Breisgau, and before connecting him-
self with the reform movement he was a monk. He
was arrested by the authorities in Ziirich in the latter
part of 1525, and was banished from the canton. He
was afterward arrested in Strasburg, and May 21, 1527,
at Rotenburg on the Neckar, his tongue was torn out,
while his body was lacerated with hot tongs and then
burned. His character was such that the Strasburg
evangelical pastors, after his death, did not hesitate to
call him a martyr of Christ,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 5
The seventh hymn in " Auss Bundt," containing thir-
teen stanzas of four lines, is by Michael Sattler, and
has the ring of the martyr spirit ; as, for example, these
lines :
Wann man euch nun lastert und schmacht,
Meinethalben verfolgt und schlagt,
Seyd froh, dann sihe euer lohn,
1st euch bereit in Himmels Thron.
Doch forcht euch nicht vor solchem mann,
Der nur den leib getodten kan :
Sender forcht mehr den treuen Gott,
Der bevdes zu verdamiuen hat.
O Christe hilff du deinem Yolck,
Welchs dir in aller treu nachfolgt,
Dass es durch deinen bittern Todt,
Erloset wird auss aller Noht.
If one ill treat you for my sake,
And daily you to shame awake,
Be joyful, your reward is nigh,
Prepared for you in Heaven on high.
Of such a man fear not the will,
The body only he can kill;
A faithful God the rather fear,
Who can condemn to darkness drear.
O Christ, help thou thy little flock,
Who faithful follow thee, their Rock;
By thine own death redeem each one,
And crown the work that thou hast done.
6 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
GEORGE WAGNER.
George Wagner was pastor of the Anabaptist church
in Munich. He was a man of irreproachable charac-
ter, and his holy hfe commended to all about him the
Gospel which he delighted to preach. Every possible
effort was made to induce him to deny the doctrines
he had accepted, but in vain; and at length he was
thrown into prison. There he was visited by the Duke
who first by means of the Scriptures, and then by
means of promises, endeavored to secure his recanta-
tion. But Wagner was immovable, and he was at
length condemned to death. On his way to execution
— it was sometime in 1527, — his wife and children im-
plored him to abandon his heresy and save his immor-
tal soul. All these and other equally earnest entreaties
were unavailing. At the stake Wagner lifted his eyes
toward heaven and offered this petition : " Father, my
Father, there is much in the world that is dear to me,
my wife, my children, my life. But dearer than wife,
children and life art thou, my Father ! Nothing shall
separate me from thy love. To thee I consecrate my-
self wholly as I am in life and in death; " and he added,
"I am ready; I know what I am doing." Then joy-
fully he turned to his executioners and welcomed the
flames in which, as in a chariot, his spirit ascended to
the skies.
The following is the first stanza of a hymn, 34 in
" Auss Bundt," written by Wagner:
Den Yatter -wolln wir loben
Der uns erloset hat,
Im Himmel hoch dort oben,
Durch seines Sohnes Todt,
Welcher er hat gegeben
Zu versohnen unser Siind,
Dass wir im Glauben leben,
Als seiu gehorsam Kind.
AND THEIR HYMNS.
We praise our Father, God;
To him hosanuas bring,
Who saves us by the precious blood
Of our atouiug King,
The Son whom he has given
To take away our sin,
That faithful as his children here
We heaven at length may win.
CARIUS BINDER.
Carius BiiSTDER was a cabinet maker in Coburo-.
Brought at length under the influence of Hans Hut,
he was baptized in Stejer, and united with the
" Brethren." Evidently possessing gifts which fitted
him to become a teacher of the word, he went forth as
a bearer of the glad tidings to others. Salzburg seems
to have been his field of labor. According to an old
chronicle, he and thirty-eight others were shut up in a
house which was set on fire, and they all perished in
the flames. This was Oct. 25, 1527. The 35th hymn
in " Auss Bundt " is ascribed to Jorg Steinmetzer, but
according to Dr. Josef Beck^, on authorities which he
cites, the hymn was written by Binder. It commences,
Wir dancken Gott von Hertzen,
Der vatterlichen Treu.
With all our hearts we thank thee,
Thou holy one and true.
The hymn contains eleven stanzas of eight lines each.
LEONHART SCHIEMER.
Prominent among the Anabaptists in Upper Austria
was Leonhart Schiemer. He belong-ed to a g-ood fam-
O O
ily, and was carefully educated at Vienna and other
1 Die Geschichts-Jiiiclier der Wiedertiiufer in Oesterreich Ungarn, s. 57 note.
8 BAPTI8T HYMN WRITERS
places. At length he became a monk. After an exper-
ience of six years in a monastery of the bare-footed
order he made his escape, and, not long after, meeting
Hubmeier, and, later, Hans Hut and Oswald Glaidt, who
were holding religious services in Vienna in secret, he
accepted their teachings and was baptized. At once
he began to preach the new evangel, and at Steyer,
whither he made his way early in 1527, he baptized a
number of converts. Thence he proceeded to other
places in Austria and Bavaria, preaching and baptizing.
In the Tyrol he was recognized by a Franciscan monk,
who betrayed him. Having been arrested, he was
brouo;ht to trial and sentenced to death. He was be-
headed and his body was afterward burned, Jan. 14,
1528, at Rotenburg on the Inn, where, later, seventy of
his followers also sealed their faith with their blood.
From a fine hymn, 31 in " Auss Bundt," by Schie-
mer (here, however, written Schoner), I take the fol-
lowing :
Dein heilge Statt hond sie zerstbrt,
Deia Altar umgegrabeu,
Darzu auch deiae Knecht ermordt
Wo sies ergriffen habcu.
Nur wir alleia, deiu Hiiuffleiu klein,
Sind wenig iiberblieben ,
Mitschmach und schand, durch alle Land
Verjaget und vertrieben.
Wir sind zerstreut gleich wie die Schaff,
Die keinen Hirten haben,
Verlassen unser Hauss und Hoff ,
Und sind gleich deu Nachtsraben,
Der sich auch offt, hiilt in Steinklufft,
In Felsen und Steinklufften
1st unser gmach, man stellt uns nach,
Wie Vogelu in der Lufften.
Wir schleichen in den Walden um,
Man sucbt uns mit den Hunden,
Man fiihrt uns als die Liiinmlein stumm
Gefangen und gebunden,
AND THEIR HYMNS.
Man zeigt uns an, vor jederman,
Als wiiren wir Auffriihrer,
Wir sind geacht, wie Schaff zur schlacht,
Als Ketzer und Verfiihrer.
Thine holy place they have destroyed,
Thine altars overthrown ,
And reaching forth their bloody hands,
Have foully slain thine own.
And we alone, thy little flock,
The few who still remain,
Are exiles wandering through the land,
In sorrow and in pain.
"We are, alas, like scattered sheep,
The shepherd not in sight.
Each far away from home and hearth.
And, like the birds of night
That hid 3 away in rocky clefts,
We hffcve our rocky hold,
Yet near at hand, as for the birds.
There waits the hunter bold.
We wander in the forests dark,
With dogs upon our track;
And like the captive, silent lamb
Men bring us, prisoners, back.
They point to us amid the throng.
And with their taunts offend;
And long to let the sharpened axe
On heretics descend.
HANS SCHLAFFER.
Another, who has a place among these martyr hymn
writers, was Hans Schlaffer. From 1511, to 1526, he
was a priest in the Roman Cathohc church. Convinced
of the errors of that church, he now withdrew from it
and united with the Anabaptists. He was well ac-
quainted with the Anabaptist leaders in Augsburg. In
Nuremberg he met Hetzer and Denck. In the last
10 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
days of 1527, he was arrested at Schwatz. A strenu-
ous effort was made to induce him to yield his opposi-
tion to infant baptism, but he was immovable. The
Scriptures demand, he said, that we believe and be
baptized, but there is no command that infants be bap-
tized. He was accordingly sentenced to death and was
executed by the sword at Schwatz, early in 1528, with
Lienhart Frick, an associate, and nineteen others, all
Anabaptists.
Schlaifer was the author of two hymns, one com-
mencing
Ungnad begehr ich nicht von dir,
and the other,
Herr Vater, raein ewiger gott.
The first is hymn 32 in "Auss Bundt," and the
opening stanza is as follows :
Ungnad begehr ich nicht von dir.
O Gott! wollst mir
Mein Siinde night zumessen,
Dieweil dieselben Christus hat
Genug erstatt,
Eh dann ich bin gewesen,
Ein Eeind war ich,
Du liebtest mich,
TJnd nalamst mich an
Zu Gnaden schon,
Gabst mir zu gut
Deins Sohnes Blut,
Welchs micli von siind und tod erlosen thut.
Let not thine anger fall on me.
O God! to thee
My sin is fully known,
But Jesus Christ has died,
And satisfied
The guilt that was mine own.
'Gainst thee I strove,
But with thy love
AND THEIR HYMNS. H
Thou brought' St me near,
Made grace appear,
And uow th}^ Son,
The holy One,
The sreat and all-atoaing work has done.
JOHN LEOPOLD.
John Leopold, who had been a tailor in Augsburg,
and was highly esteemed as a citizen, became mterested
in the new religious movement and united with the
Anabaptist church in that city. Later he became a
teacher of the word, and aided in the extension ot
Anabaptist influences. But, with others, he at length
fell into the hands of the civil authorities, and was
condemned to death. When he was about to be exe-
cuted, word was brought to him that by the sword he
would pass from life to death "No, gentlemen of
Augsburg," he replied, "but, if God wills, from death
to life." He was executed Apr. 25, 15ib.
Hymn 39 in " Auss Bundt " was written by Leopold.
The following are the first and last stanzas of this
hymn :
Mein Gott dich will ich loben,
In raeiner letsten Stund,
Ini Himmel hoch dort oben,
Mit Hertzen und mit Mund.
O Herr du bist der rechte zart,
Starck du mir meinen Glauben,
Yetzt muss ich auff die fahrt.
Mein Geist und auch mein Seele
Befehl ich in dein Hand.
Hilff mir auss alle Quele.
Ach Gott von mir nicht wend,
Nimm meinem Fleisch sein grosse Krafft
Das ich mog liberwinden,
In dir werden sieghafft.
12 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
My God, thee will I praise
"When my last hour shall come,
And then my voice I '11 raise
Within the heavenly home.
O Lord, most merciful and kind,
Kow strengthen my weak faith,
And give me peace of mind.
To thee in very deed
My spirit I commend,
Help me in all my need,
And let me ne'er offend.
Give to my flesh thy strength,
That I with thee may stand
A conqueror at length.
HANS HUT.
Another Anabaptist hymn writer was Hans Hut.
He was a native of Hain, in Franken, and during the
Peasants War he was found among the followers of
Thomas Miinzer. Miinzer's aims were political rather
than religious. He would right the wrongs of the long
down-trodden peasants, and so preaching resistance to
the rulers, and organizing an armed force, he brought
on a revolution. Miserably defeated May 15, 1525, at
Frankenhausen, Miinzer was made a prisoner, and was
subsequently beheaded, with twenty-four of his associ-
ates. In this effort of Miinzer's the Anabaptists had
no part. They declined to engage in armed resistance
to civil authority. They were in sympathy with the
oppressed peasants, but would bring about a better
state of things, not by revolution, but by restoring prim-
itive Christianity. Beginning in Switzerland the move-
ment extended northward into Germany and among
those who connected themselves with it was Hans Hut.
Rhegius says he was baptized by John Denck at Augs-
burg. Like other of the " Brethren" he became at
once an apostle of the new doctrine; and he made his
AND THEIR HYMNS. 18
way into Silesia, Moravia, and Austria, where, unwea-
ried in his labors, he drew a multitude of followers to
the standard of the cross. "One day," says Corne-
lius,^ " Hut entered the house of Franz Strigel in
Weier, in Franken, drew from his pocket a small book,
read the word of God, made known its truths until the
head of the house and eight others received baptism.
The same night he continued his journey, and no one
of those baptized had seen him before or ever saw
him again." At length, sometime in 1527, he was
arrested in Augsburg and thrown into prison. In Dec,
1528, in an attempt to escape from the prison. Hut
lost his life. Though his enemies could not now inflict
upon him the punishment they anticipated, they
directed that his body should be burned. It was
accordingly taken to the place of execution, and there
publicly committed to the flames.
The following hymn, 8 in " Auss Bundt," Hut wrote
while in the prison at Augsburg. It contains twelve
stanzas. Those given below are the seventh, eighth
and ninth.
Drum hat Gott seinen Sohn gesandt,
Der uns die Warheit macht bekandt
Und audi den weg zum leben :
So wir darnach thun streben,
Sein Geist will er uns geben.
Der zeigt uns an die Heilig Schrifft,
Drinn Gott sein Testament gestifft,
In seinem Sohn so reiche,
In aller welt zugleiche,
Niemand drum von ihm weiche.
Den Todt er iiberwunden hat,
Ein rechter mensch und wahrer Gott,
Mit Krafft hat ers beweiset,
Mit warheit uns gespeiset,
Darum wird er gepreiset.
> Geschichte des Munsterischen Aufruhrs, II. 49.
14 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
And so God sent his Son, his own,
Who hatli to us the truth made known ,
His holy way revealing.
The Spirit to us sealing.
And bringing heavenly healing.
He points us to his holy word.
His Testament, in which the Lord
Appears our nature Avearing,
His Father's glory sharing,
No one with him comparing.
He man, and also very God,
Beneath his feet grim death hath trod,
With truth himself arraying,
His mighty power displaying,
And all our fears allaying.
LUDWIG HETZER.
The most prominent of these martyr hymn writers
was Lndwig Hetzer. He was a learned man, and early
joined the reform movement. We first hear of him
in 1523, in connection with the Second Discnssion at
Ziirich, in Switzerland. January 21, 1525, with cer-
tain Anabaptists, he was banished from Ziirich, and
went to Augsburg. This place he was soon compelled
to leave, and we next find him in Basel, where he was
kindly received by OEcolampadius, whose work on the
Lord's Supper he translated and published. Later he
made a translation of Malachi, which was published at
Basel in 1526. Soon after he appeared at Strasburg,
where he fully identified himself with the Anabaptist
movement. Here he made the acquaintance of Denck,
and became associated with him in a translation of the
Old Testament into the German language. In July,
1527, Hetzer was in Nuremberg and Augsburg. In
Augsburg he seems to have remained until April, 1528,
when he was again banished. We next hear of hun
AND THEIR HYMNS. 15
at Biscliofszell, the home of his youth, if not his birth-
place, a vilhige between Constance and St. Gall. Here
he devoted himself to the preparation of one or two
theological works. In the summer of 1528, he was in
Constance, where there was a small circle of Anabap-
tists. All the other Anabaptist leaders either had died
or had been put to death. Toward the end of Octo-
ber Hetzer was arrested, and thrown into prison. His
trial occurred Feb. 3, 1529. If his offence had refer-
ence to his religious views he could only be impris-
oned or banished. The charge brought against him
was adultery, which was punishable with death. Of
this crime he was adjudged guilty, and sentenced to
die.
According to one of the Zwinglian pastors at Con-
stance Hetzer received the announcement of his sen-
tence with indescribable joy. During the night that
followed friends were permitted to be with him, and
at his request they made the place resound with
psalms and hymns. In the morning he addressed the
Zwinglian pastors and others, and prayed with them.
On his way to the place of execution he referred to
his companions — Mantz, Hut, Langenmantel, Sattler,
Hubmeier — who had obtained the martyr's crown.
Addressing the people, he said " Constance ought not
to have God's word in the mouth only, but exhibit it
in the life." Thereupon he offered up a fervent
prayer, so that many of the people wept with him,
and throughout the whole of his progress he was
cheerful and unappalled. At the block Hetzer opened
his Hebrew Bible, and in a loud, clear voice translated
the twenty-fifth Psalm. Then he repeated the Lord's
Prayer, ending his supplication with the words,
"Through Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world by
his blood." After this he laid his head upon the block
and received the fatal stroke. "A nobler and more
manful death," says John Zwick, a Zwinglian, "was
never seen in Constance. . . . We were all with him
16 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
to his end, and may the Almighty, the Eternal God,
grant to me, and to the servants of his word, like
mercy in the day when he shall call us home."
Thomas Blaurer, another Zwinglian, wrote: "No one
has with so much charity, so courageously, laid down
his life for Anabaptism as Hetzer. He was like one
who spoke with God and died."
It is not strange that recent writers have given no
credit to the evidence on which Hetzer was condemned.
Keller says the charge is ''unproved and unprovable."
Those who are corrupt in heart and life are not wont
to spend their last hours on earth in such tranquil
communion with God, or to die so triumphant a death.
Hetzer's entire record, and his published writings, are
strong witnesses to the purity of his heart and the
uprightness of his life. He loved God's word, and he
ever insisted upon loyalty to its commands. The Mo-
ravian Chronicle states, what will doubtless be the ver-
dict of history, that Hetzer died for "the sake of
divine truth," to which he "nobly" bore witness "by
his blood." Unquestionably, of all the Anabaptist
hymn writers, Hetzer is the first. One of his hymns,
included by Wackernagel^ in his masterly work on
German Hymnology, is based on the thirty-seventh
Psalm, and contains twenty-three stanzas of eight lines
each. The following is the opening stanza :
Erzurn dich nit, O frommer Christ,
Vorm neyd thii dich behuten!
Ob schon der gottloss reicher ist,
So hilfft doch nit seiu wiiten;
Mitt beyn und haut gleich wie dz kraut
Wiirt er jm kurtz abghawen,
Sein gwalt vnd reich ist eben gleich
Dem grass auff griiner auwen.
Fret not thyself, O pious heart,
Though evil men surround thee;
The godless may be richer here,
But that should not confound thee;
» Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, 'Wackernagel, 1811, s. 451453.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 17
For like the herb in yonder field
They too ere long shall wither,
And all their gain shall disappear
Like grass, they know not whither.
Hetzer has also a fine hymn for the strengthening
and estabUshing of faith, and another suggested by
the words of Paul (Rom. v. 4), "And patience, experi-
ence." The last stanza of the former, in modern dress,
is as follows :
Merk auf, O "Welt, mit deiner Pracht
Kehr ab von deinem Leben,
Bedenk den Tod und Gottes Macht,
Schau, was er dir will geben.
Thust du hie Buss,
Folgst Christus' Fuss
Er wird dich nicht verdammen;
Das ewig Reich
Wirst haben gleich
Mit Jesu Christo, Amen.
Attend, O world, in splendor decked,
Renounce thy works and ways;
Reflect that death will soon cut short
The remnant of thy days.
Repent of sin,
Let Christ within
Redemption work for thee;
"When all is past,
"With Christ at last,
The kingdom thou shalt see.
GEORGE BLAUROCK.
The fifth hymn in "Auss Bundt" was written by
George Blaurock. We first hear of him in connection
with the discussion concerning infant baptism, Jan. 17,
1525, which was followed by the banishment of Het-
zer, Reublin and others. He had been a monk, but
had renounced his former faith, and was now arrayed
2
18 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
with the Swiss Anabaptists against Zwingli. On ac-
count of his oratorical gifts he was called among the
"Brethren" the second Paul, and his earnest, active
efforts to advance what he believed to be the truth,
made him prominent in the new movement. He was
soon arrested in Zurich, and thrown into prison. Sub-
sequently he was sentenced to death by drowning.
But as he was not a citizen of the canton, he was
beaten with rods, and allowed to leave the city after
having taken an oath never to return. He seems to
have made his way at first into the canton of Appen-
zell. In 1529, having been arrested in the Tyrol, he
was burned at the stake in Claussen.
His hymn in "Auss Bundt" (5) contains thirty-three
stanzas of four lines each. " Keep us. Father, through
thy truth," he sings ; " daily renew us and make us
steadfast in persecution. Leave us not, thy children,
from now on to the end. Extend to us thy fatherly
hand, that we may finish our course." In his death,
Blaurock exemplified the truth of one of the stanzas
of this hymn: "Blessed," he says, "are those in all
tribulation who cling to Christ to the end," and he
adds :
Wie er dann selbst gelitten hat,
Als er am Creutz gehangen,
Also es jetzt den frommen gaht,
Sie leideu grossen zwangen.
As he himself our sufferings bore
When hanging on the accursed tree.
So there is suffering still in store
O pious heart, for you and me.
MARTIN MALER.
In the year 1531, at Gemimden, in Schwabia,
Martin Maler, a preacher of the Word, and six others,
were condemned to death, and executed. They were
AND THEIR HYMNS. 19
first put to the rack, and promised their freedom if
they would recant. But they all stood firm. At the
place of execution Maler commended himself and his
associates to God, asking that he would grant to them
a blessed end, and that he would care for the little
flock left behind. Maler was the author of the beau-
tiful hymn
Mit Freuden will ich singen,
Loben deu liochsten Gott.
With gladsome voice I sing
And praise thee, mighty God.
With his imprisoned companions Maler composed
h3rmn 61 in "Auss Bundt,"
Aus tieffer N'oht schrey ich zu dir;
Ach Gott, erhor mein riiffen.
In deep distress I cry to thee;
My prayer, O God, attend.
In an old chronicle Maler is said to be the author of
three "beautiful hymns."
PETER RIEDEMANN.
Maler recalls another Anabaptist hymn writer,
though not a martyr, Peter Riedemann. He was a
native of Hirschberg, in Silesia, and died at Protzza,
in Hungary, December 1, 1556, when about fifty
years of age. He was a highly gifted man, and by
his brethren was greatly esteemed for his own and for
his works' sake. For preaching the Word he suffered
imprisonment several times, first at Gemunden, in
1527, where he remained in prison three years and
four weeks, receiving the name of Peter of Gemun-
20 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
den. At Nuremberg he was imprisoned four years
and ten weeks ; at Marburg, in Hesse, two years.
An old chronicle says: "He was rich in divine knowl-
edge, and was as a water fountain which overflows ;
and he refreshed all those wdio listened to him. He
was the author of numerous works and many excel-
lent hymns. The fine hymn (2) in " Auss Bundt,"
Wir glauben all an einen Gott,
Vnd lieben ibn von Hertzen,
We all believe in one true God,
And love bim from our hearts,
which Fiisslin erroneously ascribes to John Denck, is
ascribed to Riedemann in the hymn books of the Ana-
baptists. He is also the author of the hymn (37) in
"Auss Bundt," wrongly ascribed to Langenmantel, of
which the following are the twelfth, fourteenth and
sixteenth stanzas:
Las uns Herr nicht beflecken
Die Stind noch einig Schuld,
Und nimm vom Fleisch den Scbreckeu
Das uns abschrecken vrolt,
Aucb in deim Werck uns halten auff,
Das wir, wann man uns fordern solt,
Nicht erligen im Streit.
In aller Angst und ^tTohte,
Darzu in Todes pein,
Gib uns das Hinimelbrote,
Send uns den Troster dein,
So der ellenden Vatter ist,
Und die Armen reich machet,
Starcket den der schwach ist.
Hilflf uns das Feld erhalten
Mit ihm allein auff Erd,
Lass dein Hiilff ob uns walten,
Schirm uns mit deinem Schwerdt,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 21
AufE dass wir als die Helden dein,
Mogen die Kron erlangen,
Und ewig bey dir seyn.
O Lord, let sin nor guilt
Upon us bring a blot,
Nor terrors of the flesli
Assail us in our lot,
But in thy work through life
May we, whate'er betides,
Ne'er falter in the strife.
In anguish and distress.
Give us the bread of heaven,
And in the pain of death
Let peace to us be given.
Thou Father, full of love.
Who makest rich the poor,
O strengthen from above.
Help us the field to hold.
Our strength thy holy word,
And in our time of need
Protect us by thy sword,
That, heroes of thine own,
We in eternity
May wear the heavenly crown.
HYMNS BY UNKNOWN AUTHORS.
At the close of a volume entitled " Miinsterische
Geschichten, Sagen und Legenden," are several Ana-
baptist hymns. The names of the writers are not
given. One of these hymns is a part of a hymn (97)
in " Auss Bundt." There is nothing to indicate that
any of them was written in Miinster. The first two
are entitled " Old hymns of the Anabaptists." Rev.
Franklin Johnson, d. d., of Cambridge^ Mass., has ren-
22 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
dered into English verse the first of these hymns,
commencing
O lieber Yater und Herzog mild,
as follows
Beloved Father, Lord most mild,
Help thou and shield thine every child
Who in these last dread ages
Thy holy battle wages
Where many a serpent rages.
Arm thou with valor each true knight,
And guide and guard him in his fight
With evils old and hoary,
With foeman fierce and gory.
And thus show forth thy glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, beloved King,
Thou who dids't full salvation bring
To men in sorrow lying,
Hear thou thy brethren sighing.
With thirst and hiinger dying.
Feed thou our hearts with bread divine,
And let the stream of sweetest wine
That, anguished, thou dids't pour us,
From head to feet flow o'er us.
To cleanse us and restore us.
Then shall we go our way with joy;
The dog shall not our souls annoy
With sword or flood or fire ;
Nor shall we fear the ire
Of any monster dire.
Then all the words that thou has said
We glad shall eat, as they were bread.
And march where thou art going.
With warrior trumpets blowing,
The highest walls o'erthrowing.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 23
Ah, God, thy children wander bare,
Though thou hast might beyond compare;
With raiment cheer their sadness,
That they may preach with gladness
To men in error's madness.
Ye people cleansed with precious blood,
Give thanks and praise alone to God;
He saves when we implore him.
And smites his foes before him,
Till worlds in awe adore him.
If we in trouble trust his name.
We need not fear a world in flame;
Our flesh, the dogs may tear it;
But he will guard the spirit
Through Christ's sufficient merit.
Lord Jesus Christ, strong Son of God,
Remember in these days of blood
Thy walls so breached and battered.
Thy church so sorely shattered.
Thy people peeled and scattered.
We thank and praise thee day by day,
And from our hearts devoutly pray
That thou woulds't now and ever
Thy prisoners' fetters sever.
And let them perish never.
The first stanza of hymn 97 in " Auss Bundt" is as
follows :
Wolauff, Wolauff, du Gotts Gemein,
Heilig und i*ein,
In diesen letzten Zeiten,
Die du eim Mann erwehlet bist,
Heist Jesus Christ,
Thu dich ihm zubereiten.
Leg an dein Zier /
Dana er kommt schier,
Darum bereit,
Das Hochzeit Kleid,
Dann er wird schon.
Die Hochzeit hon,
Dich ewig nit mehr von ihm lohn.
24 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Dr. Johnson translates :
The church of God, good cheer, good cheer,
So holy here
In days when none bested thee,
Know this: thou art Christ's chosen bride,
Who for thee died.
And swift he comes to wed thee ;
With raiment fair
And jewels rich and rare
Thy form adorn,
For hastes the morn
When thou shalt eat
This banquet sweet.
And be with endless joy complete.
The last of these anonymous hymns is entitled
" Hymn of an Anabaptist Prisoner," and commences
Ach Gott ich muss dir klagen
Mit surfzen manuichfalt.
This stanza Dr. Johnson renders thus :
Oh God of my salvation.
Regard my tears and sighs ;
Against thy lowly servant
The violent arise.
'T is for thy word I suffer
These bitter days of pain.
And must lie bound in prison,
And afterward be slain.
These are specimens only of the hymns of the Ana-
baptists of Switzerland and Germany at the time of the
Reformation. The hymns of the Netherland Anabap-
tists are of a like character. The number of these
hymns is large, but their value lies chiefly in this, that
in them, as nowhere else, the spirit of the Anabaptist
movement of the sixteenth century finds a voice.
The term "Anabaptist," until recently, has stood for
the revolutionary and fanatical element in the early
AND THEIR HYMNS. 25
conflict between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.
But the great majority of the Anabaptists of the period
of the Reformation were law-abiding, peaceable men.
Their hymns are a witness to this fact. Liliencron, in
his paper, " A Contribution to the Hymnology of the
Anabaptists," ^ published by the Bavarian Academy of
Sciences (Munich, 1875), says there is in these Ana-
baptist hymns no trace of anything revolutionary or
fanatical. The dogmatical element in them is almost
entirely wanting. There is little, even, that is polem-
ical. The Anabaptists believed with all their hearts
in the redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ, but
they also believed that the work of grace which is
wrought by the Spirit in the heart will appear in the
life. In these hymns the moral aspects of the Chris-
tian life are accordingly made prominent. Faith and
love are exalted, and steadfastness in persecution,
even unto death, is exhibited as the mark of true dis-
cipleship. Some of these hymns, as the preceding
pages show, were written in the near prospect of
death, and were sung with the block or the fagot in
full view. These martyr hymns had their special mis-
sion in strengthening fellow disciples for the trial of
faith which was sure to come. But there were many
Anabaptist hymns which were purely devotional, giv-
ing glad if not always beautiful expression to the
devout sentiments of truly pious hearts. These and
the martyr hymns were the cherished possession in
many an Anabaptist home, and next to the Word of
God were oftenest on the lips of the scattered mem-
bers of the Anabaptist host from the Alps to the Bal-
tic and the North Sea, and from Bohemia to the bor-
ders of France. That they have been preserved is an
occasion for devout gratitude. They are worthy of
the recent recognition they have received, and of the
place they have already found in the great treasure-
house of Christian song.
1 Mittheilunjren aus dem Gebiete der offentlichen Meinung in Deutscbland warend
der zweiten Halfte des 16. Jahrhunderts. Von Frhr. v. LUieucron. III. Zur Liederdich-
tung der Wiedertaufer.
ENGLISH BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
JOHN BUNYAN.
1628-1688.
It is only a slender tie by which Bunyan is united
to the hymn writers of the church. Dr. Belcher
("Historical Sketches of Hymns," page 104) is author-
ity for the statement that some lines written by the
immortal dreamer of Bedford jail, and found in the
Second Part of the "Pilgrim's Progress," have "long
been used in some of the Baptist churches in England
at the admission of members." They are the words
Bunyan puts into the lips of Mercy, as she and Chris-
tiana set out on their pilgrimage to the Celestial City.
Let the Most Blessed be my guide,
If 't be his blessed will,
Unto his gate, into his fold,
Up to his holy hill.
And let him never suffer me
To swerve or turn aside
From his free grace and holy ways,
Whate'er shall me betide.
And let him gather them of mine
That I have left behind;
Lord, make them pray they may be thine
With all their heart and mind.
There are other lines in the Second Part, which the
readers of the "Pilgrim's Progress" will recall, espe-
28 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
cially those which Bunyan puts into the lips of the
shepherd boy, commencing
He that is down needs fear no fall;
He that is low no pride ;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
Those given above, however, so far as I am aware,
are the only lines by Bunyan that have been sung.
Had Bunyan lived a century later, the treasury of
Christian song would doubtless have been greatly en-
riched by hymns from his pen.
John Bunyan was born in Elstow, near Bedford, in
1628. The record of his christening in Elstow church
is as follows : "• 1628. John the sonne of Thomas
Bonnionn, Junr. the oOth of Novemb." His parents
were poor, but, as he tells us, '' It pleased God
to put it into their hearts to put me to school to
His parents were poor, but, as he tells us, "It pleased
God to put it into their hearts to put me to school to
learn both to read and write." His advantages, how-
ever, were of the most meagre kind, and not long en-
joyed, for he early passed from the school-room to his
father's workshop. In his sixteenth year his mother
died, and a few weeks later his sister Margaret. His
father almost immediately remarried, and thencefor-
ward the home to Bunyan was not what it had been.
It is believed that his experience in the army, to which
he briefly refers in his "Grace Abounding," belongs to
this period. The army was disbanded in 1646, and
Bunyan returned to Elstow. Two or three years later
he was married. Who his wife was we do not know,
but she evidently came from a godly home, and de-
sired to have her own home like that from which she
came. The four years that followed their marriage
were the years of Bunyan' s spiritual conflict, Avhich
he has so vividly portrayed. Then, at the end of the
struggle, came peace. "The chains fell oE," and the
new life of blessedness began.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 29
Bunyan united with Mr. Gifford's church in Bed-
ford, in 1653. Two years later he made Bedford his
home. Here his wife soon died, and Bunyan was left
to be both father and mother to his four children.
His pastor, Mr. Gift'ord, also died not long after Bun-
yan's removal to Bedford, and Bunyan, by request
of his brethren who had discovered his gifts, began
to preach. Wherever he went the people "came to
hear the word by hundreds, and that from all parts,
though upon Sunday and from divers accounts." His
right to preach was frequently questioned, and in No-
vember, 16G0, he was arrested, and soon after tried
for "devilishly and perniciously abstaining from com-
ing to church to hear divine service, and for being a
common upholder of several unlawful meetings and
conventicles, to the great disturbance and distraction
of the good subjects of this kingdom, contrary to the
law of our sovereign lord, the king." Then followed
his twelve years' imprisonment in Bedford jail, from
1660 to 1672. Three years of liberty succeeded.
Then, in the winter and early spring of 1675-76,
Bunyan was again in prison, and it was during this
time that he wrote the "Pilgrim's Progress" (Brown's
Life of Bunyan, page 253), continuing his career as
an author, upon which he entered not long after he
began to preach. The "Pilgrim's Progress" has been
sold in many editions and in untold numbers of copies,
in all English-speaking lands, and has been translated
into between seventy and eighty languages and dia-
lects, and is continually appearing in new forms and
new languages. Rufus Choate once called the speech
of Mr. Standfast, near the close of the Second Part,
" the most mellifluous and eloquent talk that was ever
put together in the English language." Of Bunyan's
"Holy War," Lord Macaulay says, "If the ^Pilgrim's
Progress' did not exist, it would be the best allegory
that ever was written."
Bunyan's last years were years of busy work as a
30 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
writer and a preacher. Wherever he went crowds
came together to listen to his words. His death oc-
curred in London, August 31, 1G88, and lie was buried
in Bunhill Fields.
BENJAmX REACH.
1640-1704.
BEXJA:^nN' Keach was born in Stokehaman, Bucking-
hamshire, Feb. 29, 1G40. Converted in his fifteenth
year, he united with a neighboring Baptist church,
and three years later he began to preach. In 1662,
the Act of Uniformity was passed, and at one of his
meetings Keach was seized by four troopers who
threatened to trample him to death under their horses*
feet, but he was providentially rescued by one of their
officers. In 1664, Mr. Keach pubUshed "The Child's
Instructor, or a New and Easy Primer." For this he
was indicted and brought to trial at the Aylesbury
Assizes, which began October 8, before Lord Chief
Justice Hyde, afterward Lord Clarendon, who in-
structed the jury to bring in a verdict of guilty.
This they did, and Mr. Keach was sentenced to be im-
prisoned for a fortnight ; then to stand the next Satur-
day upon the pillory at Aylesbury, in the open market,
from eleven o'clock till one, with a paper on his head
bearing this inscription : " For writing, printing and
publishing a schismatical book"; the next Thursday to
stand in the same manner and for the same time in
the market at Winslow; then to have his book burned
by the common hangman. He was also required to
forfeit to the King's majesty the sum of twenty
pounds, and to remain in jail until he could find sure-
ties for good behavior and appearance at the next
assizes ; and lastly, to renounce his doctrines, and make
AND THEm HYMXS. 31
such public submissions as should be required. ••' I
hope," said Keach to his lordship, '• I shall never re-
nounce the truth which I have written in that book,"
and this part of the sentence was not insisted upon.
In 166S, Mr. Keach accepted an invitation to be-
come pastor of a small Particular Baptist church,
which met in a private house in Toole y Street, London.
After the Declaration of Indulgence enacted in
1672, a meeting-house was erected at the corner of
Goat Street, Horsley-down, Southwark. Here his ser-
vices were attended by large audiences, and it be-
came necessary to enlarge the house ag^ain and aorain.
Up to this time Baptists in England were opposed to
singing as a part of worship, but Mr. Keach now. with
the consent of his church, introduced the practice of
singing a h\min at the Lord's Supper. Later, there
was singing in the church on Thanksgiving days.
Finally, about the year 1690, the church, only a few
dissenting, voted to sing a hpnn every Lord's day,
after the sermon, so that those who were opposed to
this part of the ser\'ice could " go freely forth." In
1691, Mr. Keach published a work in favor of the new
practice, entitled *• The Breach repau'ed in God's Wor-
ship, or Singing of Psalms, H^•mns. and Spiritual Songs
proved to be a holy ordinance of Jesus Christ."
Mr. Keach was a voluminous writer. His two most
popular works were - Tropologia, or a Key to Open
Scripture Metaphors," and •• Gospel Mysteries Un-
veiled, or an Exposition of the Parables." He was
also the author of some poetical compositions, the
most important of which were " Zion in Distress, or
the Groans of the Protestant Church." first pubUshed
in 1666, and his "Distressed Zion Relieved, or the
Garment of Praise for the Spirit of HeaWness," pub-
lished after the Revolution. He also pubhshed. in
1691, a collection of hymns entitled - Scriptural Mel-
ody," containing nearly three hundred h\^nns. None
of them are now in use. The foUowiug is number 15 :
32 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
PSALM LXXXIV. 1. " THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD."
The Lord, he is our sun and shield.
Our buckler and safeguard,
And hence we stand and will not yield,
Though enemies p,ress hard.
Like as a shield the blow keeps off
The enemy lays on,
So thou keeps off all hurt from us,
And saves us every one.
Let foes strike at us as they please,
On the head or the heart;
This precious shield which we do use
Secures us every part.
From sin, from satan and the world
No art we need to fear.
Since thou art such a shield to us,
O God and Savior dear!
Our shield and our great reward.
To thee all praise be gi ven ;
Who with thy saving help afford
Until we come to heaven.
Mr. Keach remained pastor of the church at Hors-
ley-down until his death, which occurred July 18,
1704. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev.
Joseph Stennett.
JOSEPH STENNETT.
1663-1713.
The name of Stennett has a prominent place in
English Baptist history, and also in Baptist hymnol-
ogy. Joseph Stennett was the author of the hymn,
Another six days' work is done.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 33
and many other good hymns which are still in use.
His grandson, Samuel Stennett, was the author of
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
and other hymns of equal merit. Joseph Stennett
was the son of Rev. Edward Stennett, a dissenting
minister, who enthusiastically espoused the cause of
the Parliament and the Commonwealth. After the
Revolution, with other Nonconformists who had been
conspicuous in the important events that preceded, he
suffered persecution and for a short time imprison-
ment. Removing at length to Wallingford, without
abandoning the work of the ministry, he engaged in
the practice of medicine in order to support his fam-
ily. Of his three sons, two became ministers and one
a physician.
Joseph was born at Abingdon, in 1663. In early
life he made a profession of faith, and united with his
father's church. Under the guidance of skilful in-
structors he acquired a good knowledge of philosophy
and theology, also of the French, Italian, Hebrew and
other languages. When twenty-two years of age he
went to London, where he accepted an appointment
as a teacher. In 1688, he married Susanna, daughter of
George Guill, a French Protestant refugee, whose es-
tates had been confiscated in 1685, at the time of the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and who was now
engaged in mercantile pursuits in London. In the
following year Mr. Stennett was called to the pastor-
ate of the Seventh Day Baptist church, then worship-
ing in a hsill in Devonshire Square, London, of which
his father had for a while been pastor; afterward
removed to Pinner's Hall. He preached for other
churches on Sunday, but of this Seventh Day Baptist
church he remained pastor until his death. His culti-
vated intellect, polished manners, and high Christian
character gave him a commanding position, and he
was greatly esteemed in all denominations. At the
3
34 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
request of his brethren he prepared and presented to
William III, an address with reference to his deliver-
ance from the "Assassination Plot."
His first published poetical work was a poem in
commendation of Rev. Samuel Wesley's "Ingenious
Poem, entitled ' The Life of Christ,' etc., published
anno, 1693." In 1697, he published "Hymns for the
Lord's Supper," thirty-seven in number, all of his own
composition, and afterward (in the third edition, 1709)
increased to fifty. Among these are
" My blessed Savior, is thy love,"
" Gracious Kedeemer, how divine,"
" Thus we commemorate the day."
A version of Solomon's Song in verse (1700) gave Mr.
Stennett a wide reputation, not only for his poetical
gifts, but also for his Hebrew scholarship, and he
was requested to revise the English version of the
Psalms. Dr. Sharp, Archbishop of York, referring to
this proposition, said "he had heard such a character
of Mr. Stennett, not only for his skill in poetry, but
likewise in the Hebrew tongue, that he thought no
man more fit for that work than he."
In 1712, Mr. Stennett published twelve hjrtnns, en-
titled " Hymns for the Celebration of the Holy Ordi-
nance of Baptism." These were long in use in Bap-
tist churches. Among them were
'' The great Redeemer we adore,"
" Thus was the great Redeemer plunged."
The hymn beginning
Another six days' work is done
contained fourteen stanzas in its original form. Of
these, the 1st, 10th, 11th and 13th stanzas only are
generally retained. In Rippon's " Selection " six stan-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 35
zas are given. In Rippon, also, the following sacra-
mental hymn by Stennett is inserted (482) :
Lord, at thy table I behold
The wonders of thy grace;
But most of all admire that I
Should find a welcome place, —
I, that am all defiled with sin,
A rebel to my God;
I, that have crucified his Son,
And trampled on his blood.
What strange, surprising grace is this,
That such a soul has room !
My Savior takes me by the hand,
My Jesus bids me come.
Eat, O my friends, the Savior cries.
The feast was made for you ;
For you I groaned, and bled, and died.
And rose, and triumphed too.
With trembling faith, and bleeding hearts,
Lord, we accept thy love;
'T is a rich banquet we have had.
What will it be above ?
Ye saints below, and hosts of heaven,
Join all your praising powers ;
No theme is like redeeming love.
No Savior is like ours.
Had I ten thousand hearts, dear Lord,
I 'd give them all to thee;
Had I ten thousand tongues, they all
Should join the harmony.
In the English " Baptist Hymnal " this hymn is in-
cluded, with the omission of the second stanza.
Prominent among Stennett's prose writings was a
reply, which, in 1704, he made to David Russen's "Fun-
damentals without a Foundation, or a True Picture of
the Anabaptists." So successful was he in this work
that he was requested to write a history of the Bap-
36 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
tists. He commenced to collect materials for such a
work, but did not live long enough to execute his pur-
pose. He died July 11, 1713. Among his last words
were, "I rejoice in the God of my salvation, who is
my strength and God." He left a widow and four
children, and was buried in the churchyard of Hitch-
enden, Buckinghamshire. The epitaph on his tomb-
stone was written by Dr. Ward, of Gresham College.
His complete prose and poetical works (except his
reply to Russen) were published in four volumes, in
1732.
JAMES FANCH.
1704-1767.
Rev. James Fanch of Romsey, who was associated
with . Rev. Daniel Turner in the production of the
hymn
Beyond the glittering starry globe,
was born in 1704, and died December 12, 1767. Rev.
S. B. Brown, pastor of the Baptist church at Romsey,
in a letter to Mr. Francis Jennings of Philadelphia,
dated June 23, 1870, says of Mr. Fanch : "At the
close of the year 1750, during the time he was pastor
of the Baptist church at Romsey, a spiritual move-
ment commenced in the neighboring village (five miles
away) of Lockerly. Those whose hearts were spec-
ially influenced, not finding the bread of life in the
parish church of Lockerly, repaired to Romsey to hear
the Rev. J. Fanch, a faithful minister of Christ, and a
man of classical accomplishments. In 1751, a house
was licensed for preaching at Lockerly. Mr. Fanch
preached to them on Sunday evenings ; much good
resulted from his services, and soon afterward he had
AND THEIR HYMNS. 37
the pleasure of baptizing sixteen persons at the neigh-
boring village of Broughton, which possessed a baptis-
tery. Shortly after, five more were baptized, and in
1753, they were formed into a church, which continued
for some time a branch of that at Romsey. Mr.
Fanch was acknowledged their pastor, and preached a
sermon at the foundation of the church from Phil,
i. 27, which he afterward printed, with others, in a
volume of sermons. Mr. Fanch continued to admin^
ister the ordinances to them till his death. He also
frequently visited and preached at Southampton, which
at that time had no Baptist church."
Mr. Fanch was the author of " Free Thoughts on
Practical Rehgion" (1761), "A Paraphrase on a Select
Number of the Psalms of David, done from the Latin
of Buchanan, to which are added some Occasional
Pieces " (1764), and " Ten Sermons on Practical Sub-
jects," (1767). The first of these works contains
occasional hymns.
In Rippon's " Baptist Annual Register,'* Vol. 3, p.
471, is Fanch and Turner's hymn.
Beyond the glittering starry globe.
The following are the stanzas by Mr. Fanch :
Beyond the glittering starry globe
Far o'er the eternal hills,
There, in the boundless worlds of light,
Our great Eedeemer dwells.
Immortal angels, bright and fair,
In countless armies shine,
At his right hand, with golden harps,
To oflEer songs divine.
Hail! prince, they cry, forever hail f
Whose unexampled love
Moved thee to quit these glorious realms
And royalties above 1
While thou dids't condescend on earth
To suffer rude disdain,
They cast their honors at thy feet,
And waited on thy train.
38 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Thro' all thy travels here below,
They did thy steps attend;
Oft gazed, and wondered when at last
The scene of love would end.
They saw thy heart tranfixed with wounds,
Thy crimson sweat and gore ;
They saw thee break the bars of death,
As none e'er brake before.
They brought thy chariot from above,
To bear thee to thy throne;
Clapped their triumphant wings and cried
" The glorious work is done."
Abridgments of this hymn, usually beginning
Beyond the glittering starry skies,
are found in many modern hymn books. The follow-
ing is the inscription on Mr. Fanch's tombstone :
In memory
of
James Fanch
who died
Dec'r. 12, 1767.
Can any good from these dead ashes rise?
Yes, if they warn the living to be wise.
DANIEL TURNER.
1710-1798.
Mr. Ttjrner was born at Blackwater Park, near St.
Albans, Hertfordsliire, March 1, 1710. In early Hfe
he united with the Baptist church at Hemel-Hemp-
Btead, in the neighborhood of his birth-place. Having
AND THEIR HYMNS. 39
received a good classical education, he devoted himself
(1738) to the work of teaching. In 1741, he became
pastor of the Hosier Lane Baptist Church at Reading,
on the Thames. In 1748, he removed to Abingdon,
Berkshire, having accepted a call to the pastorate of
the Baptist church in that place, a position which he
held during the remainder of his long and useful life.
He died September 5, 1798.
Of his prose writings, the more important are " A
Compendium of Social Religion " (1758), " Letters Re-
ligious and Moral" (1766), "Short Meditations on
Select Portions of Scripture " (1771), " Dissertations on
Religion" (1775), "Essays on Religion" (1780), and
"Expositions on Scripture" (1790). His poetical
writings were " Divine Songs, Hymns and other
Poems" (1747), and "Poems, Devotional and Moral"
(1794). Of his hymns four marked " D. T." appeared
in the " Collection of Hymns " (1769) compiled by Dr.
John Ash and Dr. Caleb Evans, viz :
" With thee, great God, the star of light,"
" Welcome, blessed morning to our eyes,"
" Jesus, full of all compassion,"
"Faith adds new charms to earthly bliss."
The last two are still in use, and the first of the two,
as given in this early collection, is as follows :
Jesus, full of all compassion,
Hear thy humble suppliant's cry;
Let me know thy great salvation,
See, I languish, faint, and die.
Guilty, but with heart relenting,
Overwhelmed with helpless grief,
Prostrate, at thy feet repenting,
Send, Oh send me quick relief.
Whither should a wretch be flying,
But to him who comfort gives?
Whither, from the dread of dying,
But to him who ever lives ?
40 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
While I view thee, wounded, grieving,
Breathless, on the cursed tree.
Fain I'd feel my heart believing.
That thou suffered 'st thus for me.
With thy righteousness and spirit,
I am more than angels blest,
Here with thee, all things inherit
Peace, and joy, and endless rest.
Without thee, the world possessing,
I should be a wretch undone ;
Search through heaven, the land of blessing,
Seeking good, and finding none.
Hear then, blessed Savior, hear me,
My soul cleaveth to the dust;
Send the Comforter to cheer me,
Lo ! in thee I i)ut my trust.
On the word thy blood hath sealed.
Hangs my everlasting all.
Let thine arm be now revealed.
Stay, Oh stay me, less I fall!
In the world of endless ruin,
Let it never, Lord, be said,
" Here 's a soul that perished, suing,
Por the boasted Savior's aid!"
Saved — the deed shall spread new glory
Through the shining realms above;
Angels sing the pleasing story.
All enraptured with thy love !
It is related of Rev. Joseph Ivimy, author of the
" History of the Enghsh Baptists," that when con-
victed of sin gospel hope first entered his heart
through the words of the last stanza but one of this
hymn.
Another well known hymn (as already stated),
Beyond the glittering starry globe,
was a joint production of Daniel Turner and James
Fanch. Duffield ("English Hymns," 67) says it was
AND THEIR HYMNS. 41
written by the brothers Berridge, early Wesleyans ; but
it appears in the volume of Turner's hymns, published
in 1794, and in a letter in Rippon's " Register," dated
February 22, 1791, Mr. Turner, writing to Dr. Rippon,
says : " As to your inquiry concerning the hymn
* Jesus seen of angels,' it is true, as you were told by
our good brother Medley, that one part of it was
made by my dear friend, the Rev. James Fanch, of
Romsey, and the other part by me." Of this hymn,
which originally contained twenty-eight stanzas,
Turner wrote all from the eighth stanza, commencing
" Blest angels."
Of Turner's hymns, nine appeared in Rippon's
"Selection." In a note to the 442d hymn, Dr. Rippon
says : " For the alterations made in this and several
of the following hymns on baptism, I am indebted to
my venerable friend, the Rev. Mr. Turner of Abingdon."
JOHN NEEDHAM.
1787 (?)
Concerning Mr. Needham's early life we have no
information. His father was pastor of the Baptist
church in Hitchen, Hertfordshire, and the son entered
upon the work of the ministry, but where I have not
learned. Probably for a time he aided his father, who
supported himself in part by teaching. In 1746, Mr.
Needham removed to Bristol, where he was associated
with Rev. John Beddome in the pastorate of the
Baptist church in the Pithay. He was ordained co-
pastor May 10, 1750. Rev. W. R. Stevenson says :
" Mr. Beddome was at this time old and infirm, and
two years later resigned the pastorate altogether ; but
as the church had important branches, the services of
42 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
two ministers were absolutely required. A Mr. Tom-
mas was invited to become assistant to Mr. Needham,
but would only accept an invitation as co-pastor on an
official equality with the other minister. To this Mr.
Needham and a number of his friends objected. True,
the church had been accustomed from time immemo-
rial to have two pastors, but the plan had not worked
well, so that in 1750, when Mr. Needham was ordained
co-pastor, the church came to a resolution, recorded
on their minute-book, never again to have two pas-
tors, excepting when, as in that case, one should be
partially disabled through age or infirmity. But the
majority of the church had set their hearts upon Mr.
Tommas, and determined to have him upon his own
terms. An unhappy conflict ensued, and in the end
the majority passed a resolution pronouncing Mr.
Needham to be no longer either a minister or member
of the church which for years he had faithfully served.
" There was in Bristol at that time another Baptist
church, worshiping in a part of the city called Callow-
hill. A Mr. Foot was their pastor. Mr. Needham
and his friends applied to the Callowhill church for
the use of their meeting-house on one part of the
Lord's-day, which was granted; and from November,
1752, to June, 1755, the two congregations occupied
the same building at different hours. But at the date
last mentioned the two churches united, Mr. Foot and
Mr. Needham becoming joint pastors, and administer-
ing the Lord's Supper alternately. It is known that
this arrangement continued up to the year 1784 ; but
the history of both church and pastors after that date
is almost a blank. All that can be stated is that in
1787, the second of the two pastors died, and the
church at Callowhill became extinct; but which it
was, Mr. Foot or Mr. Needham who survived the other,
is unknown."
Mr. Needham was the author of a large number of
hymns. In 1768, he published a volume entitled
AND THEIR HYMNS. 43
"Hymns, Devotional and Moral, on Various Subjects,
Collected Chiefly from the Holy Scriptures, and Suited
to the Christian State and Worship." Of the 263
hymns in this collection some are still in use, and
highly esteemed.
Eighteen of his hymns are found in Dobell's "Selec-
tion"; of these one is an Advent hymn, which Dr.
Hatfield ("Poets of the Church," p. 459) regards among
the best of Needham's compositions, commencing
Awake! awake! arise!
And hail the glorious morn.
In Rippon's "Selection" Needham is represented by
nine hymns. Spurgeon inserts in his "Our Own
Hymn Book" (1034) a fine harvest hymn by Need-
ham, commencing
To praise the ever bounteous Lord.
Perhaps the best known of Needham's hymns is that
commencing ("Psalmist," 159)
Holy and reverend is the name
Of our Eternal King.
The following hymn, also by Needham, is in the Eng-
lish "Baptist Hymnal" (283) :
When some kind shepherd from the fold
Has lost a straying sheep,
Through vales, o'er hills, he anxious roves,
And climbs the mountain steep.
But O, the joy, the transport sweet,
When he the wanderer finds !
Up in his arms he takes his charge,
And to his shoulder binds.
Homeward he hastes to tell his joys,
And make his bliss complete ;
The neighbors hear the news, and all
The joyful shepherd greet.
44 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Yet how much greater is the joy
When but one sinner turns,
And with a humble, broken heart,
His sins and errors mourns.
Pleased with the news, the saints below
In songs their tongues employ;
Beyond the skies the tidings go,
And heaven is filled with joy.
Angels rejoice in louder strains,
And seraphs feel new fire ;
" A sinner lost is found," they say.
And strike the sounding lyre.
BENJAMIN WALLIN.
1711-1782.
Benjamin Wallin was born in 1711, in Southwark,
London, where his father, Rev. Edward WalHn, became
pastor of the church at Maze Pond in 1703. A cripple
from infancy through the carelessness of a nurse, he
devoted himself assiduously to study, and was placed
under the tutorship of Rev. John Needham. For
awhile he engaged in business, and then directed his
attention to the work of the Christian ministry. In
1780, he preached his first sermon, and in the follow-
ing year, became pastor of the church which his father
had served, and continued in the pastorate, honored
for his many Christian virtues, until his death, Febru-
ary 19, 1782.
Besides many occasional sermons, he published sev-
eral essays on Practical Religion, " Lectures on Prim-
itive Christianity," " Lectures on the Epistle to the
Church at Sardis," " Lectures on the Faithful in the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 45
Days of Malachi." He also published (1750) a volume
of " Evangelical Hymns and Songs, in Two Parts :
The First, composed on Various Views of the Christian
Life and Warfare ; The Second, in Praise of the Re-
deemer, Published for the Comfort and Entertainment
of True Christians, with Authorities at large from the
Scriptures." Two of these hymns, considerably mod-
ified, Wallin contributed to the Gospel Magazine for
June, 1776. Toplady transferred both of them to his
" Psalms and Hymns," published that year. One of
them Rippon used in his " Selection" (77), from which
it was transferred to the supplement (89) of " Win-
cheli's Watts" and the "Psalmist" (337), viz:
Hail mighty Jesus 1 how divine
Is thy victorious swoi'd !
The stoutest rebel must resign
At thy commanding word.
How deep the wounds these arrows give !
They pierce the hardest heart.
Thy smiles of grace the slain revive,
And joy succeeds to smart.
Still gird thy sword upon thy thigh ;
Ride with majestic sway ;
Go forth, great Prince, triumphantly,
And make thy foes obey.
And when thy victories are complete, —
When all the chosen race
Shall round the throne of glory meet
To sing thy conquering grace, —
Oh may my humble soul be found
Among that glorious throng ;
And I with them thy praise will sound
In heaven's immortal song.
46 BAPTIST HY3HN WRITERS
ANNE STEELE.
1716-1778.
More than one hundred of Miss Steele's hymns are
found in our modern compilations. Of no other Bap-
tist hymn writer can this be said. Indeed, as Dr. Hat-
field ("Poets of the Church," p. 570) remarks, "No
one of the gentler sex has so largely contributed to
the familiar hymnology of the church as the modest
and retiring, but gifted and godly, Anne Steele. She
may well be styled the female ' Poet of the Sanctu-
ary.' " She was the eldest daughter of William Steele,
a timber merchant, who for thirty years was a deacon
and occasional preacher in the Baptist church at
Broughton, and for a like period was the beloved pas-
tor of the church, without salary. Born at Brough-
ton in 1716, she became in early life a member of her
father's church. From childhood she was an invahd,
and at times a great sufferer. When she was twenty-
one years of age, the young man to whom she was
engaged to be married was drowned while bathing, the
day before the wedding was to take place. She could
say mth the Psalmist, " All thy waves and thy billows
are gone over me." Yet heart-broken, she did not
yield to despair, but made herself a ministering spirit,
devoting her life to deeds of love and mercy. Many
of her hymns, written to lighten her own burdens,
give beautiful expression to the sweetness of her
Christian character, and the depth of her Christian
experience. The death of her greatly venerated
father, Sept. 10, 1769, is said to have hastened her
own death, which occurred in November, 1778, at the
age of sixty-one.
The closing scenes in Miss Steele's life are thus de-
scribed by Dr. Evans : " Having been confined to her
chamber for some years, she had long waited with
Christian dignity for the hour of her departure. And
AKD THEIR HYMNS. 47
when the time came, she welcomed its arrival; and
though her feeble body was excruciated with pain, her
mind was perfectly serene. She took a most affec-
tionate leave of her weejDing friends around her, and
at length, the happy moment of her dismission arriv-
ing, she closed her e3^es, and with these words upon
her dying lips, '1 know that my Redeemer Hveth,'
gently fell asleep in Jesus." She was buried in
Broughton churchyard, and the following lines were
inscribed upon her tomb :
Silent the lyre, and dumb the tuneful tongue
That sung on earth her great Redeemer's praise;
But now in heaven she joins the angel's song,
In more harmonious, more exalted lays.
Miss Steele's first publication appeared in 1760, in
two volumes, under the title " Poems, on Subjects
Chiefly Devotional," by " Theodosia." The following
entry in her father's diary, under date November 29,
1757, seems to have reference to this publication :
" This day Nanny sent part of her composition to London
to be printed. I entreat a gracious God, who enabled
and stirred her up to such a work, to direct in it, and
bless it for the good of many. . . I pray God to make
it useful, and keep her humble." October, 1759, he
wrote : " Her brother brought with him her poetry,
not yet bound. I earnestly desire the blessing of God
upon that work, that it may be made very useful."
After her death these two volumes of her "Poems,"
with a third prepared by herself, were published
(1780), by Rev. Caleb Evans, d.d., of Bristol. It is
said it was in a collection of hymns compiled by Dr.
Evans and Dr. John Ash, published in 1769, that
Miss Steele's hymns were first made available for gen-
eral use in religious worship.
The most familiar of her hymns is that commencing
Father, whate'er of earthly bliss.
48 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In its original form this hymn contains ten stanzas, as
follows :
When I survey life's varied scene,
Amid the darkest hours,
Sweet rays of comfort shine between,
And thorns are mixed with flowers.
Lord, teach me to adore thy hand,
From whence my comforts flow,
And let me in this desert land
A glimpse of Canaan know.
Is health and ease my happy share ?
Oh may I bless my God ;
Thy kindness let my songs declare.
And spread thy praise abroad.
While such delightful gifts as these
Are kindly dealt to me,
Be all my hours of health and ease
Devoted, Lord, to thee.
In griefs and pains thy sacred word
(Dear solace of my soul!)
Celestial comforts can afford.
And all their power control.
When present sufferings pain my heart.
Or future terrors rise.
And light and hope almost depart
From these dejected eyes,
Thy powerful word supports my hope.
Sweet cordial of the mind,
And bears ray fainting spirit up.
And bids me wait resigned.
And oh, whate'er of earthly bliss
Thy sovereign hand denies.
Accepted at thy throne of grace,
Let this petition rise;
" Give me a calm, a thankful heart,
From every murmur free ;
The blessings of thy grace impart,
And let me live to thee.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 49
" Let the sweet hope that thou art mine,
My path of life attend ;
Thy presence through my journey shine,
And bless its happy end."
BENJAMIN BEDDOME.
1717-1795.
For fifty-two years Benjamin Beddome was the
beloved pastor of the Baptist church at Bourton-on-
the- Water, in the eastern part of Gloucestershire. He
was born at Henley-in-Arden, a market town near
Warwick, January 23, 1717. In 1724, his father, Rev.
John Beddome, removed to Bristol, where he became
a co-pastor of the Pithay Baptist church. Here Ben-
jamin Beddome spent his youth, and in due time he
was apprenticed to a surgeon and apothecary. His
conversion occurred in connection with a sermon which
was preached August 7, 1737, by Rev. Mr. Ware, in
his father's church at Bristol, from the text, Luke xv. 7,
"Likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth," etc. At the expiration of his apprentice-
ship he entered upon a course of study preparatory
to the work of the Christian ministry, first under Mr.
Bernard Foskett, then tutor in the Baptist Academy,
Bristol, and afterward at the Independent Academy
in London, under the learned Rev. John Eames. He
was baptized in London, September 27, 1739, by Rev.
Samuel Wilson, and united with the Baptist church in
Goodman's Fields. By this church he was called to
preach. The church in Bourton was at that time pas-
torless, and Mr. Beddome was invited to supply the
pulpit. His labors were acceptable, and he preached
both at Bourton and Warwick. At length, in answer
to repeated solicitations, he accepted the pastorate of
4
50 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the church at Bourton, and he was ordained Septem-
ber 23, 1743. Dr. Joseph Stennett preached the ser-
mon from the text, " Obey them that have the rule
over you," etc., Heb. xiii. 17. December 27, 1749, he
married EHzabeth Boswell, a daughter of one of his
deacons. Some Hues composed by Mr. Beddome
"about the year 1742," were happily prophetic :
Lord, in my soul implant thy fear,
Let faith, and hope, and love be there;
Preserve me from prevailing vice
When Satan tempts, or lusts entice!
Of friendship's sweets may I partake,
Nor be forsaken, nor forsake 1
Let moderate plenty crown my board,
And God for all be still adored !
Let the companion of my youth
Be one of innocence and truth ;
Let modest charms adorn her face,
And give her thy superior grace ;
By heavenly art first make her thine,
Then make her willing to be mine!
My dwelling-place let Bourton be,
There let me live and live to thee!
By his faithful ministrations Mr. Beddome greatly
endeared himself to his people. After the death of
Rev. Samuel Wilson, Mr. Beddome was invited to be-
come Mr. Wilson's successor.* Call after call was sent
to him, and declined. At length, so importunate were
the brethren in London that Mr. Beddome asked the
people to make the decision for him. They sent a
prompt refusal to London, and Mr. Beddome remained
at Bourton until his death.
He seems to have exercised his poetical gift through-
out his ministry. It was his custom to prepare a
hymn to be sung after his morning's sermon each
Lord's-day. A promising son, who had just completed
his medical studies, died in Edinburgh, January 4,
1778. That day, not knowing of his son's death, not
having been informed even of his sickness, he preached
AND THEIR HYMNS. 51
from Psalms xxxi. 15, "My times are in thy hand."
The hymn which he had composed for the day was
the now famihar one, commencing
My times of sorrow, and of joy,
Great God, are in thy hand,
My choicest comforts come from thee,
And go at thy command.
One of his best hymns Mr. Beddome wrote after re-
covering from a severe illness. He had first written a
hymn of gratitude for his restoration to health. On
further reflection he wrote these lines :
If I must die, O let me die
Trusting in Jesus' blood!
That blood which hath atonement made.
And reconciles to God.
If I must die, then let me die
In peace with all mankind.
And change these fleeting joys below
For pleasures more refined.
If I must die, as die I must.
Let some kind seraph come,
And bear me on his friendly wing
To my celestial home!
Of Canaan's land from Pisgah's top
May I but have a view !
Though Jordan should o'erflow its banks,
I '11 boldly venture through.
Mr. Beddome lived to a ripe old age, and died after
a long illness, September 3, 1795, having been en-
gaged in writing a hymn only a few hours before his
departure. Beside a Circular Letter of the Midland
Association for 1765, his only publication was a
"Scriptural Exposition on the Baptist Catechism by
way of Question and Answer," which appeared in
1752. A second edition was printed in 1776. Ten
years after his decease two volumes of his sermons
were published, and a third volume appeared in 1835.
52 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
A volume of his hjrmns was published in 1818, en-
titled "Hymns Adapted to Public Worship or Family
Devotion. Now first published from the manuscripts
of the late Rev. B. Beddome, a.m. With a Recom-
mendator}^ Preface by the Rev. R. Hall, a.m." The
volume contained 822 hymns and 8 doxologies. Of
these more than fifty had appeared in Rippon's "Se-
lection," and so had found their way into other collec-
tions. The most famihar of these hymns are
" Did Christ o'er sinners weep,"
"And must I part with all I have,"
" Let party names no more,"
" Come, Holy Spirit, come,"
" Jesus, my Lord, my chief delight,"
" If Christ is mine, then all is mine,"
" Prayer is the breath of God in man,"
" God in the Gospel of his Son,"
. " Blest Comforter, divine,"
" Buried beneath the yielding wave."
Of Beddome' s hymns, Montgomery says they are
"very agreeable as well as impressive, being for the
most part brief and pithy. A single idea, always im-
portant, often striking, and sometimes ingeniously
brought out, not with a mere point at the end, but
with the terseness and simjDlicity of the Greek epi-
gram, constitutes the basis of each piece."
The honorary degree of a.m. was conferred upon
Mr. Beddome in 1770, by Rhode Island College, now
Brown University.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 53
EDMUND JONES.
1722-1765.
jThe well known hymn, commencing
Come, humble sinner, in whose breast,
is ascribed by Dr. Joseph Belcher (" Historical Sketches
of Hymns/' p. 175) to Rev. Edmund Jones, "a highly
popular Welsh Baptist preacher of the last century,"
who resided at Trevecca, Wales. This is an error: its
author was an esteemed English Baptist pastor of the
same name. The hymn first appeared in Rippon's
"Selection" (1787), ascribed to Edmund Jones, and in
a foot note Dr. Rippon says : " The Rev. Mr. Jones
was a truly worthy pastor of the Baptist church at
Exon, Devon. His successor, was my very amiable
friend, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Lewis, to whose memory
this page is sacred." Rev. Wm. Parkinson introduced
this hymn into his " Selection of Hymns and Spiritual
Songs" (New York, 1809), and in a note referring to the
hymn, following Dr. Rippon, he says: "Mr. Jones
was a truly worthy pastor of the Baptist church in
Exeter, Devon."
Rev. Edmund Jones was a son of Rev. Philip Jones,
and was born in 1722, at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
His boyhood, for the most part, was spent at Up-
ton-on-Severn, Worcestershire, where his father had
become pastor of the Baptist church. Of this church,
at an early age, Edmund became a member. Later
he was sent to the Baptist College at Bristol, where he
entered upon a course of study preparatory to the
work of the Christian ministry. In 1741, he was
invited to supply the pulpit of the Baptist church in
Exeter. His services were so acceptable that in 1743,
he was ordained as pastor of the church. In this po-
sition he remained until his death, April 15, 1765.
Like many of the Baptist churches in England; the
54 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
church at Exeter, when Mr. Jones became its pastor,
did not make singing a part of the Sunday service.
Mr. Jones succeeded in bringing about a change, and
the ser^dce of song was introduced in 1759. The
hymn above referred to was doubtless one of others
which Mr. Jones composed for this service. In Rippon's
^'Selection" it is entitled, "The Successful Resolve — I
will go in unto the King. Esther iv. IG," and is as
follows :
Come, humble sinner, in whose breast
A thousand thoughts revolve,
Come, with your guilt and fear opprest,
And make this last resolve.
" I '11 go to Jesus, tho' my sin
Hath like a mountain rose ;
I know his courts, I '11 enter in,
Whatever may oppose.
" Prostrate I '11 lie before his throne,
And there my guilt confess,
I '11 tell him I 'm a wretch undone
"Without his sovereign grace.
" I '11 to the gracious King approach,
Whose sceptre pardon gives.
Perhaps he may command my touch ,
And then the suppliant lives.
" Perhaps he will admit my plea,
Perhaps will hear my prayer ;
But if I perish I will pray.
And perish only there.
" I can but perish if I go,
I am resolved to try;
For if I stay away, I know
I must forever die."
In an article in the New York Evangelist, Rev.
Henry A. Nelson, d.d., says : " In some editions this
hymn is printed ' come, trembling sinner,' and in
some, 'come, humble sinner.' In either form it is a
AND THEIR HYMNS. 55
precious hymn to me, but I rather prefer the first, ' come,
trembling sinner.' My first recollection of the hymn
goes back to a solemn hour, when I surely was a 'tremh-
Ung sinner,' whether a ' humble ' one or not. How
vividly I remember it ! I was sitting in the chimney-
corner of the big farm-house fireplace, used for tJie
family cooking, as well as for warmth of the family
room. I was a sad and sorrowful little boy. Convic-
tion of sin had smitten me. Faitliful parental teach-
ing and faithful preaching had been energized by
God's spirit, bringing home God's condemning law to
my quickened conscience. 'Sin revived and I died.' I
knew I was wicked, I knew that ' God is angry with
the wicked every day.' I shuddered with fear of ^ the
wrath to come.' Much kind and sympathetic instruc-
tion had been given liie. but kind sympathy had not
been allowed to prevent fidelity. Very searching had
been the instruction given me at home and at church.
I feared the deserved wrath of God. I trembled in
anticipation of his judgment. I sat silent and gloomy
by the fireside. My sister, a few years older, had recent-
ly found the Savior. She had tasted and seen that the
Lord is gracious. She was a thoughtful, loving, not
talkative girl. She was busy before the fire with some
culinary work. She saw her little brother's counte-
nance sad. She knew what ailed him. She did not
try to talk to me. She opened her little hymn-book,
Nettleton's ' Village Hymns,' to the place where that
hymn was printed, and silently handed it to me. I
remember no sermon, no talk, which helped me more
than that. The dear form and face on which that fire-
light shone in the old farm-house have remained viv-
idly pictured in my memory more than half a century,
and if I shall ever come to look on them again where
they now are, with the angels, I think as likely as not
the sight will first of all remind me of that look of
sisterly pity which lighted the way of that hymn to
my heart."
56 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
SAMUEL STENNETT.
1727-1795.
Samuel Stenn"ett was the great grandson of Rev.
Edward Stennett, a grandson of Rev. Joseph Sten-
nett, author of the hymn
Another six days' work is done,
and a son of Rev. Joseph Stennett, d.d., for many
years pastor of the Baptist church m Exeter, where
Samuel was born m 1727. Ten years later his father
removed to London, having accepted a call to the pas-
torate of the Baptist church in Little Wild Street,
Lincoln's Inn Fields. Of this church Samuel early
became a member. His studies were pursued first
under Rev. John Hubbard, an eminent theological in-
structor at Stepney, and afterward under the cele-
brated linguist, Dr. John Walker, of the Academy at
Mile End. "He was formed by nature and grace,"
says a writer in Rippon's "Register" (Vol. 2, p. 380),
"for the distinguished figure he afterward made. To
the strength of natural faculties, vigor of imagination,
and acuteness of judgment, of which he was possessed,
he had added, from his earliest years, so close an at-
tention to reflection and study that there was scarcely
a topic in science or literature, in religion or even pol-
itics, but he seemed to have investigated ; and so habit-
ual was it to him to arrange his ideas on the different
subjects, in a manner peculiar to himself, and yet quite
natural, that when a question, which to others was
new, unusual, or perplexed, had been proposed to him,
they were surprised to find how familiarly he was ac-
quainted with it."
In 1747, Mr. Stennett became his father's assistant,
and after the death of his father he was ordained as
his successor in the pastorate of the church in
Little Wild Street, June 1, 1758. J'The Baptist de-
nomination lay particularly near his heart, and his
AND THEIR HYMNS. 57
concern for it ran uniformly through his whole life."
In 1767, he received a call from the Sabbatarian Bap-
tist church, of which his grandfather was pastor ; but
though he did not accept the call, he preached for the
church every Saturday morning for twenty years.
In 1769, he published his volmnes of "Discourses
on Practical Religion." He was also the author of a
work entitled "Remarks on the Christian Ministers'
Reasons for Administering Baptism by Sprinkling,"
published in 1772. In 1775, he published "An An-
swer to the Christian Ministers' Reasons for Baptizing
Infants." This was followed in 1783, by "Discourses
on Domestic Duties"; in 1786, by "Discourses on the
Parable of the Sower"; and in 1790, by "Discourses
on the Divine Authority, and Various Uses of the
Holy Scriptures." All of his writings were marked by
great elegance of style. His scholarship was recog-
nized by King's College, Aberdeen, which;, in 1763, con-
ferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
He enjoyed the personal friendship of George III., and,
like his grandfather, could have held a high position
in the church of England if he had been willing to
renounce his Nonconformist principles.
Thirty-nine of liis hymns are found in Rippon's
"Selection" (1787). One of them is the famihar
hymn
Majestic sweetness sits enthroned.
Of his other hymns, the following are best known :
" On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,"
" How charming is the place,"
" Here at thy table, Lord, we meet,"
" Where two or three with sweet accord,"
" 'T is finished! so the Savior cried,"
" Come, every pious heart,"
" Prostrate, dear Jesus, at thy feet,"
" Xot all the nobles of the earth."
68 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The following hymn is the first in Rippon's "Se-
lection," and one of the best of Dr. Stennett's
compositions :
To God, the universal King,
Let all mankind their tribute bring:
All that have breath your voices raise
In songs of never-ceasing praise.
The spacious earth on which we tread,
And wider heavens stretched o'er our head,
A large and solemn temple frame,
To celebrate its Builder's fame.
Here the bright sun, that rules the day,
As through the sky he makes his way,
To all the world proclaims aloud
The boundless sovereignty of God.
"When from his courts the sun retires.
And with the day his voice expires,
The moon and stars adopt the song.
And through the night the praise prolong.
The listening earth with rapture hears
Th' harmonious music of the spheres;
And all her tribes the notes repeat.
That God is wise, and good, and great.
But man, endowed with nobler powers,
His God in nobler strains adores;
His is the gift to know the song,
As well as sing with tuneful tongue.
Dr. Stennett was honored with the friendship of the
philanthropist, John Howard, who was accustomed to
attend his meeting when in London. In a letter writ-
ten at Smyrna, August 11, 1786, Mr. Howard says:
"With unabated pleasure I have attended your minis-
try; no man ever entered more into my religious sen-
timents, or more happily expressed them. It was
some little disappointment when any one occcupied
your pulpit. Oh, sir, how many Sabbaths I ardently
long to spend in Little Wild Street: on those days I
AND THEIR HYMNS. 59
generally rest, or, if at sea, keep retired in my cabin.
It is you that preach, and I bless God I attend with
renewed pleasure. God in Christ is my rock, the por-
tion of my soul. I have little more to add — but ac-
cept my renewed thanks. I bless God for your minis-
try. I pray God reward you a thousand-fold."
Dr. Stennett died August 24, 1795, and was buried
in Bunhill Fields. John Gadsby, in his "Memoirs of
Hymn Writers and Compilers," says: "The death of
his wife greatly afflicted him, and seemed to deaden
him to the world. He appeared to have no further
desire to live in it. Just before he was confined to his
bed, he prayed earnestly in his family that God might
give him an easy passage out of life ; and God granted
him that wliich he requested."
JOHN FELLOWS.
1785.
The time and place of Mr. Fellows' birth are un-
known. In early life he resided at Bromsgrove, Wor-
cestershire, and Dr. Belcher speaks of him as a " j)^^^
shoemaker." Dr. Watts, in the " Bibliotheca Britan-
nica," and Allibone, in his " Critical Dictionary of
English Literature," call him a Methodist. He was
connected with the Calvinistic Methodists a large part
of his life, but in his later years he made his residence
in Birmingham, and there in 1780, according to Dr. Hat-
field ("Poets of the Church," p. 246), he was baptized
by Rev. Mr. Turner, and united with the Baptist church
in Cannon street. He had been a Baptist in sentiment,
however, for many years, as his hymns, dated 1773,
show, and as there is no record of his baptism at Bir-
mingham,— in fact, in the column of " Baptized," there
is a blank, — it is possible that he simply transferred his
60 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
church relations in that year. He died July 30th,
1785, not November 2, as some writers affirm.
Mr. Fellows was the author of a large number of
works, mostly in verse : among them " Grace Trium-
phant, a Sacred Poem in Nine Dialogues" (1770);
" Bromsgrove Elegy, in Blank Verse, on the Death of
the Rev. G. Whitefield " (1771); "An Elegy on the
Death of Dr. Gill" (1771); "Hymns on BeUevers'
Baptism" (1773); "Eloquent and Noble Defence of
the Gospel, in his three Celebrated Speeches, Para-
phrased in Blank Verse " (1775) ; " Hymns in a Great
Variety of Metres, on the Perfection of the Word of
God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ" (1776); "The
History of the Holy Bible, Attempted in Easy Verse"
(1777); "A Fair and Impartial Enquiry into the Rise,
etc., of the Church of Rome, in a Series of Familiar
Dialogues" (1779); and "A Protestant Catechism."
Of his hjnnns on baptism the following appeared in
the Comprehensive edition of Rippon's " Selection ":
" In Jordan's tide the Baptist stands,"
" Dear Lord, and will thy 'pardoning love,"
" Jesus, mighty King in Zion,"
" Great God, we in thy courts appear,"
" Go teach the nations and baptize,"
" Descend, celestial Dove."
Another,
Great things, O everlasting Son,
appears in the " Selection of Hymns for the Use of
Baptist Congregations" (1838). Three of the above
are found in the " Psalmist " (1843), and some of them
are found in more modern Baptist collections. The
following hymn ("Psalmist," 980) is found in Fellows'
" Infants Devoted to God but not Baptized " (1773):
Great God, now condescend
To bless our rising race;
Soon may their willing spirits bend
The subjects of thy grace.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 61
O, what a pure delight
Their happiness to see!
Our warmest wishes all unite
To lead their souls to thee.
O, grant thy spirit Lord,
Their hearts to sanctify ;
Remember now thy groans;
Our hope on thee rely.
Draw forth the melting tear,
The penitential sigh;
Inspire their hearts with faith sincere,
And fix their hopes on high.
These children now are thine ;
We give them back to thee ;
O, lead them, by thy grace divine,
Along the heavenly way.
This hymn, in a modified form, is found in the " Cal-
vary Selection of Spiritual Songs " (801), and in the
" Baptist Hymnal " (574).
WILLIAM TUCKER.
1731-1814.
William Tucker was born at Chard, Somerset,
March 27, 1731. Here he served an apprenticeship,
and then removed to London, where he came under
the influence of George Whitefield; and returning to
his native place, he brought with him the better pur-
poses he had formed. In 1764, he engaged in busi-
ness as a cutler and ironmonger. By study of the
Scriptures he was led to adopt Baptist views, and in
1765, he was baptized, and united with the Baptist
church in Chard. With this church his membership
continued forty-eight years, and to the last he adorned
62 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the profession he had made. He died February 2,
1814, in the eighty- third year of his age.
Mr. Tucker was an ardent advocate of Calvinism, in
such works as "Predestination Cahnly Considered,"
and "Arminianism Dissected." His hymns were first
published in the Gospel Magazine for 1772. They are
" O love beyond conception great,"
" Expand, my soul, arise and sing,"
"Fixed was the eternal state of man,"
and the following :
Amidst ten thousand anxiovis cares ,
The world and Satan's deep-laid snares.
This my incessant cry shall be,
" Jesus, reveal thyself to me! "
"When Sinai's awful thunder rolled,
And struck with terror all my soul,
No gleam of comfort could I see
Till Jesus was revealed to me.
When by temptations sore oppressed.
Distressful anguish fills my breast.
All, all is grief and misery
Till Jesus is revealed to me.
"When various lusts imperious rise,
And my unguarded soul surprise,
I 'm captive led, nor can get free
Till Christ reveals himself to me.
"When darkness thick as beamless night
Hides the loved Savior from my sight,
Nothing but this my ardent plea,
" Jesus, reveal thyself to me! "
'T is he dispels the dismal gloom ,
Gives light and gladness in its I'oom.
Then have I joy and liberty
As Christ reveals himself to me.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 63
CHARLES COLE.
1733-1813.
Rev. CnAELES Cole was born in Wellow, Somerset-
shire, May 20, 1733. His parents died when he was
six years of age. For awhile he was cared for by his
relatives; and having early learned to weave broad-
cloth, he went to Freshford, near Bradford, Wilts. At
Bradford he witnessed the administration of the ordi-
nance of baptism by Mr. Harris, pastor of the Baptist
church in Bradford. Such an impression was made
upon his mind at this time that he was led after
awhile, against his inclinations, to attend Mr. Harris'
services. Soon after he accepted Christ as his Savior,
and in February, 1756, he was baptized, and united
with the Bradford church. Two years later he was
called by the church to the work of the ministry. He
preached his first sermon at Wliitechurch, in May,
1758, and was in\dted by the church to supply the
pulpit that year. At the close of the year he received
a unanimous call to the pastorate. His ordination
Occurred Jun^ 6, 1759. The Lord greatly blessed his
labors, and the church was enlarged fourfold under
his ministry, which continued until his death, Decem-
ber 3, 1813, a period of more than half a century.
In 1789, he published a volume entitled "A Three-
Fold Alphabet of New Hymns. I. On the Public
Ministry of the Word. II. On Baptism. III. On the
Lord's Supper. To which is added a Supplicatory
Supplement." Number 8 of the Supplement is as
follows :
Lord, in thy churches ever dwell,
Let them enjoy thy tender care;
Do Zion good in thy good will,
And grant thy choicest blessings there.
64 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Let thy salvation be proclaimed
By such as know and love the same;
Nor let thy servants be ashamed
To shout thy great and glorious name.
Let sinners hear the Gospel, Lord,
And let them feel its power, too ;
That to thy praise they may record
What thy victorious grace can do.
Let Zion's gates with glory shine;
There let thy joyful presence rest;
Let love and peace and pleasure join,
And prosper those whom thou hast blest.
The Lord is good; let Israel hope,
For his good will is toward them;
The Lord is good, and buildeth up
The walls of his Jerusalem.
JAMES NEWTON.
1733-1790.
Concerning the early life of Mr. Newton, little is
known. He was born in Chenies, Biicliinghamstiire,
in 1733, and from pious parents he received a careful
Christian training. When seventeen years of age, he
went to London, where he united with the Baptist
church at Maze Pond, then under the pastoral charge
of Rev. Benjamin Wallin. Possessing a studious turn
of mind and an ardent thirst for knowledge, he was at
length persuaded to devote himself to the work of the
Christian ministry. His preparatory studies were pur-
sued under the direction of Dr. Thomas Llewellyn,
and about the year 1757, he accepted an invitation
from the Baptist church in the Pithay, Bristol, to
become the colleague of Rev. John Tommas, and with
this church he remained until his death. In 1770, at
the formation of the Bristol Education Society, an
AND THEIR HYMNS. 65
organization for the education of candidates for the
ministry, he was chosen classical tutor in the Baptist
College at Bristol, being associated with Dr. Caleb
Evans and Rev. Hugh Evans. For this position he
was admirably fitted. With the Latin and Greek
classics, the Hebrew Scriptures, and the writings of the
Talmudists, he was intimately acquainted, and he
continued to teach as well as to preach, until the close
of life. He died April 8, 1790, greatly lamented by
his flock as well as by all those who had shared his
instructions.
He left in manuscript a volume of original hymns,
which Dr. Belcher, in his notice of Newton, says he
placed in the library of Regents Park College, London.
In the " Collection of Hymns " compiled by Dr. John
Ash and Dr. Caleb Evans, and published at Bristol in
1769, is the following baptismal hymn (371) by Mr.
Newton :
" Proclaim," said Christ, " my wondrous grace,
To all the sons of men;
He that believes, and is baptized
Salvation shall obtain."
Let plenteous grace descend on those
Who, hoping in thy word,
Tliis day have publicly declared
That Jesus is their Lord.
"With cheerful feet may they go on,
And run the Christian race ;
And in the troubles of the way,
Find all sufficient grace.
This hymn was transferred by Rippon to his "Selec-
tion" (469), and appears in other English Baptist
hymn books, commencing with the second stanza. In
the "Psalmist" the following stanza is added :
Lord, plant us all into thy death,
That we thy life may prove —
Partakers of thy cross beneath,
And of thy crown above.
5
66 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BENJAMIN FRANCIS.
1734-1799.
Of the early life of Benjamin Francis, little is
known. He was a Welshman, and was born in 1734.
At fifteen years of age he united with the Baptist
church in his native town, and three years later he
entered Bristol College with the purpose of preparing
himself for the work of the Christian ministry. Hav-
ing completed his studies, he preached a short time at
Sodbury. In 1757, he accepted a call to the pastorate
of the Baptist church in Shortwood (Horsley), Glou-
cestershire, and was ordained in the following year.
Under his unwearied labors and earnest preaching the
church greatly prospered, and thrice it was found
necessary to enlarge the meeting-house. One of his.
hymnSj
Great King of glory, come,
was written for the rededication, September 18, 1774,
of his meeting-house after one of its enlargements.
He preached also in surrounding villages, and as his
fame increased he was summoned to minister in dis-
tant places. Calls came to him from London and else-
where, but in his affection for the people among whom
he was ordained, he was immovable, and he made
Shortwood his home until his death, December 14,
1799. A few days before his death he said, "If I could
mention nothing of former experiences, I can, /
can, at this moment go to Jesus as a poor sinner,
lon2:ing; for salvation in his own sovereiu-n way." His
life was one of usefulness and honor from its begin-
ning to its close.
Mr. Francis was the author of "Conflagration; a
Poem in Four Parts" (1770); "An Elegv on the Death
of Rev. G. Whitefield" (1770); two volumes of Welsh
Hymns (1774, 1786); and "An Elegy on the Death of
And their hymns. 67
the Rev. Caleb Evans, d.d." (1791). In Vol. 2 of Rip-
jDon's "Register" (pages 327, 328) there is a poem
by Mr. Francis, entitled "The Dying Christian Bidding
Adieu to the World," occasioned by the death of sev-
eral eminent ministers and laymen, commencing
Ye objects of sense and enjoyments of time,
Which oft have delighted my heart,
I soon shall exchange you for views more sublime,
And joys that shall never depart.
In volume 3 of the "Register" (pages 204-208), Mr.
Francis has, in forty-four stanzas, " An Affectionate Ad-
dress to the Stockbridge Indians, Occasioned by, and
Founded upon, their Correspondence with the New
York Baptist Association." One of the stanzas is as
follows :
The glorious light of truth divine
Shall o'er your gloomy regions shine;
And in your long-benighted skies
The Sun of Righteousness shall rise.
He wrote also a few other hymns in English for spe-
cial occasions.
One of the best known of his hymns is the fol-
lowing :
My gracious Eedeemer I love,
His praises aloud I '11 proclaim,
And join with the armies above,
To shout hi* adorable name.
To gaze on his glories divine
Shall be my eternal employ;
To see them incessantly shine,
My boundless, ineffable joy.
He freely redeemed, with his blood,
My soul from the confines of hell,
To live on the smiles of my God,
And in his sweet presence to dwell,
To shine with the angels of light,
With saints and with seraphs to sing,
To view, with eternal delight,
My Jesus, my Savior, my King.
68 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In Meshech, as yet, I reside,
A darksome and restless abode!
Molested with foes on each side,
And longing to dwell with my God.
O, when shall my spirit exchange
This cell of corruptible clay,
For mansions celestial, and range
Thro' realms of ineffable day.
My glorious Redeemer; I long
To see thee descend on the cloud,
Amidst the bright numberless throng,
And mix with the triumphing crowd;
O, when wilt thou bid me ascend.
To join in thy praises above.
To gaze on thee, world without end,
And feast on thy ravishing love.
Nor sorrow, nor sickness, nor pain,
Nor sin, nor temptation, nor fear,
Shall ever molest me again,
Perfection of glory reigns there.
This soul and this body shall shine
In robes of salvation and praise,
And banquet on pleasures divine.
Where God his full beauty displays.
Ye palaces, sceptres, and crowns.
Your pride with disdain I survey;
Your pomps are but shadows and sounds,
And pass in a moment away ;
The crown that my Savior bestows,
Yon permanent sun shall outshine;
My joy everlastingly flows,
My God, my Redeemer, is mine.
In the form in which it now appears, the famihar
hymn
Jesus, and shall it ever be,
of which Joseph Grigg was the original author, was
re-written by Mr. Francis for Rippon's " Selection."
William Carey, writing to Dr. Rippon from Seram-
pore, April 8, 1801, referring to a baptism at Seram-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 69
pore on the last Sabbath of 1800, one of the candi-
dates being his son, says: "The ordinance was admin-
istered in the river, just opposite to our house. The
river here is a full half mile wide. We had a good
number of people, Europeans, Portuguese (natives),
and Hindoos. I addressed them in the Beng-al tons-ue.
We sung a Bengal translation of the 451st hymn of
your ' Selection,'
Jesus, and shall it ever be,
after which I prayed, and descended into the water."
ROBERT ROBINSON.
1735-1790.
Few hjrmns in the English language have more fre-
quently given expression to the desires of pious hearts
than the one commencing
Come, thou fount of every blessing.
Its author, Robert Robinson, was born in Swaffham,
Norfolk, September 27, 1735. In his eighth year
his parents removed to Scarning, in the same county,
where he received excellent instruction in an endowed
grammar school. In his fourteenth year, the death of
his father reduced the family to poverty, and Robert
was apprenticed to a hairdresser in London. He had
acquired a love of learning, however, and his fondness
for books followed him. By early rising he continued
his study of the classics, and was more ready to give
attention to such books as came in his way than to
business.
May 24, 1752, in his seventeenth year, he went to
hear Whitefield preach. In a letter to Whitefield,
70. BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
written six years later, he says : " I confess it was to
spy the nakedness of the land I came — to pity the
foily of the preacher, the infatuation of the hearers,
and to abhor the doctrine." Whitefield's text was
Matt. iii. 7. Of the sermon Mr. Robinson says : "Mr.
Whitefield described the Sadducean character : this did
not touch me. I thought myself as good a Christian
as any man in England. From this he went to that of
the Pharisees. He described their exterior decency, but
observed that the poison of the viper rankled in their
hearts. This rather shook me. At length, in the
course of his sermon, he abruptly broke off, paused
for a few moments, then burst into a flood of tears,
lifted up his hands and eyes, and exclaimed, ' Oh, my
hearers, the wrath's to come! the wrath's to comef
These words sank into my heart like lead in the waters.
I wept, and when the sermon was ended retired alone.
For days and weeks I could think of little else. Those
awful words would follow me wherever I went."
They followed him two years and seven months before
peace came to his troubled soul. December 10, 1755,
to use his own words, he " found full and free forgive-
ness through the precious blood of Jesus Christ."
For some time after completing his apprqnticeship,
he continued at his employment in London. After
hearing Wesley and Whitefield, and associating with
them in Christian work, while visiting friends at Mil-
denhall, in Norfolk, in 1758, he was requested to
preach, by some Christians there " who had the word
preached but now and then." He yielded to their
earnest solicitations, and subsequently preached in
Norwich. The people flocked in crowds to hear him,
and his preaching was in demonstration of the spirit
and with power.
At this time he had not formally separated from the
church of Eno-land, and a rich relative made liberal
inducements to him if he would leave the " Metho-
dists " and take orders in the Established Church ; but
AND THEIR HYMNS. 71
he declined. About this time doubts were awakened
in his mind concerning infant baptism. These led to
an examination of the subject, and as a result of his
investigations he became a Baptist. Not long after
he was invited to preach by the Baptist church in
Cambridge, though he did not accept the pastoral
office until nearly two years later. He was ordained
June 11, 1761. At Cambridge his success was mar-
velous. " Members of the University, and other
hearers, who had never in their lives entered a Baptist
meeting-house, became regular attendants. In 1764,
a new edifice, capable of seating six hundred persons,
was built and paid for. V/hile thus prospering in his
ministry in this University town, he enlarged the circle
of his influence by extensive village preaching in the
surrounding country, and wherever he went ' the
common people heard him gladly.' "
In the year 1770, he entered upon an extended lit-
erary career. In 1774, he published his " Arcana; or
the Principles of the late Petitioners to Parliament for
Relief in the Matter of Subscription." This was a
masterly defence of the principles of nonconformity.
A translation of " Saurin's Sermons," in five volumes,
with a " Memoir of Saurin and the French Reforma-
tion," followed in 1775-1782. In 1776, he published
"A Plea for the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ";
in 1777, "^ An Essay on the Composition of a Sermon";
in 1778, "A Plan of Lectures on the Principles of Non-
conformity "; in 1780, " The General Doctrine of Tol-
eration applied to the Particular Case of Free Com-
munion"; in 1782, his "Political Catechism"; and in
1786, a volume of "Village Sermons." In 1781, at
the request of the Baptists in London, he commenced
a "History of the Baptists," but the work proved to be
a greater one than he was able to perform. As the
result of his labors, however, we have his " History of
Baptism," which was published in 1790, and "Eccle-
siastical Researches," which appeared in 1792, two
years after his death.
72 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Miller (" Singers and Songs of the Church," p. 266)
says that about the year 1780, Mr. Robinson " began
to separate from his former rehgious associates, and to
take pleasure in the society of such men as Paulus and
Dr. Priestly"; and he quotes from Robinson's biogra-
pher. Rev. William Robinson, the statement that " he
was one of the most decided Unitarians of the as-e."
Duffield ("English Hymns," pp. 355, 356) says that
this statement is unfair, and refers to a sermon by
Robinson, in a volume published in 1786, entitled
" The death of Jesus Christ obtained the remission of
sins," as a vindication of Robinson's substantial ortho-
doxy. I find in Rippon's "Register," Vol. 3, p. 721,
" A Sermon by the late Rev. Robert Robinson, of Cam-
bridge, Preached at Rev. Mr. Britton's, Sabbath
evening, September 14, 1781." It will be seen that
this sermon was preached after the time when Mr.
Robinson is said to have become a Unitarian, but in it
he says of Christ, "he was God"; and in another pas-
sage he adds, " Christ, in himself, is a person infinitely
lovely both as God and man." He certainly was not
a Unitarian when he preached this sermon, which
throughout is deeply evangelical in doctrine and
spirit. Mr. Robinson was an intimate friend of Dr.
Priestly, and the latter's views may, as Mr. Duffield
suggests, have " affected the judgment of those who
were disposed to think uncharitably of the preacher
of Cambridge." Mr. Robinson died at Birmingham,
where he had gone to preach for Dr. Priestly. The
celebrated Robert Hall was his successor in the pastor-
ate at Cambridge. Having been shown a copy of an
epitaph which it was proposed to place upon the wall
of the church in Birmingham, where Mr. Rol)inson
last preached, Mr. Hall prepared a substitute as fol-
lows : " Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Robert
Robinson, of Cambridge, the intrepid champion of lib-
erty, civil and religious. Endowed with a genius bril-
liant and penetrating, united to an indefatigable Indus-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 73
try, his mind was richly furnished with an inexhausti-
ble variety of knowledge, his eloquence was the
delight of every assembly, and his conversation the
charm of every private circle. In him the erudition
of the scholar, the discrimination of the historian, and
the boldness of the reformer, were united in an emi-
nent deoree with the virtues which adorn the man and
o
the Christian. He died at Birmingham, on the 8th of
June, 1790, aged 54 years, and was buried near this
spot."
Robinson was the author of two well known hymns.
One, commencing
Mighty God, while angels bless thee,
had this origin, according to Dr. Joseph Belcher: "It
was composed for the use of Benjamin Williams, dea-
con of the Baptist church at Reading. Benjamin was
a favorite of Robinson when a boy. One day the
poet took the boy into his lap, and under the influence
of that affectionate feeling which a child's love in-
spires, he wrote :
Mighty God, while angels bless thee,
May an infant praise thy name ?
Lord of men as well as angels,
Thou art every creature's theme.
So far the poet's mind seems to have been influenced
by the child he was holding. But a warm glow of
religious feeling was awakened within him, and the
second stanza was one of remarkable fervor and
power :
Lord of every land and nation,.
Ancient of eternal days,
Sounded through the whole creation,
Be thy just and lawful praise.
After completing the whole hymn, he read it to the
child, and put it playfully into his hand. Well do
we remember," adds Dr. Belcher, "the deep feeling
74 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
with which Dea. Williams described to us the scene,
as we sat with him by his own fireside."
The remainder of this hymn is as follows :
Tor the grandeur of tliy nature,
Grand beyond a seraph's thought;
For created works of power, —
Works with skill and kindness wrought;
For thy providence, that governs
Thro' thine empii-e's wide domain;
"Wings an angel, guides a sparrow;
Blessed be thy gentle reign.
But thy rich, thy free redemption,
Dark through brightness all along;
Thought is poor, and poor expression,
"Who dare sing that awful song ?
Brightness of the Father's glory,
Shall thy praise unuttered lie ?
Fly, my tongue, such guilty silence!
Sing the Lord who came to die.
Did archangels sing thy coming ?
Did the shepherds learn their lays ?
Shame would cover me ungrateful,
Should my tongue refuse to praise.
From the highest throne in glory,
To the cross of deepest woe;
All to ransom guilty captives;
Flow my praise, forever flow.
Go, return, immortal Savior!
Leave thy footstool, take thy throne;
Thence return, and reign forever,
Be the kingdom all thine own.
The only other hymn known to have been written
by Mr. Robinson, is that to which reference has al-
ready been made,
Come, thou fount of every blessing.
The late Daniel Sedgwick, a well known hjnnnolo-
gist, asserted the claim that the Countess of Hunting-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 75
don was the author of this hymn. The claim was
based, he said, upon evidence afforded by a manuscript
in his possession, "in which the hymn is attributed to
her by her friend Diana Vandeleur, afterward Diana
Bindon." The claim, however, has been successfully
controverted by Miller ("Singers and Songs of the
Church," pp. 267, 268).
In this hymn I cannot but think that we have an
echo of Robinsoti's own experience in the lines,
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.
I love also to think that in Robinson's own life, on
to its close, the prayer was answered,
Oh! to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I 'm constrained to be ;
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.
SAMUEL MEDLEY.
1738-1799.
The author of the well known hjonn
O could I speak the matchless worth
was born June 23, 1738, at Chestnut, Hertfordshire,
where his father, a friend of Sir Isaac Newton, kept a
boarding-school. When fourteen years of age he was
apprenticed to an oil-dealer in London, but at seven-
teen years of age, becoming dissatisfied with his em-
ployment, he availed himself of the privilege of com-
pleting his apprenticeship in the royal navy. He en-
76 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
tered the service as a midshipman, and in a short time
was promoted to the position of master's mate. In a
sea fight off Cape Lagos, August 18, 1759, he was
severely wounded. On the return of the fleet he was
carried to the house of his grandfather, then deacon
of the Baptist church in Eagle Street, which was
under the pastoral care of Rev. Andrew Gifford, d.d.
The young officer had thus far led a wild life, but the
pious efforts of his grandfather to * induce him to
choose "the good part" were crowned with success,
and in December, 1760, he united with Mr. Gilford's
church.
Though jDromotion was promised to him, he now
abandoned the naval service, and having married in
1762, he opened a school in King Street, Soho, and
devoted himself to the study of the classics and sa-
cred literature. In August, 1766, he was licensed to
preach, and in the following year he became pastor of
the Baptist church in Watford, Hertfordshire, where
he remained until 1772, when he accepted a call to
the pastorate of the Baptist church in Liverpool. His
ministry here was greatly blessed, and he continued
to serve this church until his death, July, 1799, in the
sixty-first year of his age. He never forgot the expe-
riences of his early sailor life, and its familiar imagery
was present with him to the last. "I am a poor shat-
tered bark just about to gain the blissful harbor," he
said one day, just before his death; "and oh! how
sweet will be the port after the storm! But a point
or two more, and I shall be at my heavenly Father's
home."
Like other preachers of his time, he was accustomed
to write hymns to aid in enforcing the lessons of the
sermon. Miller (" Singers and Songs of the Church,"
p. 271, and he is followed by Hatfield, "Poets of the
Church," p. 418), says: "Thirty-six of his hymns were
printed as leaflets between 1786 and 1790. I have,
however, a copy of 'Hymns on Select Portions of
AND THEIR HYMNS. 77
Scripture,' by Mr. Medley, 2d Edition, Bristol, 1785."
In 1789, by request, Mr. Medley published a volume
of his hymns, and another and larger volume in 1794.
Doubtless it was from this edition of 1787 that Rev.
John Stanford, in his "Collection of Evangelical
Hymns," New York, took fifteen of Medley's hymns,
their first introduction, probably, into this country.
An enlai'ged edition, containing 230 hymns, was pub-
lished in 1800, the year following his death. It was
entitled "Hymns. The Public Worship and Private
Devotions of True Christians Assisted in Some
Thoughts in Verse; Principally Drawn from Select
Passages of the Word of God." His memoir, com-
piled by his son, was published the same year.
Quite a number of Medley's hymns are found in mod-
ern collections; and two, aside from the one referred
to at the beginning of this sketch, are still as familiar
as household words :
Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,
and
O what amazing words of grace
Are in the Gospel found.
Both of these hjmins, the first with eight stanzas
and the second with seven, are found in the collection
(2d Edition) pubhshed in Bristol in 1785. Duffield
("English Hymns," p. 623) says, "It was when Mr.
Medley was visiting at the house of a Mr. Phillips, a
prominent Baptist, in London, that he said to the
daughter of his host : ' Betsey, will 3^ou bring me some
paper and ink?' With these he retired to his room,
and presently came back with this hymn,
Awake, my soul, to joyful lays,
written. This 'Betsey,' who was born in 1783, be-
came Mrs. Dodds, and died in America, in 1861, and
these particulars came from her lips through relatives
residing in Washington, D. C. The date usually given
78 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
to the hymn is 1785, and Mr. Medley died in 1799. It
is therefore a later production than was supposed."
The fact that the hymn in question is in Medley's Col-
lection, published in 1785, shows that this is an error.
The following fine hymn (133) is certainly worthy
of a place with these :
Dearest of names, our Lord, our King !
Jesus thy praise we humbly sing;
In cheerful songs will spend our breath.
And in thee triumph over death.
Death is no more among our foes,
Since Christ the mighty conqueror rose;
Both power and sting the Savior broke,
He died, and gave the finished stroke.
Saints die, and we should gently weep;
Sweetl}^ in Jesus' arms they sleep;
Far from this world of sin and woe,
Nor sin, nor pain, nor grief they know.
Death no terrific foe appears,
An angel's lovely form he wears;
A friendly messenger he proves
To every soul whom Jesus loves.
Death is a sleep; and O, how sweet,
To souls prepared its stroke to meet !
Their dying beds, their graves are blessed.
For all to them is peace and rest.
Their bodies sleep, their souls take wing,
Uprise to heaven, and there they sing
With joy, before the Savior's face,
Triumphant in victorious grace.
Soon shall the earth's remotest bound
Feel the archangel's trumpet sound;
Then shall the graves' dark caverns shake,
And joyful, all the saints shall wake.
Bodies and souls shall then unite,
Arrayed in glory strong and bright;
And all his saints will Jesus bring,
His face to see, his love to sing.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 79
O, may I live with Jesus nigh,
And sleep in Jesus when I die!
Then joyful, when from death I wake,
I shall eternal bliss partake.
JOHN FAWCETT.
1739-1817.
The date of Dr. Fawcett's birth, as given above, is
old style, but according to our present reckoning, he
was born January 17, 1740. Rev. W. R. Stevenson,
of Nottingliam, who lias given much attention to Bap-
tist hymnology, writes : " This I learn from a valua-
ble book sent me by Dr. Fawcett's grandson, — a life
of Fawcett by his son who assisted him in his school.
I found it necessary to allow for the change of style,
in order to understand statements made in the book
concerning Dr. Fawcett's age at certain periods. In
the book itself, the date is given thus ' 1739 — 1740
(0. S.)' The elate usually given, in sketches of Dr.
Fawcett's life, is January 6, 1739."
Dr. Fawcett's birth-place was Lidget Green, near
Bradford, Yorkshire. His father died when he was
eleven years of age, leaving a widow and several
children in humble circumstances. When John was
thirteen years old, he was apprenticed to a trader in
Bradford, with whom he remained six years. During
his apprenticeship, when sixteen years old, he was
converted under the preaching of a sermon by George
Whitefield, from the text, John iii. 14 : " And as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so
must the Son of man be lifted up." Referring to this
sermon afterward, he wrote, "As long as life remains
I shall remember both the text and the sermon." For
awhile after his conversion, he attended the ser-
80 BAPTIST HYlVrN" WRITERS
vices of the church of England, but early in 1758,
he united with the Baptist church in Bradford, which
had just been organized.
He at once made himself useful in church work,
and soon the question came before him concerning his
duty to preach the gospel. No unworthy motives
should influence his decision. He wrote in his diary :
" 0 Lord, I know not what to do, but my eyes are
upon thee. If in thy wise counsel thou hast fixed
upon me to bear thy name to Gentile sinners, I earn-
estly implore that thou wouldst give me a right spirit,
and bestow upon me every needful qualification for
that most difficult and important work. If thou dost
not call me to do it, 0 Father, not my will, but thine
be done." The decision was at length made, and in
1763, at the request of his pastor, he began to preach.
In the following year, February, 1764, he became pas-
tor of the small Baptist church at Wainsgate, near
Halifax, West Riding, of Yorkshire, where he was
ordained July 31, 1765.
During his residence at Bradford, Dr. Fawcett had
written quite a number of short poems. These he
published in 1767, under the title " Poetic Essays."
In 1772, he went to London to preach for Dr. Gill,
the eminent expositor, then drawing near to the end
of his lono; and useful life. After Dr. Gill's decease
he was invited to become the expositor's successor.
It seemed to him his duty to accept. Says Dr. Belcher :
"He preached his farewell sermon to his church in
Yorkshire, and loaded six or seven wagons with his
furniture, books, etc., to be carried to his new residence.
All this time the members of his poor church were
almost broken-hearted ; fervently did they pray that
even now he might not leave them ; and, as the time
for his departure arrived, men, women, and children,
clung around him and his family in perfect agony of
soul. The last wagon was being loaded, when the
good man and his wife sat down on the packing cases
AND THEIR HYMNS. 81
to weep. Looking into his tearful face, while tears
like rain fell down her own cheeks, his devoted wife
said, ' Oh John, John, I cannot bear this ! I know not
how to go ! ' ' Nor I, either,' said the good man: 'nor
will we go ; unload #the wagons, and put everything in
the place where it was before.' The people cried for
joy. A letter was sent to London to tell them that
his coming to them was impossible ; and the good man
buckled on his armor for renewed labors, on a salary
of less than two hundred dollars a year."
It was to commemorate this incident in his life that
Fawcett wrote his well known hymn :
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
"We share our mutual woes ;
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
"When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain ;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way ;
"While each in expectation lives.
And longs to see the day.
From sorrow, toil and pain.
And sin, we shall be free; »
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
6
82 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
These lines have become dear to Christian hearts
wherever the Enghsh language is spoken.
In 1772, Fawcett published "The Christian's Hum-
ble Plea for his God and Savior ; in answer to several
Pamphlets lately published by the. Rev. Dr. Priestly."
In 1774 appeared " The Sick Man's Employ." In 1777
a new chapel, which would seat six hundred people,
was built for him at Hebden Bridge, near Wainsgate.
His residence was at Brearley Hall, in the village of
Midgley, in the same neighborhood, where he opened
a boarding-school, subsequently removed to Ewood
Hall, which he continued through life as an aid in the
support of his growing family. In 1778 he published
his " Advice to Youth, on the Advantages of Early»
Piety," which passed through several editions. His
hymn book appeared in 1782. It was entitled
" Hymns adapted to the Circumstances of Public
Worship and Private Devotion." It contained one
hundred and sixty-six hymns. Many of them were
written to be sung after the sermon to which they
had reference, and were composed in the midnight
hours preceding the Sabbath. An "Essay on Anger"
appeared in 1788. " The Cause of Christ; the Chris-
tian's Glory," and " Considerations in favor of the
newly organized Missionary Society," followed in 1793,
the "Life of the Rev. Oliver Heywood" in 1796,
and " Christ Precious to those that Believe" in 1799.
Dr. Fawcett was also the author of " The History of
John Wise," a book for children.
It is an evidence of Dr. Fawcett's high reputation
as a scholar and an educator that in 1793, after the
death of Dr. Caleb Evans, he was invited to succeed
the latter as President of the Baptist Academy at
Bristol, an honor which he declined. In 1811, he pub-
lished, as the fruit of his ripe biblical knowledge, his
" Devotional Family Bible." His life was one of suf-
fering as well as of toil, and his sufferings grew heavier
rather than lighter in the closing years of his life. A
AND THEIR HYMNS. 83
paralytic stroke, in February, 1816, was the occasion of
his relinquishment of pastoral work, and he died July
25, 1817, having as the end drew near devoutly ex-
claimed, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"
Dr. Belcher gives the following account of Dr.
Fawcett's last public service : " Let us take our last
look at this excellent minister of Jesus Christ. He
has ascended the pulpit at an association in Yorkshire.
A thousand eyes are fixed on him in love and admira-
tion, and all present express their conviction by words
and smiles, that a spiritual feast has been provided for
them. As a good soldier of Christ, he has endured
hardness for more than half a century. His praise
has been in all the churches, his ministry has been
greatly prized through the whole of that populous
district, and his usefulness has been honored at home
and abroad, in the college and in the place itself. He
has now come to bear his dying testimony to the doc-
trine of the cross, and to bid farewell to the ministers
and friends with whom he has been so long associated.
Many of them have a strong presentiment that they
shall see his face no more, and are prepared to receive
his message as from the lips of a man who has finished
his course, and now stands at the entrance of heaven.
As he rises in the pulpit, a deathlike silence over-
spreads the crowded congregation, and all ears are
opened to catch the words of inspiration. With a
tremulous voice, and with deep emotions, he reads the
text ; ^ This day I am going the way of all the earth,'
Josh, xxiii. 14, and long before he finished his discourse
the place became a Bochim — the house of God —
the gate of heaven. The sermon, which was commit-
ted to the press by the agency of its hearers, yet
exists as a monument to his love of truth, his holy
affection, and his zeal for the extension of the doc-
trines of sovereign mercy."
By some the hymn
Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing,
84 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
is ascribed to Fawcett. Among his hymns, still found
in the best collections, are the following :
"Religion is the chief concern,"
" How precious is the book divine,"
" Thy way, O God, is in the sea,"
" Thy presence, gracious God, afford,"
" Praise to thee, thou great Creator,"
" Thus far my God hath led me on,"
" "With humble heart and tongue."
The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was
conferred upon Mr. Fawcett by Brown University, in
1811.
JOHN LANGFORD.
The following hymn, found in many collections, has
long been ascribed to Rev. John Langford:
Kow begin the heavenly theme,
Sing aloud in Jesus' name!
Ye, who his salvation prove,
Triumph in redeeming love.
Ye, who see the Father's grace
Beaming in the Savior's face,
As to Canaan on ye move.
Praise and bless redeeming love.
Mourning souls, dry up your tears;
Banish all your guilty fears ;
See your guilt and curse remove,
Canceled by redeeming love.
Ye, alas I who long have been
Willing slaves of death and sin,
Now from bliss no longer rove;
Stop and taste redeeming love.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 85
Welcome all by sin opprest,
"Welcome to his sacred rest;
Nothing brought him from above,
Nothing but redeeming love.
When his spirit leads us home,
When we to his glory come,
We shall all the fullness prove
Of our Lord's redeeming love.
He subdued th' infernal powers,
Those tremendous foes of ours
From their cursed empire drove.
Mighty in redeeming love.
Hither, then, your music bring,
Strike aloud each cheerful string!
Mortals, join the host above.
Join to praise redeeming love.
It is now generally believed, however, that the au-
thorship of this hymn is erroneously ascribed to Lang-
ford. The hymn is found in a collection of "Hymns
and Spiritual Songs," published by Langford in 1776.
In a second edition he marked with an asterisk the
hymns which he had himself composed, and this hymn
is not so marked. It is to be found, too, in earlier
collections — in the Appendix to Madan's "Selection"
(1763), and in "A Collection of Hymns, by John Ed-
wards, Minister of the Gospel, Leeds, York. Second
Edition, 1769." As a writer of hymns, however,
Langford has a place in this volume.
Concerning John Langford, but little is now known.
He became pastor of the Baptist church in Blocks-
fields, Southwark, in 1775. There he remained twelve
years, and then removed to Rose Lane, Ratcliff, and
subsequently to Bunhill Row. He preached a sermon
on the death of Whitefield. His story seems to have
been a sad one. It is said that through an act of im-
prudence he was compelled to retire from the minis-
try, and that having inherited a fortune from a rela-
tive, he squandered it in extravagance, and ended his
days in beggary.
86 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN DRACUP.
1795.
Miller ("Singers and Songs of the Church," p. 279)
says: "Rev. John Dracup was for seventeen years
pastor of a Congregational church at Steep Lane,
Yorkshire. He afterward continued his ministry at
Rodhillena, near Todmorden, and at Rochdale. In
1784, having become a Baptist, he returned to his
first congregation at Steep Lane, and presided over
them for eleven years, till his death. May 28, 1795."
That an English Baptist minister should become pas-
tor of a Congregational church is not a thing unknown
in English ecclesiastical history, so that there is noth-
ing in the fact above stated that leads us to question
what Mr. Miller says. But Rippon, in his "Register,"
Vol. 3, p. 40, puts Steep Lane in his list of "Baptist
Churches in England," and in a note, referring to the
church at Steep Lane, he says: "In our list of 1794,
the name of Mr. John Dracup stood as pastor here.
This aoced and much esteemed servant of Christ fin-
ished his course with honor and tranquility in the lat-
ter end of May, 1795. And on the day his funeral
[sermon] was preached, his aged widow also expired.
They had lived happily together for a long course.
After his death Mr. William Wrathall, formerly at
Wainsgate [this was a Baptist church], became their
pastor, but removed from them to Bolton-le-Moor [also
a Baptist church], in Lancashire, about the close of
August, 1798. They are now supplied by a young
man of Mr. Fawcett's Academy," unquestionably a
Baptist. As Rippon prepared this note in 1798, there
can - be little doubt, it would seem, but that Miller is
mistaken.
Dracup published in 1787 his "Hymns and Spirit-
ual Songs," some of which had previously appeared in
Lady Huntingdon's "Select Collection." One of these
AND THEIR HYMNS. 87
hymns, somewhat altered, is to be found in "The
Hymn Book" edited by Rev. Andrew Reed, d.d., 1841,
19th Ed., 1868:
Thanks to thy name, O Lord, that we
One glorious Sabbath more behold;
Dear Shepherd, let us meet with thee
Among thy sheep, in this thy fold.
Now Lord, among thy tribes appear,
And let thy presence till the throng;
Thy awful voice let sinners hear,
And bid the feeble heart be strong.
Gather the lambs into thine arms,,
And satisfy their every want;
Those that are weak defend from harm,
And gently lead them, lest they faint.
Put forth thy shepherd's crook, and stay
Thy erring sheep, and bring them back;
O bring the wandering home today,
And save them for thy mercy's sake.
Dear tender-hearted Shepherd, look.
And let our wants thy pity move;
And kindly lead thy little flock
To the sweet pastures of thy love.
Another hymn by Dracup, commencing
Free grace to every heaven-born soul,
was inserted by Coughlan, in his selection in 1779.
GEORGE KEITH, R. KEENE.
In Rippon's "Selection" (1787) first appeared the
following well known hymn, afterward somewhat
abbreviated :
88 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word;
What more can he say than to you he hath said ?
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.
In every condition, in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
" As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
" Fear not, I am with thee, 0 be not dismayed,
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I '11 strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
" When thro' the deep waters I call thee to go.
The rivers of woe shall not th°e overfloAv;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
" When thro' fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
" Even down to old age, all my people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn.
Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.
" The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never — no never — no never forsake."
A note to the last line says, " Agreeable to Dr. Dod-
dridge's Translation of Heb. xiii. 5."
The only designation of authorship attached by Dr.
Rippon to this hymn is the letter "K." By some the
hymn has been ascribed to Thomas Kirkham, who
published a volume of hymns in 1788; but the hymn
is not in this collection. By others it has been as-
cribed to Caroline Keene, and by yet others to Rev.
William Kingsbury. According to the late D. Sedg-
wick, the well known hymnologist, it was written by
AND THEIR HYMKS. 89
George Keith, a London book publisher, and a son-in-
law of Dr. Rippon, who is said to have been a writer
of hymns, and to have led the singing in Dr. Rippon' s
church for many years. Accordingly, for some time
and in many collections, this hymn has been ascribed
to George Keith. But of late this claim has been
denied by prominent hymnologists. It is said that
according; to Wilson's "Dissenting Churches of Lon-
don," George Keith died in 1775. Why then should
Dr. Rippon, in 1787, have hesitated to affix his son-in-
law's name to this hymn, and the others in his collec-
tion marked "K.," if Keith was the author? But is
it true that George Keith, the publisher, died in 1775?
I have a volume of Fawcett's '"Hymns," printed by
G. Wright & Son, Leeds, York, in 1782, "and sold by
G. Keith, Grace Church Street," London. The refer-
ences to George Keith in Wilson's volumes are to per-
sons who evidently cannot be identified with George
Keith, the publisher, in Grace Church Street, London.
Rev. H. L. Hastings, editor of the "Christian," Bos-
ton, in May, 1887, made the following suggestion in
his paper: "In preparing hymns and music for 'Songs
of Pilgrimage,' we were led to go over not only Dr.
Rippon' s hymn-book, but also his ' Tune Book,' edited
by Thomas Walker, who for a time led the singing in
Dr. Rippon's church. We noticed that over the hymn
in question was placed the name of a tune to which it
was to be sung, which was ' Geard.' On looking up
that tune in the book, we found it was composed by
R. Keene. There beino; but two tunes of that metre
in the entire book, the thought arose, was the 'K.' of
the hymn the same person as the ' R. Keene,' to whose
tune it was to be sung ? Examining both hymn and
tune they seemed to be made for each other, and the
evidence seemed to point to R. Keene as the author of
the hymn; and we accordingly inserted it in 'Songs
of Pilgrimage,' with the original tune, and placed un-
der it the name of R. Keene, with a query (?), to indi-
cate uncertainty as to its origin.
90 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"Visiting London near the close of 1886, we called
Upon the venerable Charles Gordelier, and asked him
who wrote
' How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord ? '
He gave the names of Kirkham, Keith, Keene, but
could give no definite reason for preferring one to
another, until we laid the facts before him. Turning
to Keene's tune, ^Geard,' which he had copied into a
book, he at once recognized it as the tune to which,
fifty years before, they were accustomed to sing the
hymn, and he also remembered that its author, R.
Keene, was once a leader of the singing in Dr. Rip-
pon's church, and that the hymn in question was said
to have been written by a precentor in Dr. Rippon's
church. After considerable thought, he recalled that
half a century before, when he himself led the sing-
ing in a Baptist church, and used to meet with the
different precentors from other meetings, he had heard
the authorship of that hymn attributed to Keene, and
he finally remembered that an aged woman, named
Edgehill, a member of Dr. Rippon's church, and the
wife of a bookseller in Brick Lane, had told him that
Keene was the author of that hymn."
Mr. Hastings thinks that for various reasons a musi-
cian and choir-master might put his name to a tune
which he had composed, while modesty, or other con-
siderations, might cause him to append his initial only
to a new hymn. While there is force in Mr. Hastings'
suggestion as to the authorship of this well known
hymn, therefore, the mystery is not wholly removed.
There are those who still believe that "How firm a
foundation," was written by George Keith. Evi-
dently it was written by a Baptist, and has a place
here.
The late Rev. S. W. Duffield, in his notes on this
hymn in "English Hymns," says: "One peculiarity is
noticeable in the last line of the closing verse. The
very singularly repetitious grouping of words reminds
AXD THEIR HYMNS. 91
US that a similar style of expression is found in the
passage of Scripture (Heb. xiii. 5), upon which the
hymn is in some measure constructed. There are, in
the Greek text, five negatives grouped in a single sen-
tence. In our language, the rule says: 'Two nega-
tives are equivalent to an affirmative.' Not so here :
each adds its meaning with all the intensity of a cu-
mulative force. 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee,' as in the common version, is strengthened much
in the New Revision, so that it stands: '1 will in no
wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.' "
"Once in the old Oratory at evening devotion, in
Princeton Seminary," as Dr. C. S. Robinson relates,
''the elder Hodge, then venerable with years and pi-
ety, paused as he read this hymn, preparatory to the
singing, and in the depth of his emotion was obliged
to close his delivery of the final lines with a mere
gesture of pathetic and adoring wonder at the match-
less grace of God in Christ ; and his hand silently beat
time to the rhythm instead :
I '11 never — no, never — no, never forsake I "
Rev. James Gallaher, in the "Western Sketch
Book," in an account of a visit to Gen. Jackson at
the Hermitage in September, 1843, says: "The old
hero was then very frail, and had the appearance of
extreme old age; but he was reposing with calm-
ness and confidence on the promise and covenant of
God. He had now been a member of the church for
several years." During the conversation which took
place. Gen. Jackson turned to Mr. Gallaher, and re-
marked: "There is a beautiful hymn on the subject of
the exceeding great and precious promises of God to
his people. It was a favorite hymn with my dear
wife till the day of her death. It commences thus:
' How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord.'
I wish you would sing it now." So the Httle com-
pany sang the entire hymn.
92 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The other two hymns in Rippon's "Selection/
signed "K.," are
In songs of sublime adoration and praise,
and
The Bible is justly esteemed.
W. AUGUSTUS CLARKE.
Gadsby (" Memoirs of the Principal Hymn Writers
and Compilers of the 17th and 18th Centuries," p. 39)
says that Mr. Clarke " was ordained by a Greek bishop,
but afterward joined the Baptists, and became pastor
of Redcross Street about 1773. In 1780, in conse-
quence of the part he took with the mob against in-
creasing the liberties of the Papists, he had to leave,
when he opened a room in Bunhill Row. There he
remained only three months and then went to Ireland,
and from Ireland to America. He returned to England
about 1797, and went to Petticoat Lane, but that place
being taken down, he again went to Bunhill Row, in
1801. I have no account of his death."
Mr. Clarke in 1788 published " a Book of Hymns,
with Spiritual Remarks on each Hymn, which work,"
as he tells us, "under the sweet operations of the
Divine Spirit, was made a blessing to many precious
souls in England, Ireland and America." In 1801, he
published his " Hymns, Doctrinal and Experimental,
for the Free-Born Citizens of Zion, who know their
Election of God, and glory in the Evangelical Truths
comprised in the Gospel of a Finished Salvation." The
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 93
collection, which was dedicated to his own flock, con-
tained 261 hymns. The following is hymn 166 :
Almighty lover, now appear,
And make thy mercy known;
Subdue our unbelieving fear.
And this our meeting crown.
Lord, never let us silent be
Respecting things divine;
But sweetly love and talk of thee,
And feel thy glory shine.
O, may thy love and reigning grace,
Be our delightful theme,
Till we behold thy lovely face.
Without a cloud between.
Let orient beams upon us shine,
Come, set our hearts on tire;
With ardent love to thy dear name.
Lord, grant us our desire.
SAMUEL DEACON.
1746-1816.
The son of a General Baptist minister, Samuel
Deacon was born at Ratby, February 6, 1746. When
fifteen years of age he was apprenticed to a watch-
maker, and in 1771, having married, he engaged in
business for himself at Barton. But he had qualities,
it was thought, that fitted him for the work of the
gospel ministry, and having commenced to preach in
1777, he was ordained as associate pastor with his
father in 1779. He had a useful ministry, and died
March 2, 1816.
He was the author of several prose and poetical
works. Among the former was his " Comprehensive
94 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Account of the General Baptists," and " A Father's
Advice to a Son." In verse he pubUshed " An
Attempt to Answer the Important Question ' What
must I do to be Saved ? ' " Also " Prudens and Evang-el-
icus," and " A Cabinet of Jewels for the Children of
God." His hymn book was first published in 1785.
The second edition, which appeared in 1797, entitled
" Barton Hymns " had an appendix containing thirty-
four hymns on Baptism. One of them,
To Jordan's stream the Savior goes,
is in the " Selection of Hymns for the use of Baptist
Congregations " (406). Two of Deacon's hynlns are
in the English " Baptist Hymnal," viz :
O who can comprehend the rest (582)
and the following (284):
Ye heavy-laden souls,
With guilt and fear opprest,
Gomel for the great Redeemer calls,
And calls to give you rest.
However great your load,
Or heavy be your grief.
Come to the blessed Son of God,
And you shall find relief.
Why hesitate and doubt,
Why so unwelcome seem ?
When did he shut a sinner out
That ever came to him ?
He stands with open arras
Inviting sinners home;
His voice contains a thousand charms.
And every charm says, " Gomel "
Gome, then, without delay.
And enter into rest;
With gratitude his voice obey,
And be forever blestl
AND THEIR HYMNS. 95
RICHARD BURNHAM.
1749-1810.
He was born in 1749, at Guilford, Surry. His
father, Rev. Richard Burnham, died when he was
three years of age, and his early years were devoted
to pleasurable pursuits. At length, while attending a
"Wesleyan Chapel, he was led to accept Christ as his
Savior, and he commenced at once, as a j)reacher, to
tell " the old, old story." Not long after, he adopted
Baptist views, and united with a Particular Baptist
church at Reading. Later, having removed to Staines,
Middlesex, on the Thames, he organized a Baptist
church. In 1780 he went to London to obtain funds
for his church, and while engaged in this service he
was invited to remove to the metropolis, and establish
a new interest there. He consented, and a church
was organized at Greenwalk, Surry, near Blackfriar's
Bridge, and to this church, several times removed, he
continued to minister until his death, which occurred
October 30, 1810. He was buried in Tottenham
Court Road church cemetery, and the epitaph on his
monument describes him as " endowed with an ardent
zeal for the Redeemer's interest, an acute penetration,
and vigor of mind seldom equaled. . . . His ministry
was remarkably owned to the conversion of many,"
The hymn by which he is best known is the
following :
Jesus I thou art the sinner's friend;
As such I look to thee;
Now, in the fulness of thy love,
O Lord I remember me.
Eemember thy pure word of grace, —
Remember Calvary;
Eemember all thy dying groans,
And then remember me.
96 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Thou wondrous Advocate with God I
I yield myself to thee;
While thou art sitting on thy throne,
Dear Lord 1 remember me.
Lord! I am guilty, — I am vile,
But thy salvation's free;
Then, in thine all-abounding grace,
Dear Lord! remember me.
In 1783, Burnham published "New Hymns on Di-
vine Subjects." The volume contained 141 hymns,
which in subsequent editions were increased to 452
hymns. The above hymn appeared in the first edi-
tion. As now printed, it is in an amended form. In
1796, John Asplund published in Boston an American
edition of these "New Hymns." It is not a little
strange that the best known of Burnham's com-
positions,
Jesus, thou art the sinner's friend,
is not found in this collection, which contains 320 of
Burnham's hymns. In his preface Mr. Asplund says:
"Without flattery, I think they are the best hymns I
have ever seen, or been acquainted with, and there-
fore venture to recommend them to others."
JOHN NORMAN.
1782.
In Dr. Rlppon's well known " Selection" is a hymn
on baptism, beginning
Thug it became the Prince of Grace,
to which is prefixed the name " Norman." The
AND THEIR HYMNS. 97
author was almost certainly Rev. John Norman, con-
cerning whom we are told in Rippon's "Annual Reg-
ister" for 1791, that he was originally a member of
the Baptist church at WelHngton, Somerset, and studied
at the Baptist College at Bristol. He began his min-
istry in 1777, as assistant to Rev. D. Turner, of Abing-
don, and then for a short time ministered in the same
capacity with Rev. PhiUp Gibbs, of Plymouth. In
this place he died in the spring of 1782. Nothing
further concerning him is known. His hymn, which
often appears with the first verse omitted, is as follows :
Thus it became the Prince of Grace,
And thus should all the favored race
High heaven's behests fulfil;
"For that the condescending God
Should lead his followers through the floe ~ .
Was heaven's eternal will.
'T is not as led by custom's voice
We make their ways our favored choice,
And this with zeal pursue;
No! heaven's eternal sovereign Lord
Has, in the precepts of his word,
Enjoined us thus to do.
And shall we ever dare despise
The gracious mandate of the skies,
Where condescending heaven,
To sinful man's apostate race,
In matchless love, and boundless grace,
His will revealed has given?
Thou everlasting, gracious King,
Assist us now thy grace to sing.
And still direct our way,
To those bright realms of peace and rest
Where all the exulting tribes are blest
With one great choral day.
98 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN RIPPON.
1751-1836.
Dr. John Rippon was the compiler of Rippon's " Se-
lection of Hymns," and was born in Tiverton, Devon-
shire, April 29, 1751. When sixteen years of age he
was converted, and united with the Baptist church in
Tiverton. In the following year, with a purpose to
enter upon the work of the Christian ministry, he
entered the Baptist College at Bristol, where he had
as instructors Rev. Hugh Evans and his son Rev.
Caleb Evans. In 1772, on the completion of his
studies at Bristol, he was invited to preach in the
pulpit of the Baptist church in Carter Lane, Tooley
Street, London, which had been made vacant by the
death of the celebrated Dr. John Gill in the autumn
of the preceding year. The result was that he
received a call to the pastorate, and he was ordained
pastor of the church November 11, 1773. The church
had been under the pastoral care of Dr. Gill fifty- four
years, and Dr. Rippon retained the pastorate until his
death, December 17, 1836, a period of sixty-three
years. He had not the learning of his predecessor,
but he possessed popular gifts of a high order, and his
ministry was eminently a successful one. At the time
of the erection of the present London Bridge, com-
pelled to seek a new location, the church erected a
house of worship in New Park Street. It was to this
church of Gill and Rippon that Mr. Spurgeon was
called when he began his work in London.
The first edition of Rippon's "Selection" appeared
in 1787. It was entitled "A Selection of Hymns
from the Best Authors, intended to be an appendix to
Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns." Of this collection
of hymns, more than thirty editions were published in
England, and many in this country. Dr. Rippon was
a great admirer of Dr. Watts, and in 1798, " in con-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 99
sequence of the numerous errors which have crept into
almost all the late editions of Dr. Watts' Psalms and
Hymns," Dr. Rippon published an improved edition of
Dr. Watts' productions. "An Arrangement of the
PsalmSj Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac
Watts, D.D.," followed in 1801, in which the division
into first, second and third books disappeared, and the
contents were disposed according to subjects, as in his
own " Selection." In the announcement it was stated
that the profits of this " arranged edition " would be
" applied to the encouragement of village preaching,
among the different denominations of Christians, to
assist ministers of a small income, and to other benev-
olent purposes." Dr. Hatfield ("'Poets of the Church,"
p. 509) says. " It is probably the most accurate edition
of Dr. Watts' book ever published." When Rev.
James M. Winchell prepared his " Arrangement of the
Psalms, Hymn%s and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac
Watts, D.D.," — a work used in Baptist churches in this
country very extensively before the publication of the
"Psalmist," — he acknowledged his indebtedness to
Dr. Rippon's earlier work. In 1810, Dr. Rippon pub-
lished " An Index of all the Lines in Watts' Hymns
and Psalms."
Of Dr. Rippon's other works mention should be
made of his edition of Dr. John Gill's " Exposition of
the Old and New Testaments," with a memoir prefixed,
and also of his "Baptist Annual Register," from 1790
to 1802.
Dr. Rippon contributed several hymns to his own
" Selections," but as they are undesignated, it is diffi-
cult of course now to distinguish them. In the
" Calvary Selection of Spiritual Songs," the hymn
commencing
As when in silence vernal showers,
is ascribed to Rippon. In the " Selection," this hymn
commences
As showers on meadows newly mown,
100 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and the hymn has six stanzas. In his " Memoirs of
Hymn Writers and Compilers," Mr. John Gadsby, refer-
ring to Dr. Rippon, says, " I think the hymn
Here, Lord, my soul convicted stands,
was his own, as I cannot find it in any book earlier
than his ^ Selection.' " The. hymn is as follows :
Here, Lord, my soul convicted stands
Of breaking all thy ten commands;
And on me justly might 'st thou pour
Thy wrath in one eternal shower.
But, thanks to God! its loud alarms
Have warned me of approaching harms ;
And now, O Lord! my wants I see;
Lost and undone, I come to thee.
I see, my fig-leaf righteousness
Can ne'er thy broken law redress; •
Yet in thy gospel plan I see
There 's hope of pardon e'en for me.
Here I behold thy wonders, Lord!
How Christ hath to thy law restored
Those honors, on th' atoning day,
Which guilty sinners took away.
Amazing wisdom, power and love,
Displayed to rebels from above!
Do thou, O Lord! my faith increase
To love and trust thy plan of grace.
JOHN ADAMS.
1751-1835.
John Adams was a native of Northampton, where
he was born in 1751. In early life he was appren-
ticed to an ironmonger. When eighteen years of age
AND THEIR HYMNS. 101
he united with the Baptist church in Northampton, of
which Rev. John Collett Rjland was pastor. In mid-
dle hfe, on account of a change of views, he was ex-
cluded from the church. Later, having retired from
business, he removed to London, and subsequently to
Olney and Newton Blossom ville. Subsequently he
returned to Northampton, where he died May 15,
1835.
His first hymns were published in the " Gospel Mag-
azine" in 1776. One of his hymns, commencing
Jesus is our great salvation,
is ascribed in the "Service of Song" to "S. P. R.,
1777." It was written, however, by John Adams. As
found in Rippon's "Selection" (108) it is as follows:
Jesus is our great salvation,
Worthy of our best esteem!
He has saved his favorite nation;
Join to sing aloud to him;
He has saved us,
Christ alone could us redeem.
"When involv'd in sin and ruin
And no helper there was found,
Jesus our distress was viewing,
Grace did more than sin abound;
He has called us.
With salvation in the sound.
Save us from a mere profession I
Save us from hypocrisy;
Give us. Lord, the sweet possession
Of thy righteousness and thee;
Best of favors!
None compared with this can be.
Let us never, Lord, forget thee;
Make us walk as pilgrims here;
"VVe will give thee all the glory
Of the love that brought us near;
Bid us praise thee.
And rejoice with holy fear.
102 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Free election, known by calling,
Is a privilege divine;
Saints are kept from final falling,
All the glory. Lord, be thine;
All the glory.
All the glory, Lord, be thine.
Other hymns by Mr. Adams have appeared in vari-
ous selections, and he left many hymns which have
never been published.
JOHN RYLAND, D.D.
1753-1825.
Early in Benjamin Beddome's ministry at Bourton-
on-the-Water, occurred the conversion of a farmer's
son, a young man of eighteen, John Collett Ryland.
Young Ryland studied at Bristol, then entered the
Christian ministry, and after a pastorate of thirteen
years at Warwick, became pastor of the Baptist
church in Northampton, where he labored with great
success twenty-seven years. His son, John Ryland,
was born January 29, 1753, during the Warwick pas-
torate. John Collett Ryland was a good scholar, and
like many of his brethren in the ministry, he sup-
ported himself in part by receiving into his family a
number of students. He was also the tutor of his son.
In August, 1764, he thus writes concerning him:
"John is now eleven years and seven months old. He
has read Genesis in Hebrew five times through; he
read through the Greek New Testament before nine
years old. He can read Horace and Virgil. He has
read through Telemachus in French. He has read
through Pope's Homer, in eleven volumes ; read Dry-
den's Virgil in three volumes. He has read Rollins'
AND THEIR HYMNS. 103
Ancient History, ten volumes octavo, and he knows
the Pagan mythology surprisingly."
September 11, 1767, the elder Ryland had the pleas-
ure of baptizing his son. The latter seems to have
had his thoughts early directed to the work of the
Christian ministry, and he commenced preparatory
studies under the direction of his father. He preached
his first sermon on Sunday, January 27, 1771, two
days before he completed his eighteenth year. For
ten years he assisted his father in the family school he
had established on coming to Northampton, and
preached each Sabbath, either in Northampton or in
some one of the surrounding villages. June 8, 1781,
he was ordained, and became his father's assistant in
the pastorate of the Northampton church. When his
father removed to Enfield, near London, November 11,
1785, John Ryland became sole pastor of the church.
His ministry at Northampton was greatly blessed. In
company with Carey, Andrew Fuller and others, he
aided in the organization of the Baptist Missionary
Society, at Kettering, October 2, 1792. His is the
first name appended to the resolutions adopted that
day, and he was one of those whose subscriptions for
the work then commenced amounted to £13 2s. 6d.
In April, 1792, Mr. Ryland received an invitation
to the pastorate of the Broadmead Baptist church,
Bristol, and also to the presidency of the Baptist col-
lege there, as the successor to Dr. Caleb Evans. It
seems to have been difficult for him to break the ties
that bound him to Northampton, for it was not till
1794, that he accepted the call to Bristol, and removed
to that place. Here he did a work honorable to
himself and most useful to his brethren. His influ-
ence was widely felt. In addition to his other labors
he was appointed secretary of the Baptist Missionary
Society on the death of Andrew Fuller, and he dis-
charged the duties of this office several years. He
died May 25, 1825, after uttering the words, "No
104 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
more pain." His funeral sermon was preached by the
celebrated Robert Hall.
In a tribute to his memory John Foster says: "He
excelled very many deservedly esteemed preachers in
variety of topics and ideas. To the end of his life he
was a great reader, and very far from being confined
to one order of subjects, and he would freely avail
himself of these resources for diversifying and illus-
trating the subjects of his sermons. The readers of
the printed sketches of his sermons, who never heard
him, can have no adequate idea of the spirit, force and
compulsion on the hearer's attention, with which the
sermons were delivered."
In 1792, Mr. Ryland received the honorary degree
of Doctor of Divinity from Brown University. Of
his pubhshed works, which for the most part consist
of occasional discourses, mention should be made of
his "Memoirs of the Rev. R. Hall, of Arnsby," "A
Candid Statement of the Reasons which induce the
Baptists to Differ in Opinion and Practice from so
many of their Christian Brethren," and "The Work
of Faith, the Labor of Love, and the Patience of Hope
Illustrated in the Life and Death of the Rev. Andrew
Fuller, of Kettering."
The late Mr. Daniel Sedgwick prepared a reprint of
Dr. Ryland's hymns, ninety-nine in number. They
were composed at different periods of his life, from his
twentieth year to his death. One of his most familiar
hymns was written December 30, 1773, and appeared
in the "Gospel Magazine" for May, 1775. As first
printed, it contained nine stanzas, commencing,
"When Abram's servant to procure
A wife for Isaac went,
Rebecca met, his suit preferred,
Her parents gave consent.
In Rippon's "Selection," first edition, this note was
appended to the hymn : " This hymn may begin at the
sixth verse." This verse is as follows:
AND THEIR HYMNS. 105
In all my Lord's appointed ways
My journey I '11 pursue;
Hinder me not, ye much-loved saints,
For I must go with you.
With this verse the hymn begins in modern collec-
tions ("Psalmist," 812, "Service of Song," 742, "Cal-
vary Selection of Spiritual Songs," 816, and "Baptist
Hymnal," 53). The following story is told of this
hymn: "Several stage coaches daily passed through
the town [Northampton]; and as the good pastor
lived at no great distance from the inn where they
exchanged horses, he continued to meet every evan-
gelical minister who passed through the town, and
not unfrequently almost compelled them to stay a day
on the road, that they might give his people a ser-
mon in the evening. On one occasion he had thus
treated a brother in the ministry, who most reluc-
tantly yielded, and appeared in the pulpit with the
text, 'Hinder me not'; Gen. xxiv. 56. Dr. Ryland,
as is still customary in England, sat in the desk below
the pulpit to read the h3/Tiins; and as his brother pro-
ceeded, every 'head of discourse' was 'turned into
poetry,' which at the end of the sermon was duly
read, and a portion of it sung." At the time this
hymn was composed Ryland had preached more or less
for two years; but he was not made his father's assist-
ant until eight years after, and, as Dr. Hatfield sug-
gests, the story is evidently an apocryphal one.
One of Dr. Ryland's hymns, commencing
Lord, teach a little child to pray,
was written for the dying daughter of Rev. Andrew
Fuller, at her father's request, and mingled with her
prayers was often repeated by her in her last hours.
Of the following hymn. Dr. Ryland, on the original
manuscript, wrote: "I recollect deeper feelings of
mind in composing this hymn than perhaps I ever felt
in making any other:"
106 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
0 Lord, I would delight in thee,
And on thy care depend;
To thee in every trouble fiee,
My best, my only friend.
"When all created streams are dried,
Thy fulness is the same;
May I with this be satisfied,
And glory in thy name.
Why should the soul a drop bemoan,
Who has a fountain near,
A fountain which will ever run
With waters sweet and clear ?
!No good in creatures can be found,
But may be found in thee;
1 must have all things, and abound,
While God is God to me.
Oh, that I had a stronger faith,
To look within the veil,
To credit what my Savior saith.
Whose words can never fail !
He that has made my heaven secure,
Will here all good provide ;
While Christ is rich, can I be poor ?
What can I want beside ?
O Lord, I cast my care on thee;
I triumph and adore ;
Henceforth my great concern shall be
To love and please thee more.
This hymn was written December 3, 1777. The
third, fourth, and fifth stanzas are omitted in most col-
lections. Another hymn by Dr. Ryland will long have
a place in our hymn books. It was written August 1,
1777, and commences,
Sovereign Huler of the skies,
Ever gracious, ever wise.
All my times are in thy hand,
All events at thy command.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 107
JOHN DEACON.
1757-1821.
About the middle of the last century, there lived at
Ratbj, in Leicestershire, not far from Charnwood
Forest, an agricultural laborer, whose name was
Samuel Deacon. He was converted to God through
the instrumentahty of one of Lady Huntingdon's itin-
erating preachers. He became pastor of a church at
Barton, near Market Bosworth, which was the mother
of nearly all the General Baptist churches in the mid-
land counties of England. This Samuel Deacon,
sometimes called the elder, had two sons, Samuel and
John, half brothers, who both became preachers and
hymn writers. Of Samuel an account has already
been given.
John Deacon was born 1757, in what month is
unknown. He joined the church at Barton in early
life, and was taught the business of clock and watch
making; but developing gifts for the ministry, he was
sent to London to study under Dan Taylor, the most
learned minister at that time among the General Bap-
tists. At the completion of his studies, he became
pastor of the church in Friar Lane, Leicester, a post
which he occupied, with one brief, unhappy interval,
very usefully, until his death, March 10, 1821. Dur-
ing his last illness he was frequently visited by the
celebrated Robert Hall, then minister in Leicester, and
was much refreshed by his conversation and prayers.
In 1800, Mr. Deacon compiled and published a
hymn book, which, with some additions and alterations,
was extensively used in the General Baptist churches
until 1851. In the editions which appeared subse-
quently to 1804, eleven of his own hymns were
included, all intended for use at Sunday-school anni-
versaries. He left in manuscript about thirty others,
which had been sung at his own chapel on special
108 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
occasions. None of his hymns, however, have been
introduced into other collections. The following is
founded on Psalm viii. 12 :
Eternal Sovereign of the skies,
How wondrous is thy name;
Through earth and heaven thy glories rise,
And spread thy matchless fame.
The sons of Adam, old and young,
Shall own thy boundless sway;
And babes, with feeble, artless tongue,
Their cheerful tribute pay.
Children shall in thy temple crowd,
And shout with loud accord,
Hail, Son of David, Son of God!
Hosanna to the Lord!
ALICE FLOWERDEW.
1759-1830.
Mrs. Alice (not Anne, as in some collections) Flow-
erdew, was a native of England, but nothing is known
concerning her birthplace or early life. Her husband,
Daniel Flowerdew, held a government position in
Jamaica a few years, and late in the last century
returned to England with his wife, where he died in
1801. Mrs. Flowerdew then established a boarding-
school for young ladies at Islington, near London.
Her "Poems on Moral and Religious Subjects"
appeared in 1803, third edition in 1811. In the
preface to the first edition she says that these poems
were "written at different periods of life — some
indeed at a very early age, and others under the very
severe pressure of misfortunes, when my pen had
frequently given that relief, which could not be
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 109
derived from other employments." She attended the
ministry of Rev. John Evans, d.d., pastor of the
General Baptist church in Worship Street, and is said
to have shared his Arian views. From Islington, in
1814, she removed her boarding-school to Bury Street,
Edmunds, and subsequently to Ipswich, where she
died. She was buried at Whitton, a few miles from
Ipswich, The following is the inscription upon her
tomb : " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Alice Flower-
dew, who died September 23, 1830, aged 71 years."
The hymn by which she is best known, and which
is still found in many collections, is the following
harvest hymn, sometimes erroneously ascribed to John
Needham :
Fountain of mercy! God of love I
How rich thy bounties are!
The rolling seasons, as they move,
Proclaim thy constant care.
"When in the bosom of the earth
The sower hid the grain,
Thy goodness marked its secret birth,
And sent the early rain.
The Spring's sweet influence was thine,
The plants in beauty grew;
Thou gav'st refulgent suns to shine,
And mild refreshing dew.
These various mercies from above
Mature the swelling grain;
A yellow harvest crowns thy love.
And plenty fills the plain.
Seed time and harvest. Lord, alone
Thou dost on man bestow;
Let him not then forget to own
From whom his blessings flow!
Fountain of love! our praise is thine;
To thee our songs we'll raise,
And all created Nature join
In sweet harmonious praise.
110 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JAMES UPTON.
1760-1834.
James Upton was born at Tunbridge Wells, Septem-
ber 15, 1760. At the age of sixteen he removed to
Waltham Abbey, Essex, where he soon came under
religious influences, and at the age of eighteen he
united with the Baptist church in that place. Among
the helps to a Christian life which were blessed to him
he makes especial mention of Watts' " Psalms and
Hymns." He seems early to have devoted himself to
the Avork of the Christian ministry, and February 20,
1785, he preached his first sermon at Waltham Abbey,
from 1. Cor. xv. 10. June 27, 1786, he was ordained
pastor of the Baptist church in Greenwalk, afterward
Church Street, Blackfriars, London. The membership
of the church at that time was only twelve, and the
congregation very small, but the work of the new
pastor Avas greatly blessed, and in 1800, the member-
ship of the church had increased to about two hundred
and ninety, and made the work of enlarging the meet-
ing-house a necessity, there not being room for the
members comfortably to sit down at the Lord's table.
Mr. Upton, greatly beloved and honored, remained
pastor of the church until his death, September 22,
1834, a period of forty-eight y«ars.
In 1798, he published "A Serious Address on Certain
Important Points of Evangelical Doctrine and of
Christian Duty," and in 1814, ''A Collection of Hymns,
designed as a New Supplement to Dr. Watts' Psalms
and Hymns," consisting of 422 selections from various
authors, including some originals. One of these (277),
generally attributed to him, is the following :
Come, ye who bow to sovereign grace,
Record your Savior's love;
Join in a song of grateful praise
To him who rules above.
AND THEIR HYMNS. Ill
Once in the gloomy grave he lay,
But by his rising power,
He bore the gates of death away ;
Hail, mighty Conqueror!
Here we declare in emblem plain,
Our burial in his gravc;;
And since in him we rose again,
We rise from out the wave.
JONATHAN FRANKLIN.
1760-1833.
Rev. Jonathan Franklin was born November 10,
1760. His first settlement as pastor was at Croydon,
where he served the Baptist church until 1808, when
he removed to London, and became pastor of the Red-
Cross-Street Chapel. Here he remained until his
death, which occurred May 3, 1833. Mr. Franklin
was the author of a large number 'of hymns (he pub-
lished "Hymns and Spiritual Songs" in 1801), of
which the best known is the following:
In mounts of danger and of straits,
My soul for his salvation waits;
Jehovah-jireh will appear,
And save me from my gloomy fear.
He in the most distressing hour.
Displays the greatness of his power;
In darkest nights he makes a way.
And turns the gloomy shade to day.
Jehovah-jireh is his name ;
From age to age he proves the same;
He sees when I am sunk in grief,
And quickly flies to my relief.
112^ BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The Lord Jehovah is my guide ;
He does and will for me provide;
And in the mount it shall be seen
How kind and gracious he has been.
JOSEPH SWAIN.
1761-1796.
Rev. Joseph Swain was born in Birmingham in
1761. Left an orphan in early Hfe, he was appren-
ticed to an engraver in London, where he was sub-
jected to evil influences by worldly associates. Seri-
ous thoughts, however, at length took hold of his
mind, and having bought a Bible, he was led by read-
ing the Scriptures to choose the better part. Finding
a new joy in Christian song, he began to write hymns
in order to give expression to his own devout senti-
ments. May 11, 1783, he was baptized by Dr. John
Rippon, and having become a member of Dr. Rippon's
church in Carter Lane, Southwark, he devoted himself
to active service for his Master. Thus were developed
gifts which gave promise of usefulness in the Chris-
tian ministry, and he entered upon a course of prepa-
ration for that work. June 2, 1791, he was called to
take charge of a mission in East Street, Walworth,
London. The mission grew into a church, which was
organized in December following. Mr. Swain's ordi-
nation occurred in Dr. Rippon's church, February 8,
1792. In Rippon's "Register," Vol 1, p. 522, is the
following quaint account of this service :
"After singing, Mr. Upton, of Greenwalk, prayed.
Mr. Timothy Thomas described a Gospel church, made
some very candid remarks on the imposition of hands
in ordinations, and proposed the usual questions to the
church and the ministry. These being satisfactorily
answered, Mr. Swain read his confession of faith, Mr.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 113
Booth prayed the ordination prayer, laying on hands
with Dr. Rippon, Mr. Smith, of Eagle Street, etc.
Mr. Rippon gave the charge, Mr. Button addressed
the church from Eph. v. 15: 'See then that ye walk
circumspectly,' etc. Mr. Smith prayed the last
prayer. Mr. John Giles conducted the praises of God,
at proper intervals, by lining out two or three verses
at a time, from different hymns, also part of Dr.
Watts' 132d Psalm, and the whole 410th hymn of Mr.
Rippon' s 'Selection,'
Let Zion's watchmen all awake."
Mr. Swain's ministry was greatly blessed, and in a
short time the membership of the church was increased
from twenty-seven to two hundred. But his career of
ministerial influence was brief. He died after a two
weeks' illness, April 14, 1796, in the thirty-fifth year
of his age.
His hymns, which have perpetuated his name, were
published in 1792, under the title "Walworth Hymns."
After his death, appeared (1797) his "Redemption, a
Poem, with a -Life of the Author"; also "Experi-
mental Essays on Divine Subjects," in verse. The
following familiar hymn is one of the writer's best:
How sweet, how heavenly is the sight,
When those tliat love the Lord,
In one another's peace delight,
And so fulfil his word!
When each can feel his brother's sigh,
And with him bear a part.
When sorrow flows from eye to eye.
And joy from keart to heart!
When, free from envy, scorn and pride,
Our wishes all above,
Each can his brother's failings hide,
And show a brother's love!
8
114 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
When love, in one delightful stream,
Thro' every bosom flows,
And union sweet, and dear esteem,
In every action glows !
Love is the golden chain that binds
The happy souls above;
And he 's an heir of heaven who finds
His bosom glow with love.
Joseph Swain was also author of the beautiful hymn
Brethren, while we sojourn here.
Fight we must, but should not fear.
JOB HUPTON.
1762-1849.
In a village on the borders of Needwoocl Forest,
near Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Mr. Hupton was
born in March, 1762. In early life he received deep
religious impressions from the teachings of a pious
mother, yet he would not allow them to influence his
life. On the contrary, he hardened his heart against
them. From his early years, working at a forge, he
passed his leisure hours in the society of evil com-
panions; but the prayers of his mother followed him.
When twenty-two years of age, while in a public
house, his conscience was awakened, and he was led to
see his lost condition. Shortly after, at Walsall, near
Birmingham, the truth was "still more deeply impressed
upon him by a sermon preached by Rev. John Brad-
ford, curate of Frilsham, Bedfordshire, one of Lady
Huntingdon's preachers ; but still he did not find
acceptance with God. Anxious days followed, but at
length, while at his forge, the darkness passed from
AND THEIR HYMNS. 115
his mind as he was meditating upon the words of
Isaiah, " Arise, shine, for thy Hght is come."
With his conversion there came a call to the Gospel
ministry, and he spent a few months at Lady Hunting-
don's college in Trevecca, Wales. For several years
he devoted himself to evangelical work in different
parts of the country. In September, 1794, having
adopted Baptist views, he accepted a call to the pas-
torate of the Baptist church in Claxton, Norfolk.
Here he had a long and useful ministry. He died
October 19, 1849, having been a j)reacher of the
Gospel more than sixty-four years.
From 1803, to 1809, he wrote much in poetry and
prose for the Gospel Magazine. A few years before
his death his prose contributions to the Magazine were
brought together in a volume entitled " The Truth as
it is in Jesus." His " Hymns and Spiritual Poems,"
with a brief memoir, were collected and published in
1861, by Mr. Daniel Sedgwick. " Some of his poetry,"
says Dr. Hatfield, "has great merit." Only one of his
hymns has found its way into general use. This is
herewith given, as altered by Dr. John Mason Neale
in the Christian Remembrancer, No. 121. It is part
of the " Hymn of Praise to the Redeemer," consist-
ing of thirteen stanzas, beginning, " Come, ye saints,
and raise an anthem."
Come ye faithful, raise the anthem,
Cleave the skies with shouts of praise ;
Sing to him who found the ransom,
Ancient of eternal clays;
God Eternal, Word Incarnate,
Whom the Heaven of heavens obeys!
Ere he raised the lofty mountains,
Formed the sea, or built the sky,
Love eternal, free and boundless,
Forced the Lord of Life to die ;
Lifted up the Prince of princes
On the throne of Calvary.
116 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
If his people walk in darkness
Through the thickest clouds of night,
He, according to his promise,
Sends the pillar-beam of light;
Then they pass along his highway,
Turning not to left or right.
When the thirsty pant for water,
And no cooling streams are found,
He descends, like showers in spring-time,
Softening all the parched ground;
While the smitten Eock its torrents
Pours in ample streams around.
Hungry souls that faint and languish
By his boundless hand are fed I
Yes, he gives them food immortal!
Gives himself, the living Bread,
Gives the chalice of his passion,
Eich with blood on Calvary shed.
Trust him, then, ye fearful pilgrims, —
Who shall pluck you from his hand ?
Pledged he stands for their salvation,
Who are fighting for his land,
Oh! that we, amidst his true ones,
Bound his throne may one day standi
SAMUEL PEARCE.
1766-1799.
On the coast of England, at Plymouth, in Devon-
shire, Samuel Pearce was born, July 20, 1766. When
fifteen years of age he was deeply impressed with his
need of a Savior, and a year later a sermon which he
heard deepened these impressions, and he was led to
Christ, the sinner's friend. Subsequently, having for-
gotten the source of his strength, he went astray, but
AND THEIR HYMNS. 117
he was again led to the cross, and reverently, in an
everlasting covenant, he gave himself to the service
of his Master. Having decided to study for the min-
istry, he went to Bristol, where he entered the Bap-
tist College, devoting himself, as opportunity offered,
to evangelistic work in and around Bristol. In 1790,
he became pastor of the Cannon Street Baptist church
in Birmingham, where he was ordained August 18.
Rev. Andrew Fuller offered the ordaining prayer. Dr.
Caleb Evans, of Bristol, delivered the charge, and the
sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Hall, senior, of
Arnsby, from Deut. i. 38: "Encourage him." Mr.
Pearce labored in Birmingham with great zeal and
success until his death, October 10, 1799.
With Carey, Fuller and Ryland, Mr. Pearce was an
earnest advocate of foreign missions, and his name is
affixed to the resolutions adopted at the meeting of
ministers at Kettering, October 2, 1792. He was also
one of the contributors that day to the funds of the
" Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel among
the Heathen," then and there organized. It was his
desire to go to India with Carey, and so strong were
his convictions of duty, and on the other hand so
strong were the objections of his people, that he de-
cided to leave with the Board the question whether he
should go or remain. It was their opinion that he
would be more useful to the cause of missions in Eng-
land than in India, and they advised him to continue
in his pastorate in Birmingham. Yielding to the
judgment of his friends, he labored so long as life
lasted, with untiring energy, to arouse in his brethren
in England and Ireland a deeper interest in mission
work among the heathen. In 1794, in a letter to Dr.
Rogers, of Philadelphia, he urged the formation of an
American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society. Though
cut down in the prime of manhood, he left the record
of a well-spent life, and his influence was long felt, not
only in Birmingham, but in many parts of England.
118 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Andrew Fuller wrote a biography of Mr. Pearce, in
which he attributed to him the authorship of the hymn
In the floods of tribulation,
the date 1799. The hymn appeared in Rippon's "Se-
lection" of 1800. Dr. Belcher says: "Perhaps the
later editions of Rippon's 'Selection' of Hymns may
be the latest volume of hymns which contains two
sweet compositions [by Mr. Pearce],
' In the floods of tribulation,'
and
' The fabric of nature is fair.' "
We find the former, however, in Bickersteth's "Chris-
tian Psalmody," 1833, and in "A Selection of Hymns
for the Use of our Baptist Congregations," London,
1838. It is also in Spurgeon's "Our Own Hymn
Book," and it also appeared in the "Supplement to
Winchell's Watts," Boston, 1832. The other hymn,
containing fifteen verses, appears only in Rippon. Dr.
Belcher says it was written in the author's sick cham-
ber, not long before he died. I add the former:
In the floods of tribulation,
While the billows o'er me roll,
Jesus whispers consolation,
And supports my fainting soul;
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.
Thus the lion yields me honey,
From the eater food is given,
Strengthened thus I still press forward,
Singing as I wade to heaven,
Sweet affliction,
And my sins are all forgiven.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 119
'Mid the gloom, the vivid lightnings
With increasing brightness play;
'Mid the thorn-brake, beauteous flowerets
Look more beautiful and gay;
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.
So, in darkest dispensations,
Doth my faithful Lord appear.
With his richest consolations
To reanimate and cheer;
Sweet affliction,
Thus to bring my Savior near.
Floods of tribulation heighten,
Billows still around me roar,
Those that know not Christ ye frighten,
But my soul defies your power;
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.
In the sacred page recorded
Thus the word securely stands,
*' Fear not, I 'm in trouble near thee,
Nought shall pluck you from my hands."
Sweet affliction.
Every word my love demands.
All I meet I find assists me
In my path to heavenly joy;
Where, though trials now attend me,
Trials never more annoy.
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! praise the Lord.
Blest then with a weight of glory,
Still the path I '11 ne'er forget,
But exulting, cry, it led me
To my blessed Savior's seat;
Sweet affliction,
Which has brought to Jesus' feet.
120 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN FOUNTAIN.
1767-1800.
But little is known concerning Mr. Fountain's early
years. It is thought that London was his birth-place.
He was a member of the Eagle Street Baptist church
in that city, and in January, 1796, was recommended
by the church to the committee of the Baptist Mis-
sionary Society for appointment under their auspices.
He sailed from G-ravesend, near the close of April,
1796, and joined William Carey in his mission work at
Mudnabatty, Bengal, Carey having reached Bengal
three years earlier. Mr. Fountain began to preach in
Ben<J"ali in June, 1798. The same year he translated
a hymn written in Bengali by William Carey, com-
mencing
Jesus now have pity on me.
This hymn was published in England in Rippon's
"Register," Vol. 3, p. 170. The East India Company
refusing in October, 1799, to allow Mr. Marshman and
his associates who had just arrived from England to
join Carey and Fountain at Mudnabatty, which was
about four hundred miles from the coast, the latter
came down to Serampore and placed themselves under
Danish protection. Here they established their mis-
sion, receiving many kindnesses from the Governor,
Col. Bie. Writing from Serampore, May 14, 1800,
Mr. Fountain said:
" Somebody must make a beginning, and to us it
appears no small grace, that Jehovah hath appointed
us to this work. We shall lay the foundation, nnd our
successors will see the building rise. How soon soever
death may put a period to my labors, it will surely
yield some consolation to my soul in its departing
moments, that I have borne witness for Christ among
AND THEIR HYMNS. 121
the heathen, and assisted in translating the word of life
into the language of Bengal."
Little did he think that his course was so nearly
finished. He died August 20, 1800. On his death-
bed he suggested the following as an epitaph :
John Fountain,
Missionary to the Indies,
aged 33.
" A sinner saved by grace."
In Rippon's "Register," Vol. 3, p. 430, is a hymn by
Mr. Fountain, with this prefatory note : " Missionary
Thanks, Sung on Thanksgiving Day, 24th April, 1800.
The day on which the missionaries and their wives
joined the Baptist church in Bengal." It commences,
This day be sacred to the Lord,
Wliile we in grateful lays
Recite the wonders of his love,
And tune our hearts to praise.
The following hymn, also written by Mr. Fountain,
appeared first in Rippon's "Selection." It has a place
in Mr. Spurgeon's " Our Own Hymn Book" (519), and
also in some Baptist collections in this country :
Sinners, you are now addressed
In the name of Christ our Lord;
He hath sent a message to you.
Pay attention to his word;
He hath sent it,
Pay attention to his word.
Think what you have all been doing,
Think what rebels you have been;
You have spent your lives in nothing
But in adding sin to sin;
All your actions
One continued act of sin.
122 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Yet your long abused Sovereign
Sends to you a message mild,
Loth to execute his vengence,
Prays you to be reconciled;
Hear him woo you, —
Sinners now be reconciled.
Pardon now is fully published
Through the Mediator's blood;
Who hath died to make atonement
And appease the wrath of GodI
Wondrous mercy!
See it flows through Jesus' blood I
In his name you are entreated
To accept this act of grace;
This the day of your acceptance,
Listen to the terms of peace;
Oh delay not,
Listen to the terms of peace.
Having thus, then, heard the message,
All- with heavenly mercy fraught,
Go, and tell the gracious Jesus
If you will be saved or not;
Say, poor sinner.
Will you now be saved or not?
JOSHUA MARSHMAN.
1768-1837.
Dr. Marshman was bora at Westbury Leigh, Wiltshire,
April 20, 1708. In early life he evinced a fondness
for books and study. In 1794, he accepted the charge
of a school connected with the Broadmead Baptfst
church, Bristol, and not long after he was baptized,
and united with the church. At the same time he
entered the theological seminary at Bristol, and de-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 123
voted himself to the Hebrew, Syriac, and other lan-
guages. Becoming interested in Dr. Carey's work in
India, he and his wife, in 1799, offered themselves for
missionary service, and sailed May 29, for India.
They landed at Serampore October 18, and the mis-
sion was established there, Dr. and Mrs. Marshman
opening a boarding-school to aid them in the prosecu-
tion of their work. In 1806, Dr. Marshman com-
menced the study of the Chinese language for the
purpose of translating the Scriptures into that tongue.
In 1814, he published his "Key to the. Chinese Lan-
guage," and in fifteen years from the time he com-
menced his study of the language he completed the
publication of the first portion of the Scriptures in
the Chinese language, consisting of the book of Gene-
sis, the four Gospels, and Paul's Epistles to the Ro-
mans and Corinthians. In 1826, he visited England,
and returned to India in 1829.
His principal works, aside from those already men-
tioned, are a " Dissertation on the Characters and
Sounds of the Chinese Language" (1809), ''The Works
of Confucius, containing the Original Text, with a
Translation" (1811), and "A Defence of the Deity
and Atonement of Jesus Christ" (1822). He also
assisted Dr. Carey in the preparation of a " Sanskrit
Grammar," and a " Bengalee and English Dictionary."
An abridgement of the latter he published in 1827.
He died December 5, 1837, and was buried in the
cemetery at Serampore, by the side of his illustrious
colleagues, Carey and Ward. In 1811, Brown Uni-
versity conferred upon him the honorary degree of
Doctor of Divinity.
Dr. Marshman translated into English the well
known hymn by Krishnu Pal, commencing
O thou, my soul, forget no more.
He was the author, also, of the following hymn:
124 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Hail, precious book divine I
Illumined by thy rays,
We rise from death and sin
To speak the Savior's praise;
The shades of error, dark as night,
Vanish before thy radiant light.
We bless the God of grace,
Who hath his word revealed
To earth's bewildered race.
So long in darkness held.
His love designs; his peojDle pray;
His providence prepares the way.
Now shall the heathen learn
The glories of our King;
And from their idols turn
Jehovah's name to sing;
Diffusing heavenly light around,
This book shall Satan's power confound.
Deign, gracious Savior, deign
To smile upon thy word ;
Let millions now attain
Salvation from the Lord;
Nor let its growing conquests stay,
Till earth exult to own thy sway 1
WILLIAM WARD.
1769-1823.
One of the celebrated triumvirate at Serampore, Mr.
Ward was born at Derby, England, October 10, 1769.
He learned the printer's trade in his native town, and
subsequently became editor of the Derby Mercury.
Afterward he edited papers in Stafford and Hull. In
August, 1796, during his residence in Hull, he united
with the Baptist church there. It was believed that
AND THEIR HYMNS. 125
he could best promote the cause of his master by
devoting Iiimself to the work of the Christian minis-
try, and a benevolent friend offered to pay his expen-
ses during his preparatory course. He accordingly
renounced journalism and gave himself to theological
study under the direction of Rev. Dr. Fawcett, at
Ewood Hall, Yorkshire. A few months afterward,
learning that the Baptist Missionary Society wished to
secure a missionary printer, in order to publish the
Bengalee translation of the Scriptures, Mr Ward
offered his services for that purpose, together with the
preaching of the Gospel to the heathen, as opportunity
offered; and May 29, 1799, in company with Joshua
Marshman, William Grant, Daniel Brunsdon, and
their families, he sailed for India. Grant died at
Serampore, October 31, 1799, soon after their arrival,
and in Rippon's '' Register," Vol. 3, pp. 225, 226, Mr.
Ward, in verse, pays a tribute to the memory of his
companion, who, it seems, had once been a scoffer at
Christianity; but grace had subdued his heart. From
it these lines are taken :
No longer now he doubts the word of God,
Normadl)^ tramples on the Savior's blood;
He feels the jiower and majesty divine
Which shine in every page, in every line;
Wonders he ne'er beheld the scene before,
And longs to bear the news to every shore.
To prove the change divine, his prayer is heard;
To India's shore he bears the heavenly word;
Jesus accepts the soul his grace has won ;
On India's plains arrived, his work is done;
Content, the way to heathen lands is shown.
He follows Mercy to the world unknown.
Mr. Ward printed, at Serampore, the Bengalee New
Testament and other translations, and wrote •" An ac-
count of the Writings, Religion, and Manners of the
Hindoos," which was published at Serampore in 1811,
and was reprinted in England and America. It was a
work of great value, and such it still remains. In
126 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
1819, Mr. Ward visited England, where lie ^yas most
heartily welcomed as the first missionary who had
returned to tell the story of the triumphs of the cross
in India. He also visited Holland, and subsequently
the United States, where he spent three months, deep-
ened the missionary interest in the churches, and
received for the college at Serampore contributions to
the amount of ten thousand dollars. He returned to
India in 1821, and died, after a short illness, March
7, 1823, aged fifty-three years.
The missionary hymn, commencing
Great God, the nations of the earth
Are by creation thine,
is sometimes attributed to Mr. Ward (Psalmist, p. 862),
but it is part of a hymn, of forty-six stanzas, by
Thomas Gibbons, d.d., the biographer of Dr. Watts,
and is found with his name attached in his collection
of 1769. He is, however, the author of the following
hymn :
Oh, charge the waves to bear our friends
In safety o'er the deep;
Let tlie rough tempest speed their way,
Or bid its fury sleep.
Where'er thy sons proclaim good news
Beneath the Banyan's shade,
Let the poor Hindoo feel its power,
And grace his soul pervade.
O let the heavenly Shaster spread;
Bid Brahmans preach the word;
And may all India's tribes become
One caste to serve the Lord!
In Rippon's " Selection " these stanzas are the 8th,
9th, and 10th of a hymn, the first seven verses of
Avhich are by Dr. Thomas Gibbons. In a note Dr.
Rippon says: "Verses 8, 9, and 10 of the hymn were
written off Margate, by Mr. William Ward, one of the
Baptist missionaries, on their departure for India, May
29, 1799."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 127
HENRY PAICE.
The earliest mention of Henry Paice is in Dr. Rip-
pon's " Register," in an account of his ordination, May
13, 1795, as pastor of the Particuhir Baptist church at
Waddesdon Hall, Bucks. Five 3^ears afterward he
had removed to Aylesbury, in the same county, but
the church there being unable to support him, Mr.
Paice, in 1800, accepted an invitation to Broseley, in
Shropshire. July 29, 1824, he was recognized as pas-
tor at High Wycombe, Bucks, from which place he
removed, a few years later, to Pimlico, London. His
subsequent history cannot now be traced.
During his residence at Broseley he published a col-
lection of one hundred and sixty-nine hymns, chiefly
selected from the periodicals of that day, biit includ-
ino; eisrht with the letter P. affixed, which are believed
to be his own. Mr. Paice's book has no date, but was
printed and sold by William Smith, at Ironbridge,
which is near Broseley, and sold also by the editor
at Broseley. The probable date is about 1804.
The only one of Mr. Paice's hymns which has found
a place in other collections, is one commencing
Great source of uncreated light.
The last three stanzas, with the first word altered, ap-
pear as a short hymn in the "Selections" of Gadsby,
Denham and Stevens. A better selection, perhaps,
would have been the following:
O be not angry, Lord,
And I, though dust, will speak;
If thou, ere long, dost not return,
This wounded heart will break.
Within thy sacred courts,
With rapture have I heard
The whispers of thy love, and felt
The comforts of thy word.
128 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
But ah I those days are fled,
And I begin to fear,
Lest those sweet gentle sounds of thine
Ko more should charm mine ear.
Creatures can ne'er supply
His presence whom I love;
Had I the utmost they could give,
My soul would empty prove.
Scatter this darkness, Lord,
And bid these shadows flee;
And deign, thou Sun of Eighteousness,
' Again to shine on me.
Thus shall my soul, revived.
Confess thy saving power;
Shall tune her long-neglected harp,
Her Jesus to adore.
WILLIAM GADSBY.
1773-1844.
Rev. William Gadsby was born in Attleborough,
Warwickshire, about January 3, 1773. His parents
were poor, and he was apprenticed to a ribbon weaver
w^hen thirteen years of age. An execution which he
witnessed in 1790, impressed him deeply, and he
abandoned his previous course of Ufe. Having passed
through various experiences, he was baptized in 1793,
and united with the Baptist church at Coventry. In
1798, he commenced to preach, and two years later a
chapel was built for him at Hinckley, In 1805, he
accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church in St.
George's Road, now called Rochdale Road, Manchester,
where he ministered until his death, January 27, 1844.
His labors were abundant in all the country around,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 129
and he is said to have preached twelve thousand
sermons .
In 1814, he published his " Nazarene Songs," and
also his " Selection of Hymns." In 1838, a new
edition of the latter, with a supplement, appeared. In
1846-7, all of Hart's hymns which were not included
in earlier editions, were added, and in 1849-50,
a second supplement, by Mr. Philpot, was added,
increasing the whole number to more than eleven
hundred. Mr. Gadsby also published a " Selection of
Hymns for Sunday Schools."
In the appendix to Jones and Allison's " Selection
of Psalms and Hymns " (4th Ed., Philadelphia, 1819)
are four hymns by William Gadsby, including the fol-
lowing from his "Nazarene Songs":
Once more, dear God of grace,
Thine earthly courts we tread ;
"We come to see thy face,
And banquet with our head.
We long, we faint, we pant for thee
And hope that with us thou wilt be.
Though base and vile we are,
No goodness have to bring;
We cannot well despair,
While Jesus is our King.
He welcomes all by sin oppressed,
Upon his grace to come and feast.
With Christ we would be fed,
By faith upon him live,
We wish no other bread.
And thou hast this to give;
Lord, fill us well Avith this rich food,
And let us drink thy precious blood.
Mr. Gadsby was the father of John Gadsby, author
of " Memoirs of Hymn Writers and Compilers "
(2d Ed., London, 1855).
9
130 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN BUKTON.
1773-1822.
This writer is known as John Burton, senior, to dis-
tinguish him from another hymn writer of the same
name, who was born in 1803. He was probably a na-
tive of Nottingham, and was born February 26, 1773.
He seems early to have become interested in Sunday-
school work, and his first hymns were written for the
school in which he was a teacher. A volume of his
hjanns was published in 1802, under the title, "The
Youth's Monitor in Verse. In a Series of Little Tales,
Emblems, Poems, and Songs, Moral and Divine." His
"Hymns for Sunday-schools, or Incentives to Early
Piety," in two parts, followed, the second in 1806.
The first contained thirty-six hymns, and the second
sixty. In 1810, he published a collection of hymns
adapted for Sunday-schools, containing one hundred
and twenty-one hymns, some of which were his own.
The Nottingham collection reached its twentieth edi-
tion in 1861. Ten of his hymns are found in "The
Voice of Praise," published by the London Sunday-
school Union. Mr. Burton was the author of "The
Nottingham Sunday-school Union Spelling Book,"
"The Young Plantation," in verse, "The Shrubbery,"
and other works for the young.
He removed to Leicester about the year 1813, and
there enjoyed the friendship of Robert Hall, who
wrote the preface to one of his books. He died June
24, 1822, leaving an unpublished volume of hymns for
village worship.
One of his hymns, commencing
Holy Bible! book divine!
Precious treasure! thou art mine,
first appeared in the Evangelical Magazine for 1805,
and was signed "J. B. Nottingham." A son, born in
AND THEIR HYMNS. . 131
1808, relates that he was taught this hymn by his
father before he was able to read.
One of his best known hymns is the following :
Time is winging us away
To our eternal home ;
Life is but a winter's day, —
A journey to the tomb.
Youth and vigor soon will flee,
Blooming beauty lose its charms;
All that 's mortal soon shall be
Enclosed in death's cold arms.
Time is winging us away
To our eternal home;
Life is but a winter's day, —
A journey to the tomb;
But the Christian shall enjoy
" Health and beauty soon above,
"Where no worldly griefs annoy,
Secure in Jesus' love.
Another favorite hymn by the same writer begins
O thou that hearest prayer.
Attend our humble cry.
And let thy servant share
Thy blessing from on high;
We plead the promise of thy word;
Grant us thy Holy Spirit, Lord.
WILLIAM W. HORNE.
1773-1826.
Not much is known concerning this hymn writer.
He was born at Gissing, Norfolk, in 1773. Having
devoted himself to the work of the Gospel ministry,
he became pastor of the Baptist church at Yarmouth,
132 . BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
and afterward at Leicester. About 1806, he removed
to London, where he preached to two churches in the
eastern jDart of the metropoHs. These churches,
shortly before his death, were united in the Ebenezer
Chapel, Commercial Road. He died July 27, 1826,
aged fifty-two.
His " Sion's Hymns of Praise " contains ninety-eight
hymns, written by Mr. Home. Of these the following
are found in Gadsby's, Denham's and other selections :
" Union with Christ the Lord,"
" We sing the Sabbath of the Lord,"
" Jesus, thou alone canst save,"
" The God of grace delights to hear,"
" Sing to the Lord, whose matchless love,"
" Draw near, ye saints, with sweetest praise,"
also the following:
Death is no more a frightful foe.
Since I with Christ shall reign;
With joy I leave this world of woe,
For me to die is gain.
To darkness, doubts and fears, adieu!
Adieu, thou world so vain;
Then shall I know no more of you ;
For me to die is gain.
No more shall Satan tempt my soul.
Corruptions shall be slain,
And tides of pleasure o'er me roll;
For me to die is gain.
N"or shall I know a Father's frown,
But ever with him reign.
And wear an everlasting crown;
For me to die is gain.
Sorrow for joy I shall exchange,
Forever freed from pain.
And o'er the plains of Canaan range;
For me to die is gain.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 133
Fain would my raptured soul depart,
Nor longer here remain,
But dwell, dear Jesus, where thou art;
For me to die is gain.
MARIA GRACE SAFFARY.
1773-1858.
This writer of many beautiful hymns was the sec-
ond wife of Rev. John Saffary, pastor of the Baptist
church in SaHsbury, Wiltshire. In her earlier years
she published a short poem and romance. Some of
her hymns she contributed to the "Baptist Magazine,"
and two were included in Dr. Liefchilds' " Hymns Ap-
propriated to Christian Union, Selected and Original,"
London, 1846. In 1834, Mrs. Saffary made a collec-
tion of her hymns, which she published under the ti-
tle, "Poems on Sacred Subjects." Her husband was
pastor of the church in Salisbury thirty-five years, and
his son succeeded him in the pastorate.
One of Mrs. Saffary' s best hymns commences
God of the sunlight hours I how sad.
A baptismal hymn begins
Savior, we seek the watery tomb.
Another baptismal hymn, found in most of our collec-
tions, though with some variations, was written before
1818, as a son says that in that year it was used at
his own baptism, and had been used by his father on
baptismal occasions earlier :
134 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
'T is the great Father we adore
In this baptismal sign;
'T is he whose voice on Jordan's shore
Proclaimed the Son divine.
The Father owned him; let our breath
In answering praise ascend,
As, in the image of his death,
We own our heavenly friend.
We seek the consecrated grave.
Along the path he trod ;
Receive us in the hallowed wave,
Thou holy Son of God!
Blest Spirit! with intense desire,
Solicitous we bow;
Baptize us in renewing fire.
And ratify the vow.
Let earth and heaven our pledge record,
And future witness bear,
That we to Zion's mighty Lord
Our full allegiance swear.
In some collections the fourth stanza is omitted, and
as the closing stanza occurs the following:
O that our conscious souls may own,
With joy serene survey,
Inscribed upon his judgment throne.
The transcript of this day.
Mrs. Saffary died March 5, 1858, aged eighty-five
years. Miller ("Singers and Songs of the Church,"
p. 352) says: "Many of Mrs. Salary's beautiful hymns
and poems have not gone beyond her own private cir-
cle, because, being fastidious in her taste, and refined
in her sensibilities, she had unfortunately been subject
to the annoyance of having her productions marred
by the so-called emendations of pretentious and unpo-
etical editors."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 135
JOHN STEVENS.
1776-1847.
John Stevens was born at Aldwinkle, Northampton-
shire, June 8, 1776. When about the age of sixteen,
to improve himself in his business as a shoemaker, he
went to London, where he began to attend the minis-
try of Rev. R. Burnham, of Grafton Street, Soho.
There he was baptized, and not long afterward he was
called by the church to preach. In 1797, he became
minister at Oundle, in his native county. Thence he
removed to St. Neot's, and subsequently to Barton, in
Lincolnshire. In 1811, after the death of Mr. Burn-
ham, he was invited to succeed him at Grafton Street.
The place became too small, and after a temporary
removal to another building in 1824, a new chapel
was erected in Meard's Court, where Mr. Stevens con-
tinued to minister until his death, October 6, 1847.
Mr. Stevens belonged to the High Calvinistic school
of theology, had popular gifts as a preacher, and was
a keen controversialist. When at St. Neot's he wrote
a book entitled " Help for the True Disciples of Im-
manuel," in opposition to the views of Andrew Fuller.
In 1809, he published a work entitled " Doctrinal An-
tinomianism Refuted, and the Old Law Established in
a New Relation." This was in opposition to Mr.
William Gadsby. But his most famous book was a
treatise entitled " A Scriptural Display of the Triune
God and the Early Existence of Jesus' Human Soul,"
published soon after his settlement as pastor at Grafton
Street. Of the Pre-Existence theory, as it was termed,
he was a warm advocate.
In 1809, Mr. Stevens pubhshed a " New Selection of
Hymns, including also several original Hymns never
before offered to the Public." This selection went
through a number of editions (8th, 1847), and was
enlarged from time to time. In the form in which it
136 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
is now used, it contains nine hundred and seventy
hymns, and was edited by J. S. Anderson, of Zion
Ciiapel, New Cross Road, London. Thirty-four of the
hymns were composed by Mr. Stevens. Most of them
embody High Calvinistic views of election and the
atonement, but a few of the hymns on Baptism and
the Lord's Supper would be acceptable to most Baptists.
The following is number 710 in Stevens' "Selection":
Around this social board,
In sweetest bonds of love,
"We take our seats before the Lord
In hope to meet above;
Memorials of our Priest
Before our eyes appear,
With pleasure may we keep the feast,
Since Jesus Christ is here.
Ye hungry, thirsty, come I
Draw near and freel}' take;
Your Savior kindly saith, " Here's room;'
Make free for Jesus' sake.
There's room by Jesus' side,
And room beneath his feet, —
Eoom for the humble to abide,
"Where his redeemed meet.
BOURNE H. DRAPER.
1778-1843.
In Winchell's Watts, as enlarged in 1832, appeared
two hymns, one of three stanzas commencing
Ye Christian heroesl go, proclaim,
and the other of two stanzas, commencing
Sovereign of worlds! display thy power.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 137
To neither of these hymns is the author's name at>-
tached. Both of the hymns are in the " Psahnist,"
the second with three stanzas, and ascribed to "Pratt's
Collection," while the first is ascribed to "Winchell's
Selection." Both of these hymns are found in most
modern collections. In the "Service of Song" the
first is marked "Anon," while to the second are ap-
pended the words, "Baptist Magazine, 1816." In the
" Calvary Selection of Spiritual Songs" the second is
ascribed to Mrs. Yoke, while in the "Baptist Hymnal"
the first is ascribed to the same author. In the
New York Independent, September 17, 1885, the late
Rev. John Forsyth, d.d., of Newburgh, N. Y., solved
the mystery as to the authorship of these hymns.
They were w^ritten by Rev. Bourne Hall Draper, an
English Baptist minister, and originally formed one •
hymn. According to his daughter, Mr. Draper was
born at Cumner, near Oxford, in 1775, day and month
unknown. "His parents," says Dr. Forsyth, "were
members of the church of England, and their purpose
was that their son should be prepared to take orders
in that church; but pecuniary misfortune prevented
the accomplishment of their wish. Instead of this,
he became an apprentice to the printing business of
the Clarendon Press, the famous printing establish-
ment of the University of Oxford. While serving his
time as an apprentice, he joined the Baptist church in
Oxford, and, on completing his term of apprentice-
ship, he was recommended by that church to be ad-
mitted as a student in the Baptist Academy at Bristol,
then under the presidency of Rev. Dr. John Ryland.
He was admitted in 1802. In 1804, he was ordained
as pastor of the Baptist church of Chipping Norton,
Oxfordshire, and finally became pastor of a Baptist
church in Southampton, where he remained until his
death, October 12, 1843. Mr. Draper was a devout,
earnest and faithful minister, and was in full sympa-
thy with all the religious and benevolent movements
138 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
of his day. He wrote various little works for chil-
dren, some of which were translated into French and
Italian. He also published some volumes of sermons
and of devotional works. His various publications
were thirty-six in number, and they all attest that he
was a man of marked ability and considerable erudi-
tion. He does not appear to have published any col-
lection of hymns, although numerous fugitive poems
and sonnets, signed with his initials, b. h. d., are to
be found in the volumes of the Baptist Magazine."
The " Double Hymn," as the hymn from which the
two hymns,
Ye Christian heroes, go, proclaim,
and
Sovereign of worlds! display thy power,
has been called, first appeared in a collection of hymns
compiled by Elias Smith and Abner Jones, entitled
"Hymns for the Use of Christians." This collection
was published in Portland, Maine, in 1805, and the
"Double Hymn" (263) has this title, "On the Depart-
ure of the Missionaries, by a Bristol Student." The
departure of the missionaries, for which the hymn was
written, occurred December 1, 1803, and the hymn
must have found its way into this collection from some
English publication in which it appeared. The hymn,
as thus printed, is as follows :
Kuler of worlds! display thy power,
Be this thy Zion's favored hour;
Bid the bright morning star arise
And point the nations to the skies.
Set up thy throne where Satan reigns,
On Afric's shores, or India's plains,
On wilds and continents unknown,
And be the universe thine own!
Speak, and the world shall hear thy voice ;
Speak, and the deserts shall rejoice!
Scatter the shades of mortal night;
Let worthless idols flee the light!
AND THEIR HYMXS. 139
Trusting in him, dear brethren, rear
The gospel standard, void of fear;
Go seek with joy your destined shore
To view your native land no more.
Ye Christian heroes! go, proclaim
Salvation through Immanuel's name !
To India's clime the tidings bear,
And plant the Rose of Sharon there.
He '11 shield you with a wall of fire.
With flaming zeal your breasts inspire ;
Bid raging winds their fury cease,
And hush the tempests into peace.
And when our labors all are o'er,
Then we shall meet to part no more ;
Meet with the blood-bought throng to fall,
And crown our Jesus Lord of all.
THOMAS COLES.
1779-1840.
In the eastern part of the picturesque county of
Gloucester stands an old-fashioned English village,
having a rather large number of comfortable looking
houses, with fronts covered with ivy or other climbing
plants, and a stream of clear swiftly running water
flowing through it. The houses are on both sides of
the water, and the stream, four or five yards wide, is
spanned by several bridges. Hence the name of the
place, Bourton-on-the-Water. Here for fifty-two years
Benjamin Beddome was the Baptist pastor. Here, too,
the celebrated essayist, John Foster, found his wife,
and spent the first nine years of his married life.
Thomas Coles, who was born at Rowell, near Winch-
comb, Gloucestershire, August 31, 1779, early in life
140 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
removed to Bourton, and here, when about sixteen
years of age, he united with the Baptist church. His
baptism took place only a month before the death of
his venerable pastor, Mr. Beddome, the officiating
minister being Rev. Benjamin Francis, of Horsley, also
famous as a hymn writer. Shortly afterward, Thomas
Coles proceeded to Bristol to study for the ministry,
under Dr. Ryland, and two years later to the Univer-
sity of Aberdeen, where in due time he took his
degree of master of arts. The services of Mr. Coles
were sought for by important churches in Birmingham
and London, both Samuel Pearce and Abraham Booth
desiring to have him as assistant. But, in 1801_, he
accepted the earnest invitation of his friends at
Bourton-on-the-Water to become their pastor, a posi-
tion which he held with honor and usefulness to him-
self until his death, September 23, 1840.
Mr. Coles will probably be best known to posterity
as the successor of Beddome and the friend and cor-
respondent of John Foster. As a hymn writer, he is
known by one hymn only, the 372d, in the " Selection "
enlarged. One who has read the description given
above of Bourton-on-the-Water will not fail to observe
in this hymn how the clear, ever-running village brook
reminded the author of that " river, the streams
whereof make glad the city of God," as well as of
" the fountain open for sin and uncleanness."
Indulgent God I to thee I raise
My spirit, fraught with joy and praise;
Grateful I bow before thy throne,
My debt of mercy there to own.
Kivers descending, Lord I from thee,
Perpetual glide to solace me;
Their varied virtues to rehearse
Demands an everlasting verse.
And yet there is beyond the rest,
One stream — the widest and the best —
Salvation I lo, the purple flood
Bolls rich with my Kedeemer's blood I
AND THEIR HYMNS. 141
I taste — delight succeeds to woe;
I bathe — no waters cleanse me so;
Such joy and purity to share,
I would remain enraptured there
* Till death shall give this soul to know
The fulness sought in vain below; —
The fulness of that boundless sea
Whence flowed the river down to me.
My soul, with such a scene in view,
Bids mortal joys a glad adieu;
Nor dreads a few chastising woes
Sent with such love, so soon to close.
JAMES H. EVANS.
1785-1849.
James Harrington Evans was born in Salisbury,
April 15, 1785. He was the only child of Rev. Dr..
Evans, priest-vicar of Salisbury Cathedral, and was an
exceedingly precocious child. At the age of fourteen
he obtained a scholarship at Wadham College, Oxford.
In 1803, when eighteen years of age, he took his de-
gree of B.A., and two years later he became a Fellow
of Wadham. In 1808, he was ordained a deacon in
the Church of EngLind. For awhile he was a curate
at Enville, in Staffordshire, and afterward at MiKord,
in Hampshire. On account of a change of views with
reference to infant baptism, he left the Church of Eng-
land in 1815, and united with the Baptists. In 1816,
he removed to London, and preached at L'Eglise
Suisse, St. Giles. Not long after, his sister-in-law.
Lady Drummond, wife of Henry Drummond, Esq.,
M.P., built for him a chapel in John Street, Gray's Inn
Lane, where he commenced his ministry in 1818, and
where his labors, which were exceedingly useful, were
142 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
continued thirty-one years, until his death, wliich oc-
curred at Stonehaven, Scotland, December 1, 1849.
He was succeeded in the pastorate by the Hon. and
Rev. Baptist W. Noel, whom he had baptized.
Of his published writings, the first was "The Old
Man and his Granddaughter at E." In 1819, he pub-
lished "Dialogues on Important Subjects," in which
he advanced views concerning the Trinity, which he
afterward retracted in "Letters to a Friend," published
in 1826. His other works were: "Letters of a pastor
to his Flock" (1835), "Five Sermons on Faith" (1837),
"The Spirit of Holiness, Four Sermons" (1838),
"Checks to Infidelity, contained in Four Essays"
(1840), "Vintage Gleanings" (1849), "Eight Prayers"
(1856).
In 1818, when he commenced his ministry in John
Street, Mr. Evans published a hymn book, containing
one hundred and seventy-nine hymns. A third edi-
tion appeared in 1822, containing two hundred and
eleven hymns. A new and enlarged edition, contain-
ing four hundred and fifty-one hymns, was published
in 1838, entitled "Psalms and Hymns, Selected Chiefly
for Public Worship." There are in this edition seven-
teen hymns by Mr. Evans, of which twelve appeared
in the edition of 1818.
The following hymns, in the edition of 1818, are
not in the edition of 1838:
" A sinner saved before thee stands,"
" Hymns to the mighty God "we raise."
The hymn.
Rejoice, ye saints, rejoice and praise,
is in the "Baptist Hymn and Tune Book" erroneously
ascribed to John H. Evans. The following hymn has
a place in "Psalms and Hymns," compiled by Rev. E.
Bickersteth :
AND THEIR HYMNS. 143
Change is our portion here !
The calm unruffled sea
Still sleeps, although the storm is near,
The wild wind's contumely;
But faithful is Jehovah's word,
" I will be with thee," saith the Lord.
Change is our portion here I
Youth's smooth, unwrinkled brow
Age soon shall furrow, and the tear
Down the fair cheek shall flow;
But faithful is Jehovah's word,
" I will be with thee," saith the Lord.
Change is our portion here!
Soon fades the summer sky.
The landscape droops in autumn sear,
And spring flowers bloom to die;
But faithful is Jehovah's word,
" I will be with thee," saith the Lord.
Change is our portion here !
E'en in the heavenly road;
In faith, and hope, and holy fear,
In love toward our God;
Too oft distrust Jehovah's word,
" I will be with thee," saith the Lord.
Change is our portion here!
Yet, 'midst our changing lot,
'Midst with'ring flowers and tempests drear,
There is — that changes not;
Unchangeable Jehovah's word,
" I will be with thee," saith the Lord.
Changeless, the way of peace;
Changeless, Immanuel's name;
Changeless, the covenant of grace;
Eternity the same:
" I change not," is a Father's word,
" I am thy portion," saith the Lord.
Mr. Evans' hymn
Faint not. Christian, though the road,
is found in some modem collections.
144 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN LAWSON.
1787-1825.
After his decease this devoted servant of Christ was
generally known by his friends as " the beloved Law-
son." There is in these words a beautiful testimony
to the gentle, affectionate spirit of the man. He was
born at Trowbridge, Wiltsliire, July 24, 1787. Dis-
playing a genius for wood carving, he was sent to
London, in 1803, to be articled to a wood engraver.
In 1806, he joined the Baptist church in Eagle Street,
and shortly afterward, his thoughts being directed to
the subject of Christian Missions, it occurred to him
that in matters connected with his own calling he
might be of use in the mission field. He offered him-
self to the Baptist Missionary Society, and in 1810, he
set sail for America, on his way to India. Various cir-
cumstances detained him in the United States for more
than a year, during which time he preached in many
churches with great acceptance. Arriving at Seram-
pore in 1812, he soon rendered essential service in the
printing office and school. Subsequently he became
pastor of Baptist churches in Calcutta, and devoted
much of his time to the work of education. He was
well skilled in music, and composed a number of tunes,
which became popular in England and America, as
well as in India. His knowledge of natural history
was extensive. But his favorite recreation was poeti-
cal composition. Between the j^ears 1820, and 1825, he
published four works of this kind, " Orient Harping,"
" Female Influence," " The Lost Spirit," and " Roland."
Beside these, he left behind him a manuscript vol-
ume of miscellaneous poems, afterward printed.
During the last three years of his life Mr. Lawson
acted ' as agent of the American Baptist Board of
Foreign Missions. He died in Calcutta, October 22,
1825.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 145
The following hymns by Mr. Lawson are in the
Baptist " New Selection" (1828) :
" Father of mercies, condescend,"
" Fountain of truth, and grace, and power."
Two hymns by Mr. Lawson are in the Compreher«
sive edition of Rippon's "Selection":
"While in tlie howling shades of death,
and the following :
Europe, speak the mighty name,
Loud th' eternal Three proclaim;
Let thy deep, seraphic lays
Thunder forth the echoing praise.
Asia, bring thy raptured songs ;
Let innumerable tongues
Swell the chord from shore to shore,
Where thy thousand billows roar.
Sable Afric, aid the strain,
Triumph o'er the broken chain;
Bid thy wildest music raise
All its fervor in his praise.
Shout, America, thy joys,
While his love thy song employs;
Let thy lovely wilderness
High exalt his righteousness.
All as one adore the Lord —
Father, Spirit, and the Word ;
Hail, thou glorious Three in one,
Worthy thou to reign alone.
Praise him, all ye nations, praise ;
Saints in heaven, your anthems raise;
Angels, join the solemn chord —
Reign, forever, holy Lord.
10
146 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN TYERS.
1788-1848.
A few miles from the town of Loughborough, in
Leicestershire, is the village of Wymeswold, where for
a number of years the celebrated Dean Alford was the
respected clergyman. Here John Tyers was born,
October 14, 1788. Not long after, he removed to
Loughborough, where, at length, he entered into
business as a lace manufacturer. In 1835, he removed
to Leicester, and here he kept a chemist's shop until
his death, September 11, 1848.
Mr. Tyers was a member of the General Baptist
connection, and was widely known and much esteemed.
Though never the pastor of a church, he was fre-
quently engaged in preaching, and his services as a
preacher were much valued. Seven of his hymns
were in the General Baptist Hymn Book of 1830, and
two are in the "Baptist Hymnal." Beside these Mr.
Tyers was the author of a number of hymns for Sun-
day-schools, which appeared in the Sunday-school
hymn books of his day, but are no longer in use. The
following is No. 776 in the English " Baptist Hymnal ":
Great God, avow this house thine own;
Here let thy power and love be known —
Thy ark of mercy rest;
Of old thou didst in Zion dwell,
O let each mount of Zion still
Be with thy presence blast.
Oft as in solemn, fervent prayer,
And holy adoration here,
Th;y samts together join;
Hear thou on thy eternal throne
And send the varied blessings down,
In streams of love divine.
Here may the mourner find relief;
A balm for all his inward grief,
When doubts and fears annoy;
AN'D THEIR HYMNS. 147
Beauty for ashes here bestow;
Garments of praise for heavy woe;
And peace and holy joy.
Here may the plants of righteousness,
Deep rooted in the Savior's grace,
In due succession rise;
Blessing the fruits of faith divine,
And with increasing beauty shine,
Till ripened for the skies.
Then in thy nobler courts above.
High seated on the mount of love,
Where blissful numbers roll.
Praises in loftier strains shall flow;
While pleasures, such as angels know,
Shall swell each raptured soul.
JOHN HOWARD HINTON.
1791-1873.
Mr. Hinton" was the son of Rev. James Hinton,
pastor of the Baptist church in Oxford, where he was
born March 24, 1791. His mother was a daughter of
Isaac Taylor, an eminent engraver, and a friend of the
philanthropist, John Howard. As the latter was about
to leave England on his last journey, he said to his
friend's daughter, "I have now no son of my own; if
ever you have one, pray call him after me." She re-
membered his words, and her eldest son received the
name, John Howard. During his student life Mr.
Hinton devoted himself at first to medicine, but hav-
ing decided to enter the Christian ministry, he con-
nected himself with Bristol College, where he
remained two yeass. In 1813, he entered the Uni-
versity at Edinburgh. Having finished his university
course, he accepted a call, in 1816, to the pastorate of
148 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the Baptist church in Haverford-west, Pembrokeshire.
About the year 1820, he removed to Reading. In
1837, he became pastor of the Baptist church in Dev-
onshire Square, Bishopsgate, London. His influence,
ah^eady widely felt in the denomination, was greatly
extended during this pastorate, which continued until
1863. The foreign missionary enterprise had in him
a most earnest friend and advocate. The interests of
the Baptist Union were also greatly fostered by him.
Among his numerous works are "Athanasia; or
Four Books on Immortality"; "Letters Written in
Holland and North Germany"; "Memoirs of William
Knibb"; "A History of the United States of North
America"; "Inspiration"; "An Exposition of the
Epistle to the Romans on the Principle of Scripture
Parallelism"; "Theology, or an Attempt toward a
Conservative View of the Whole Counsel of God";
" On the Work of the Holy Spirit in Conversion ";
"Elements of Natural History"; "Individual Effort,
and the Active Christian "; " The Harmony of the
Religious Truth and the Human Reason"; "On Man's
Responsibility"; "On Acquaintance with God"; "On
God's Government of Man"; "On Redemption," etc.,
beside numerous sermons and pamphlets. His theo-
logical works he brought together, and published in
seven volumes, in 1864-5.
He was also the author of several hundred hymns,
prepared for the most part for use in connection with
his sermons. His "Hymns by a Minister," a collec-
tion of one hundred and sixteen original hymns, ap-
peared in 1833 ; some were printed in connection
with his Theological Lectures. A few of them are
found in recent collections; among them
" Once I was estranged from God,"
"O thou that hearest, let our prayer,"
and the followino;:
AND THEIR HYMNS. 149
Father of all, before thy throne,
Grateful, but anxious parents bow;
Look in paternal mercy down,
And yield the boon we ask thee now.
'T is not for wealth, or joys of earth,
Or life prolonged we seek thy face ;
'T is for a new and heavenly birth,
'T is for the treasures of thy grace.
'T is for their souls' eternal joy,
Por rescue from the common woe ;
Do not our earnest suit deny.
We cannot, cannot, let thee go.
DAVID DENHAM.
1791-1848.
Concerning this h^ann writer, but little seems to be
known. He was born April 12, 1791. Having en-
tered upon the work of the Christian ministry, he was
settled at Reading, Bath, Plymouth, Birmingham,
Margate (London) and at Cheltenham. In 1837, he
published a collection of hymns entitled " The Saints'
Melody," containing one thousand seventy-six hymns,
to which a supplement was afterward added. About
seventy of these hymns were written by Mr. Denham,
wishing, as he says, to speak as a witness for God,
And sing to the praise of his grace
Who saved a sinner like me.
The best known of these hymns by Mr. Denham is the
following (740), entitled " The Saint's Sweet Home ":
'Mid scenes of confusion and creature complaints.
How sweet to my soul is communion with saints;
To find at the banquet of mercy there's room,
And feel in the presence of Jesus at home!
Home, home, sweet, sweet home,
Keceive me, dear Savior, in glory.
150 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Sweet hands that unite all the children of peace,
And thrice precious Jesus, whose love cannot cease;
Though oft from thy presence in sadness I roam,
I long to behold thee, in glory, at home.
I sigh from this body of sin to be free,
Which hinders my joy and communion with thee,
Though now my temptations like billows may foam.
All, all will be peace when I 'm with thee at home.
While here in the valley of conflict I stay,
0 give me submission and strength as my day;
In all my afflictions to thee would I come,
Eejoicing in hope of my glorious home.
What'er thou deniest, O give me thy grace 1
The Spirit's true witness, and smiles of thy face;
Indulge me with patience to wait at thy throne.
And find, even now, a sweet foretaste of home.
1 long, dearest Lord, in thy beauties to shine,
ITo more as an exile in sorrow to pine ;
But in thy fair image arise from the tomb.
With glorified millions to praise thee, at home.
Mr. Denham died December 8, 1848.
WILLIAM GROSER.
1791-1856.
He was born in London, August 12, 1791. His
parents were members of the Eagle Street Baptist
church, and his father some years later having been
licensed to preach by that church, he removed with
his family to Watford, where he entered upon the pas-
torate of the Baptist church in that place. Like many
another Baptist pastor of his day, he eked out his
support by keeping a school, in which he had the
assistance of his son. The latter was converted when
about nineteen years of age, and commenced a course
AND THEIR HYMNS. 151
of study preparatory to the work of the Christian min-
istry. He preached his first sermon in 1811, and two
years later he was invited to take the pastoral charge
of the Baptist church at Princes Risborough. In 1819,
he removed to Battle, Sussex, and a year later he set^
tied at Maidstone, where he remained nineteen years.
He then went to London, where he edited the Baptist
Magazine, and engaged in other literary labors. In
1848, he became pastor of the Baptist church in
Chelsea, but resigned in 1851, to take the secretary-
ship of the Irish Society. He died August 6, 1856,
after a useful and laborious life, and greatly beloved by
a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Groser was the compiler of "A Selection of
Hymns " without date, designed chiefly for the use of
Baptist churches in Jamaica, and he was the author of
the following hymn (" Selection of Hymns for the use
of Baptist Congregations," 1838, and also Spurgeon's
" Our Own Hymn Book," 1866 :)
Praise the Kedeemer, almighty to save,
Immanuel has triumphed o'er death and the gravel
Sing, for the door of the dungeon is open;
The Captive came forth at the dawn of the day.
How vain the precaution! the signet is broken;
The watchmen in terror have fled far away.
Praise the Kedeemer, etc.
Praise to the Conqueror, oh tell of his love!
In pity to mortals he came from above.
Who shall rebuild for the tyrant his prison ?
The scepter lies broken that fell from his hands ;
His dominion is ended; the Lord is arisen;
The helpless shall soon be released from their bands.
Praise the Eedeemer, etc.
This hymn was written by Mr. Groser during his
pastorate at Maidstone, and was sung at his funeral
service.
There is another hymn in " Selection of Hymns "
(620), which is also ascribed to Mr. Groser, commencing
Whither can a sinner flee.
152 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JAMES SLATTER.
1791 (?)-1862.
James Slatter was a tradesman in Oxford, where
he was born, it is believed, in the year 1791. The
exact date is unknown. He was for many years a
member of the Baptist church in New Road, Oxford,
and was active in the Sunday-school, but in his latter
days he attended the Congregational chapel. He was
literary in his tastes, and was the author of a book,
printed for private circulation, entitled "Rural Pic-
tures." He also wrote many hymns, two of which
appeared in the Baptist "New Selection" (1828).
One of these is in " Psalms and Hymns," and is prob-
ably the only one now in use. The other is a Sunday-
school hymn, commencing
Great God, to thee a lowly band.
Mr. Slatter died in Oxford, May 22, 1862, in his sev-
enty-second year. The first of the hymns mentioned
above is herewith given in full :
Though nature's temple, large and wide,
Kesounds with joyful lays,
From creatures taught to swell the tide
Of their Creator's praise: —
A fairer habitation greets
The Christian's joyful eye.
Where Christ his new-born wishes meets,
And lifts his hopes on high ;
A calm asylum for the soul,
With guilt and fear opprest,
Where mercy waits, as seasons roll,
To give the weary rest.
The still small voice of heavenly love,
Here calls our thoughts away
To purer joys, that shine above
The influence of decay.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 153
"While faith, with undiverted eyes,
Through all the storms of time,
Elated views the glorious prize
Of heaven's eternal clime.
Lord! with delight my constant feet
To thine abode would come;
Till death my willing soul shall meet,
And gently waft it home.
GEORGE FRANCIS.
I have been able to glean only a few facts concern-
ing Mr. Francis. He was pastor of the Baptist church
in Snow's Fields, Southwark, London, and had a large
following in his time. In his doctrinal position he is
said to have occupied like grounds with John Stevens
and Dr. Gill. In 1824, he published a collection of
hymns, principally for the use of his own congregation.
Sixteen of the eight hundred and eight hymns in this
collection were by Mr. Francis, including the follow-
ing(127):
Cast on this earth a feeble worm,
Where grief and pain in varied form,
Hard press on every side;
My only refuge from despair.
Is the assurance God is near.
And surely will provide.
■* Should darkness all his steps surround,
My feeble reason quite confound.
And his deep counsels hide;
He in the whirlwind and the storms,
His righteous, sov'reign plan performs,
And will for me provide.
154 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Ye poor, who live upon his care,
Like birds that wing the ambient air,
Whate'er may you betide;
Distrust not his all-bounteous hand,
Tho' weak you are a chosen band;
He will for you provide.
When clouds jind rains and threat'ning ski^s,
At distance place pure harvest joys,
In heavenly love confide;
His truth is firm and will prevail,
Nor seed, nor harvest time shall fail,
Jehovah will provide.
Yes, days of clouds and rain are gone,
The sun delights his course to run.
And pour his glories wide;
Hence from this present joyful hour,
My faitli. shall rest upon that Power,
Who can and will provide.
THOMAS RIPPON.
1825.
In the Comprehensive edition of Rippon's "Selec-
tion" there is the following hymn (135) by this author:
Aid me, O Christ, thy cross to sing!
Its sovereign virtues who can tell ?
It takes a worm defiled with sin,
And makes him meet with God to dwell!
Brought near thy cross, my soul shall melt,
And flow in streams of joy and grief;
For here my sins will all be felt.
And here 's full prospect of relief.
The wrath of God by it 's appeased;
His holy law is magnified;
Unbending justice is well pleased;
And heaven to earth again allied.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 155
In virtue of its untold worth
What glories gild the heavenly plains!
What blessings have come down on earth
Such as surpass e'en Gabriel's strains!
Around this cross the angels crowd,
Intent new wonders to explore;
And raptured, all exclaim, " Of God
We never saw so much before! "
This cross a sinking world upholds;
Its power subdues death, hell, and sin;
High heaven's bright gates it wide unfolds,
And ushers happy millions in.
In a supplement to the twenty-seventh edition of
the "Selection," the following date is appended to
this hymn: "Edinburgh, February 22, 1822." Then,
there is a note by Dr. Rippon, in which he speaks
of the writer as "an amiable and endearing young
minister, whose talents could be surpassed by his piety
only." Thomas Rippon was a nephew of Dr. Rippon.
He studied at Edinburgh, where he took the degree of
M.A. In 1825, he received an invitation to supply
the Baptist church at Two Waters, near Hemel Hemp-
stead, but died suddenly on the third of June that
year, in the thirty-fourth year of his age, leaving a
widow, who survived him some years. The exact
date of his birth is unknown.
EDWARD MOTE.
1797-1874.
The author of
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
was born in Upper Thames Street, London, January
21, 1797. His parents kept a public-house, and he
156 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
went astray, he tells us, from his youth. "My Sab-
baths," he says, "were spent in the streets at play.
So io-norant was I that I did not know there was a
O
God." At length he was apprenticed to a cabinet
maker. During his apprenticeship, it is thought, he
was in the habit of visiting several places of worship,
since among his papers was found an account of his
hearing, in 1813, to his eternal good, a somewhat cel-
ebrated preacher of that day. Rev. John Hyatt, one
of Lady Huntingdon's adherents, who at that time
preached at Tottenham Court^road Chapel, and the
Tabernacle, Moorfields. xSot long after, he joined the
church of which Alexander Fletcher, author of " Fam-
ily Devotions," was pastor; but not finding satisfac-
tion in his ministry, he united with the church under
the pastoral charge of Rev. John Bayley, by whom
he was baptized November 1, 1815. After one or two
other changes, he removed to Southwark, where he
engaged in his business as a cabinet maker, at the
same time employing his pen as a writer for the press.
In 1852, he became pastor of the Baptist church at
Horsham, Sussex, where his ministry was greatly
blessed in the conversion of souls. He was so largely
instrumental in securing the house of worship occu-
pied by the church that the members, from a feeling
of gratitude, proposed to make the property his own;
but he refused the gift, saying, "I do not want the
chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to
preach Christ, then turn me out of that." He was
never prevented from preaching by illness, or any
other cause, for a single Lord's-day.
In June, 1873, his health began to fail, and he was
unable to study and prepare his sermons as he had
been wont to do. He then called a meeting of the
church, and made known to his brethren his inability
to retain his position as pastor longer. He continued,
however, to aid the church by securing supplies, and
was present, also, at the pubhc ministrations of the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 157
word. In the summer of the following year his hefJth
still further declined, and he said to those about him,
"I think I am going to heaven"; and again, "Near-
ing port." To one he said, " The truths I have
preached I am now living upon ; and they will do to
die upon." The day before he died he spoke of the
" precious blood, precious blood, which takes away all
our sins ; it is this makes peace with God." Novem-
ber 13, 1874, he peacefully passed to his rest and re-
ward, and a few days later he was buried in the little
graveyard in the rear of Rehoboth chapel, Horsham,
amid the tears of those to whom he had so lovingly
ministered.
In 1836, Mr. Mote published the first edition of a
collection of hymns entitled " Hymns of Praise." It
contained six hundred and six hymns, including many
by the compiler. The hymn.
My hope is built on nothing less,
is the 465th. The hymn first appeared, however, in
Rees' collection, and on this account it has sometimes
been attributed to Rees. The author, however, vindi-
cated his claim in the Gospel Herald and Voice of
Truth. As first published, the hymn was as follows :
N'or earth, nor hell, my soul can move,
I rest upon unchanging love;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name;
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
'Midst all the hell I feel within,
On his completed work I lean;
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
158 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest upoa unchanging grace;
In every rough and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil;
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, his cov'nant, and his blood,
Support me in the sinking flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
I trust his righteous character,
His council, promise, and his power;
His honor and his name's at stake
To save me from the burning lake;
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When I shall launch in worlds unseen,
O may I then be found in him,
Dress'd in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Mr. Mote informed Mr. Miller (" Singers and Songs
of the Church") that the refrain of the hymn came
into his mind one morning as he was walking up Hol-
born Hill, London, on his way to work, about the year
1834. Four stanzas were soon written, and two more
on the following Sunday. They were of immediate
use in affording comfort to a dying friend ; and they
have since ministered a like comfort to multitudes in
many lands. A good deacon, recently, Avho, on ac-
count of ill health, was not able longer to meet with
his brethren in the place of public prayer, sent a mes-
sage to them, saying that what he would give as his
testimony, were he present, was expressed in the words
of the hymn,
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 159
Among the last words of the well known evangel-
ist, Rev. Jacob Knapp, familiarly known as "Elder
Knapp," were these: "Oh, I have come to the ever-
lasting hills !
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other crround is sinkini; sand. "
CORNELIUS ELVEN.
1797-1873.
Mr. El yen was born at Bury St. Edmunds, Suf-
folk, February 12, 1797. His parents were Congre-
gationalists, but having adopted Baptist principles, he
was baptized May 6, 1821, and united with the Baptist
church in his native place. Two years later, on the
retirement of the pastor, he was called to the pastorate
of the church, and was ordained in July, 1823. For
nearly forty-nine years he ministered to this people,
greatly beloved by all, and an earnest friend of every
good cause. During this time, his church increased
from forty members to over six hundred. He was
warmly attached to Mr. Spurgeon, occasionally preached
for him, and at the time of Mr. Elven's death, Mr.
Spurgeon paid a worthy tribute to his memory. He
died August 10, 1873, among the people for whom he
had so long labored.
In January, 1852, there was a revival in Mr. Elven's
church, and among other hymns which he wrote to be
used at the services, were the following stanzas, which
have found their way into many recent collections :
With broken heart and contrite sigh,
A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry;
Thy pardoning grace is rich and free;
O God, be merciful to me I
160 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
I smite upon my troubled breast,
With deep and conscious guilt opprest;
Christ and his cross ray only plea;
O God, be merciful to me!
Far off I stand with tearful eyes.
Nor dare uplift them to the skies ;
But thou dost all my anguish see;
O God, be merciful to me I
And when, redeemed from sin and hell,
With all the ransomed throng I dwell,
My raptured song shall ever be,
God hath been merciful to me!
JOSEPH HARBOTTLE.
1798-1864.
Joseph Harbottle was born at Tottlebank, Ulver-
ton, in North Lancashire, September 25, 1798. His
father was pastor of the Baptist church at Tottlebank
between forty and fifty years. He was baptized and
united with his father's church in 1819. In early life
he was very fond of classical literature, and made
great progress in the acquisition of Latin, Greek and
Hebrew. Rev. Dr. Steadman was then tutor in the
Baptist college at Horton, near Bradford, and in 1822,
Mr. Harbottle, having begun to preach, went to reside
in Dr. Steadman's family, and for a time acted as clas-
sical teacher to the students. In 1823, he became
pastor of the Baptist church at Accrington, a position
he filled with honor and usefulness for many years.
In 1840, Rev. D. Griffiths and himself became co-pas-
tors of the church, and tutors of a Baptist college,
which was commenced at Accrington, Mr. Harbottle
being classical and Hebrew tutor. But in 1848, this
AND THEIR HYMNS. 161
college was given up, and Mr. Harbottle accepted a
pastorate at Oswaldtwistle, near Accrington, and for
more than a year ministered to a newly formed church.
He died January 19, 18G4.
Mr. Harbottle was the author of several hymns, of
which one was especially well known, and sung in
Lancashire, commencing
Farewell, my friends beloved,
Time passes fleetly;
When moments are improved
Time passes sweetly.
The lines were written to take the place of Bunyan's
"Hobgoblin" hymn, and to the same tune. His best
and most familiar hymn is the following ("The Psalm-
ist," 458):
See how the fruitless fig-tree stands
Beneath the owner's frown;
The axe is lifted in his hands,
To cut the cumberer down.
" Year after year, I come," he cries,
And still no fruit is shown ;
I see but empty leaves arise;
Then cut the cumberer down.
" The axe of death, at one sharp stroke,
Shall make my justice known;
Each bough shall tremble at the shock
Which cuts the cumberer down."
Sinner, beware! — the axe of death
Is raised and aimed at thee ;
Awhile thy Maker spares thy breath ;
Beware, O barren tree!
This hymn as originally published had an added
stanza (Nippon's " Selection " with additions, 581.)
11
162 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
JOHN STENSON.
Concerning Rev. John Stenson I can learn only that
he was pastor of the Baptist church, worshiping in
Carmel Chapel, Westbourne Street, Pimlico, London,
and that in 1838, he published " The Baptist's Hymn
Book," of which hymns 921-1,028 were by Mr.
Stenson. The following is 943 in this collection :
Assist us, Lord, we pray,
To call upon tliy name ;
And while within thy courts we stay,
Thy glory be our aim.
Descend thou Dove divine,
With all thy quickening powers ;
Upon thy gathered people shine,
And crown these sacred hours.
Dear Savior, let us see
Thy ever lovely face;
Our captive minds from sin set free,
And grant supplies of grace.
May Jesus own his saints.
And Zion own her King;
'T is he who knows all our complaints,
And will deliverance bring.
Soon shall our sorrow cease,
And sighs be heard no more;
When we arrive at perfect peace,
Upon the blissful shore.
There shall we see our God,
And join the song of praise,
And triumph in atoning blood,
Through everlasting days.
AND THEIR HYMXS. 163
EDWARD STEANE.
1798-1882.
Only one hymn written by Dr. Steane, appears in
any printed collection, but that is a hymn of so much
merit, that for its sake alone he should be included
among Baptist hymn writers. Edward Steane, d.d.,
was born in Oxford, March 23, 1798. He was baptized
by Rev. James Hinton, of whose church his father
was a deacon, and by whom he was encouraged to
devote himself to the Christian ministry. After
receiving a very complete education at Bristol and
Edinburgh, he became, in 1823, pastor of a newly
formed church at Camberwell, in the suburbs of Lon-
don. This pastorate he retained about forty ^^ears,
although from 1858, onward, when strength began to
fail, most of its active duties were discharged by his
honored colleague. Rev. Charles Stanford.
Dr. Steane was for many years one of the secre-
taries of the Baptist Union, and indeed there was
scarcely any denominational movement of importance
in which he did not take a leading part. He was one
of the committee engaged in the preparation of the
hymn book called the "New Selection" (1828), in
which first appeared the hymn above mentioned. He
was one of the originators of the Bible Translation
Society, and for a long period was first its secretary
and then its treasurer. The Evangelical Alliance
owed its existence partly to him, and for some years
he was editor of the Alliance organ, " Evangelical
Christendom." Many of his occasional sermons were
printed, and toward the close of life he published a
volume on " The Doctrine of Christ Developed by the
Apostles."
In 1862, Dr. Steane went to reside at New House
Park, near Rickmansworth, and there he died. May 8,
1882. He was buried, amidst many tokens of love
and honor, in Norwood Cemetery, south-east London.
164 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The following is Dr. Steane's hymn:
Prophetic era! blissful dayl
AVe catch thy warm, inspiring ray,
Which gleams o'er India's plains;
We hail the dawn of morning light
That breaks upon the gloomy night,
Where superstition reigns.
We hasten thy advance to meet;
With vivid joy the sign we greet,
That brightens in the sky, —
The peaceful sign of heavenly love.
Which like the holy mystic dove,
Declares Messiah nigh.
Behold! he comes in triumph now;
Before him see the mountains bow,
And all the valleys rise;
He comes with majesty and grace.
To sanctify the human race.
And raise them to the skies.
We '11 aid thy triumphs, mighty King!
The glories of thy cross we '11 sing.
And shout salvation round;
Till every nation, every laud,
From Greenland's shore to Afric's strand
Shall echo back the sound.
Let earth commence the lofty praise ;
Let heaven prolong th' enraptured lays;
Swell every tuneful lyre;
Bright seraphs! chant th' immortal song.
And pour the bounding notes along,
From heaven's eternal choir.
BAPTIST W. NOEL.
1799-1873.
Hon. and Rev. Baptist Wriothesley Noel, a
younger son of Sir Gerard Noel Edwardes, Bart., and
AND THEIR HYMNS. 165
Diana, daughter of Charles Midclleton, the first Baron
Barham, also brother of the Earl of Gainsborough,
was born at Leithmont, near Leith, July 10, 1799.
His education he received at Trinity College, Cam-
bridge, where he was graduated in 1826. Having
received ordination in the Church of England, he took
charge of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row, London,
where he won distinction as a preacher. He received
also an appointment as one of the Queen's chaplains.
In 1848, having become convinced of the scriptural-
ness of Baptist views, he withdrew from the Church
of England, and was baptized in London, August 9,
1849. The reasons for this step he gave in two works,
"Essay on the Union of Church and State" (1848),
and "Essay on Christian Baptism" (1849). In the
Church of England he had occupied a prominent posi-
tion, and his influence was wielded for the best inter-
ests of Christianity. In his new relations he occupied
a no less prominent position, and his influence was
greatly extended. Soon after his withdrawal from the
established church he was called to the pastorate of
the John Street Baptist Chapel, London, and his Sun-
day services were thronged with eager hearers. Plain,
winning, impressive, he w^as a preacher whom all de-
lighted to hear. He was active also in advancing the
interests of various religious and benevolent organiza-
tions. Retiring from his pastorate in 1868, his text
for the day was Gal. vi. 14 : " God forbid that I should
glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."
He died Sunday afternoon, January 19, 1873, in his
seventy-fifth year.
Beside the works to which reference has been made,
Mr. Noel published "Sermons Preached at the Chapels
Royal of St. James and Whitehall"; "Sermons on the
First Five Centuries of the Church" (1839); "Ser-
mons to the Unconverted" (1840); "Protestant
Thoughts in Rhyme" (1844); "The Gospel of the
Grace of God. Illustrated in a Series of Meditations"
166 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
(3d Ed., 1845); "Christian Missions to Heathen Na-
tions" (1845); "The Case of the Free Church of Scot-
knd" (2d Ed., 1845); " On Baptismal Regeneration";
"Letters on the Church of Rome" (1851); "Essay on
the External Acts of Baptism" (1853); "Freedom
and Slavery in the United States of America" (1863).
His "Selection of Psalms and Hymns" was pub-
lished in 1832, and passed through several editions.
To the edition of 1853, was added an appendix, con-
taining thirty-nine originals, "to be used at the Bap-
tism of Believers;" among them
" "We give ourselves to thee, O Lord,"
" Lord, thou hast promised to baptize,"
" Devoted unto thee,"
" Glory to God, whose Spirit draws."
The well-known hymn.
If human kindness meets return,
is sometimes ascribed to him. It was written by an
older brother, Rev. Gerard Thomas Noel. One of the
best of Baptist Noel's hymns is the following:
There's not a bird with lonely nest
In pathless wood or mountain crest,
Nor meaner thing, which does not share,
O God, in thy paternal care.
Each barren crag, each desert rude.
Holds thee within its solitude;
And thou dost bless the wanderer there.
Who makes his solitary prayer.
In busy mart or crowded street,
No less than in the still retreat,
Thou, Lord, art near, our souls to bless
With all a parent's tenderness.
And every moment still doth bring
Thy blessings on its loaded wing;
AVidely they spread through earth and sky
And last through all eternity I
AND THEIR HYMNS. 167
And we, where'er our lot is cast,
"While life and thought and feeling last,
Through all our years, in every place,
Will bless thee for thy boundless grace.
ROBERT GRACE.
1799 .
Rev. Robert Grace, the author of " Original
Hymns, particularly adapted to Prayer-meetings, and
Special Occasions," and others which have appeared
from time to time in the magazines of the day, was
born in the Isle of Wight, July 19, 1799. He was
converted at a very early age, and was baptized by
the late Rev. Thomas Tilley, of Forton, near Gosport.
Before he was eighteen years of age he was encouraged
by the church to exercise his talents for preaching,
and after a course of study under pastoral guidance,
he entered upon his prolonged ministry. After labor-
ing for a short time as an agent of the Home Mission
at Niton, Isle of Wight, he accepted the pastorate at
Addlestone, Surrey, whence he removed to Battle,
Sussex, where he served the church many years. His
last pastorate was at Winchcombe, Gloucester. He is
now a resident of London.
The first edition of his "Hymns" was published at
Northampton, in 1853, the second (much enlarged) in
London, in 1870. Among them may be mentioned as
especially noteworthy,
" Men of God, be up and doing,"
" Come let us show our love to him,"
" Ride forth, victorious Prince of Peace,"
" Sleep on, but not forever,"
" Great God, and hast thou not declared,"
168 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and the following (number 8) :
Thy people, Lord, are met
To seek thy face today ;
And to thy throne of grace
Approach, and humbly pray: —
Thy work of grace do thou revive,
And make the dead in sin alive.
O hear the prayers and cries
Which now to thee ascend,
And let thy blessing all
Our future course attend;
Revive in us thy work of grace ,
Nor from us turn, O God, thy face.
And thou, O Holy Ghost!
Thy influence bestow,
That we thy will may do,
That we in grace may grow;
Now, Lord, in us thy work revive,
Thy churches bless, and make them thrive.
To thee alone we look,
And on thy grace depend ;
Hear our united cry.
And guide till life shall end ;
Thy power and glory let us see,
And live in earnest, — live to thee.
Mr. Grace is also the author of " Lectures on the
Divinity of the Son of God, and on Antinomianism."
GILL TIMMS.
Of this hymn writer very little is known, or can
now be ascertained. He was living in 1838, — was a
deacon of the Baptist church in Eagle Street, London,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 169
and was for some time one of the editors of the " Bap-
tist Magazine," to which he occasionally contributed
pieces in prose and verse. In 1819, he published a
volume entitled, "Remarks on God's Foreknowledge,
together with some papers from the Baptist Magazine."
Two of Mr. Timms' hymns appeared in the " New
Selection" (1828), from which they have been trans-
ferred to other collections. Short poems, also written
by him, and with his initials appended, are found in
the Baptist Magazine, with the following titles and
dates : " The Vanity of Literary Attainments without
Religious Knowledge"(1832); " The Poverty of Christ"
(1833), and " Submission under Affecting Domestic
Bereavements " (1833). His published hymns are
Happy the men whose bliss supreme,
and
Our years iu quick succession rise.
The first, in full, is as follows :
Happy the men whose bliss supreme
Flows from a source on high;
And flows in one perpetual stream,
When earthly springs are di'y.
Contentment makes their little more,
And sweetens good possessed,
While faith foretastes the joys in store,
And makes them doubly blest.
If Providence their comforts shrouds
And dark distresses lower,
Hope paints its rainbow on the cloud,
And grace shines through the shower.
What troubles can these hearts o'erwhelm,
Who view a Savior near ?
Whose Father sits and guides the helm,
Whose voice forbids their fear ?
170 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Let tempests rage and billows rise,
And mortal tirmness shrink;
Their anchor fastens in the skies;
Their bark no storm can sink.
God is their joy and portion still,
When earthly good retires;
And shall their hearts sustain and fill,
When earth itself expires.
JAMES LINGLEY.
1868 (circa).
In the English Baptist collection, known as " Psalms
and Hymns" (1860), is a sweet hymn (772) for a
Lord's-day morning service, commencing
Once more we leave the busy road.
The writer was James Lingley, a man in humble cir-
cumstances, originally a member of tlie Baptist church
at Bury St. Edmunds, but transferred, in 1826, to the
Baptist church in Cotton Street, Poplar, at the east
end of London. He was accustomed to lead the Sun-
day morning prayer-meeting, and for some time was a
very active church member. The hymn was first
printed in the Baptist Magazine for 1829. About the
year 1868, he lay very ill in Grey's Hospital, and was
there visited by Rev. J. T. Wigner. It is believed
that Mr. Lingley died shortly after the date men-
tioned. He told Mr. "Wigner that he had " tried his
hand " at a few other hymns, but that this hymn was
the only one that had lived. Notwithstanding dili-
gent inquiry, it has been found impossible to obtain
the date of his birth and death. The hymn mentioned
above is as follows :
AND THEIR HYMNS. 171
Once more we leave the busy road
Of worldly toil and care,
To worship our Redeemer, God,
In his own house of prayer.
As strangers in a land of woe
"VVe pass our mortal days ;
Yet now and then rejoicings know
In God 's own house of pi-aise.
Ye mourning Christians, join the song,
Your harps once more employ ;
Remember, as ye pass along.
This is the house of joy.
Dear Savior! in thy temple shine.
Then shall our souls be blest;
And know and prove the truth divine,
Thine is a house of rest.
An emblem of our future bliss,
Thy temple. Lord, we love;
"While we anticipate in this
Our Father's house above.
AMOS SUTTON.
1802-1854.
This devoted missionary of Christ, of humble par-
entage, was born at Sevenoaks in Kent, January 21,
1802. When his school life was over, he was placed
in a large business establishment in the metropolis,
but the temptations of a great city proved too strong
for him. Returning to his home in the country, the
faithful ministry of his j)astor was blessed to his con-
version, and he was baptized, and joined the Baptist
church at Sevenoaks. Soon he was actively employed
in Sunday-school teaching, and other works of Chris-
172 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
tian usefulness. In 1823, he offered himself as a can-
didate for missionary service to the General Baptist
Foreign Missionary Society, and after a period of pre-
paratory study, he left England for India in August,
1824. His field of labor was the province of Orissa,
to the west of the Bay of Bengal, and here, with in-
tervals of furlough spent in his native land and in
America, he toiled most diligently and faithfully until
his death, August 17, 1854.
Dr. Sutton compiled an Orissa-English Dictionary,
prepared the first Orissa hymn book, some of the
hymns being his own composition, and translated a
number of useful Eno-lish books into the Orissa Ian-
guage. He also wrote for English readers "A Narra-
tive of the Orissa Mission," and other works. The
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred
upon him by Waterville College (now Colby Univer-
sity), at Waterville, Maine, U. S. A. In 1833, he vis-
ited the United States, and while there awakened so
much interest in the missionary cause as to prompt
the Freewill Baptists to commence their mission to
northern Orissa. It was about this time that he com-
posed, to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," a farewell
hymn,
Hail, sweetest, clearest tie that binds,
which soon became very popular, has long been in use
in the United States, and is still sung in the General
Baptist churches of England, especially at the close of
missionary services. The following hymn, entitled
"The Macedonian Cry," written shortly afterward to
the tune of "Scots, wha hae," did not find so much fa-
vor, and is now almost forgotten.
Hark, what cry arrests my ear!
Hark, what accents of despair!
'T is the heathen's dying prayer,
Priends of Jesus, hear!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 173
Men of God, to you we cry,
Rests on you our teai'ful eye ;
Help us, Christians, or we die,
Die in dark despair.
Hasten, Christians, haste to save,
O'er the land, and o'er the wave;
Dangers, death and distance brave.
Hark, for help they call.
Afric bends her suppliant knee,
Asia's woes cry " Pit}^ me"
Hark, they urge the heaven-born plea,
" Jesus died for all."
Haste, then, spread the Savior's name,
Snatch the tire-brands from the flame.
Deck his glorious diadem
With these ransomed souls.
Seel the pagan altars fall.
See! the Savior reigns o'er all,
" Crown him, crown him Lord of all,"
Echoes round the poles.
This is 127 in Dr. John Bowling's "Conference
Hymns"; the other hymn is 772 in the "Baptist
Praise Book."
Dr. Sutton's second wife, to whom he was married
in India in 1826, was an American lady, who sur-
vived him many years. He was an able and good
man, whose memory will long be fragrant.
ELIEL DAVIS.
1803-1849.
Mr. Davis was son of a deacon of the Baptist
church in Folkstone, and was born June 5, 1803. His
father was a teacher, and John B. Go ugh, Avho was
174 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
born at Sandgate, about two miles west of Folkstone,
says in his autobiograpln^, " My father paid a weekly
sum for my instruction at the seminary of Mr. Davis
of Folkstone." This was in 1825, and about this time
the Baptist church at Folkstone had as its pastor Rev.
Joseph Belcher, d.d., the author of " Historical
Sketches of Hymns."
In 1822, Mr, Davis attained a situation in a dry
goods store in London. Here, in January, 1822, he
united with the Eagle Street Baptist church, then
under the pastoral care of Rev. Joseph Ivimy, author
of the well-known " History of the English Baptists,"
and a life of John Bunyan. He soon began to exercise
his gifts in the church to which he belonged, and also
in neighboring villages. At length, in 1826, in order
to perfect himiself for the work of the Gospel ministry,
he entered the Baptist College at Stepney, London.
About this time Dr. Belcher undertook the preparation
of the " Mutual Instructor," a manuscript monthly
designed for the young people connected with his con-
gregation. Mr. Davis was one of its supporters, and
in 1826, he contributed to it the following hymn:
From every earthly pleasure,
From every transient joy,
From every mortal treasure
That soon will fade and die ;
No longer these desiring,
Upward our wishes tend,
To nobler bliss aspiring,
And joys that never end.
What though we are but strangers.
And sojourners below,
And countless snares and dangers
Surround the path we go ?
Though painful and distressing.
Yet there 's a rest above;
And onward still we 're pressing,
To reach that laud of love.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 175
Dr. Belcher called the attention of a London pub-
lisher to this hymn, who was so well pleased with it
that he copied it and inserted it in his own periodical,
whence it found its way into the hymn books. In
this country it first appeared in Dr. Joshua Leavitt's
" Christian Lyre." It has a place in " Songs for the
Sanctuarj^," and also in the " Plymouth Collection."
The beautiful hymn,
There is a heaven of perfect peace,
is also attributed to Mr. Davis.
Having completed his studies at Stepney College,
Mr. Davis became pastor of the Baptist church at
Newport, Isle of Wight. Six years later he accepted
a call to the pastorate of the Regent Street Baptist
church, Lambeth, London. Here he remained seven
years. He then spent one year with the Baptist
church at Eye, Suffolk, and in 1842, he became pastor
of the Baptist church at St. Ives, Huntingdonshire.
This relation continued until his death in March, 184:9.
JOHN E. GILES.
1805-1875.
JoitN' Eustace Giles was a son of Rev. W. Giles,
and was born April 20, 1805, at Dartmouth, where his
father was pastor of the Baptist church. His early
education he received in the private school of Rev.
James Hinton, at Oxford. In his twentieth year he
was baptized by his father, and became a member of
the Baptist church at Chatham, of which his father
was at that time pastor. Soon after he entered the
Baptist College at Bristol, and commenced a course of
study preparatory to the work of the Christian minis-
176 BAPTIST HYMN^ WRITERS
try. At the conclusion of liis studies, he preached a
short time at Haverford-west. He then became pastor
of the Salter's Hall Chapel, London, where he was
ordained in September, 1830. From 1836, to 1846, he
was pastor of the Baptist church at South Parade,
Leeds. During his pastorate in Leeds, with Dr. Ac-
worth, he visited Hamburg in behalf of Dr. Oncken
and the persecuted Baptists there. Later, with Rev.
Henry Dawson, he went to Denmark to plead with
the king in behalf of the Baptists in that kingdom.
He also took an active part in the Anti-Corn-Law
struQ;o;le. At the close of his labors in Leeds he was
settled for a short time in Bristol. Then, from 1847,
for fourteen years, he was pastor of the Baptist church
in Sheffield. He was afterward pastor at Rathmines,
Dublin, whence he removed to London, where he was
pastor of the church at Clapham Common until his
death, June 24, 1875. He possessed pulpit talents of
a very high order, and his life was one of very great
usefulness.
Among his published works were " A Funeral Ser-
mon on the Death of Robert Hall," " Lectures on So-
cialism," "A Lecture on Popery," "A Circular Letter
on the Spirit of Faith." He was also a contributor to
the Eclectic Review.
The following baptismal hymn, found in our best
collections, but sometimes abridged, was written by
Mr. Giles during a serious illness in 1870, in anticipa-
tion of a baptism of several candidates at Salter's
Hall, London:
Ilast thou said, exalted Jesus,
" Take thy cross and follow me ? "
Shall the word with terror seize us,
Shall we from the burden flee ?
Lord, I '11 take it,
And, rejoicing, follow thee.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 177
While this liquid tomb surveying,
Emblem of my Savior's grave,
Shall I shun its brink, betraying
Feelings worthy of a slave ?
No, I '11 enter;
Jesus entered Jordan's wave.
Sweet the sign that thus reminds me,
Savior, of thy love for me;
Sweeter still the love that binds me,
In its deathless bond, to thee;
O what pleasure,
Buried with my Lord to be !
Should it rend some fond connection.
Should I suffer shame or loss.
Yet the fragrant, blest reflection,
I have been where Jesus was,
Will revive
When I faint beneath the cross.
Fellowship with him possessing,
Let me die to all around;
So I rise to enjoy the blessing
Kept for those in Jesus found,
When the archangel
Wakes the sleepers under ground.
Then, baptized in love, in glory,
Lamb of God, thy praise I '11 sing;
Loudly with the immortal story
All the harps of heaven shall ring;
Saints and seraphs,
Sound it loud from every string.
In 1834, at the request of the Baptist Missionary
committee, Mr. Giles wrote a hymn for the celebra-
tion of the Negro's Jubilee ; and also, by request, he
wrote three hymns for the Missionary Society's Jubi-
lee Collection, 1842.
12
178 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
EBENEZER PLEDGE.
1813-1878.
Rev. Ebenezer Pledge was born at Folkestone,
August 31, 1813, and was educated at Stepney College,
where he remained from 1838, to 1842. He was first
settled at Aberdeen, and afterward at Eythorne. In
1868, he removed to Umb ridge, where he died June 2,
1878. He wrote some hymns, which were published
in " Tent and Temple Songs" (1879). The following
hymn, written by Mr. Pledge, and entitled " The
Three Thrones, A Sabbath Evening Hymn," is from
this volume :
O thou most holy One!
In this cahn evening hour,
We meet before thy Mercy-throne,
Encircled by thy power.
Teach us to veil our face,
In lowliness of mind;
Now bless us from thy throne of grace,
Let us rich mercies find!
O thou most righteous One I
Through grace and mercy here,
Prepare us for thy Judgment-throne,
Where we must all appear;
In righteousness complete.
And placed at thy right hand,
Thus bless us from thy Judgment seat,
With saints from every land.
O thou most faithful One!
When that great day is o'er,
Then take us near thy Heavenly-throne,
To dwell forevermore,
Redeemed by grace divine.
Robed ill thy righteousness.
Then shall we in thy likeness shine,
'Mid heavenly happiness.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 179
O seal the promise now,
In this cahn evening hour I
Let us who round thy footstool bow,
Each feel thy Spirit's power.
When, Lord, we end our race,
And reach thy throne above.
Then will we sing of thy rich grace.
And talk of thy great love.
The first lines of other hymns are —
" Jesus wept on Olivet,"
" Because he hath inclined his ear,"
*' In the name of Jesus meeting,"
" Jesus only could I see,"
" In this dark and evil day."
ELIZABETH RYLAND TRESTRAIL.
1813 .
CAROLINE DENT.
1815 .
These ladies are sisters, great-granddaughters of
Rev. John Collett Ryland, the first notable member of
the famous Baptist family of Rylands. Their father's
name was Dent, and their native place is Milton, near
Northampton. Mrs. Trestrail was born March 24,
1813, and Miss Dent, August 14, 1815.
Mrs. Trestrail' s first husband was John Robey, Esq.,
banker, of Rochdale, Lancashire, a gentleman of some
literary fame, author of " Traditions of Lancashire."
In 1858," some years after his decease, she married
Rev. F. Trestrail, d.d., formerly secretary of the Bap-
tist Irish and Foreign Missionary Societies. In 1840,
Mrs. Trestrail published a translation from the Ger-
180 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
man of a memoir of Rev. Hemy Mosser; and in 1854,
a sketch of the " Literary Life and Character of John
Robey," prefixed to his ''Legendary and Poetical
Remains."
Mrs. Trestrail and Miss Dent have both written
poetry, and to a certain extent have co-operated in
publication. Thus in 1854, Miss Dent pubUshed a
volume entitled " Thoughts and Sketches in Verse,"
including some short pieces and three longer ones.
Several of the shorter pieces were written by Mrs.
Trestrail. The sisters were also, in 1861, joint authors
of a little book of consolatory verses, printed for
private circulation, and entitled " Our Darling."
As hymn writers, each is known to the public by
one hymn only. Mrs. Trestrail's was written in 1864,
for the celebration in Jamaica of the Jubilee of the
Baptist Mission to the West Indies, and is now number
5 in " Psalms and Hymns for School and Home." It
is as follows :
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord 1
Praise him for his faithful word;
Por the peace of pardoning love,
Praise his name, all names above.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Praise him, all ye stars of light,
Ever burning in his sight;
Praise him, earth's green vales below;
Praise him, ocean's ebb and flow.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Fathers, brethren, round his throne,
Knowing now as ye are known,
Praise him on your harps of gold,
As ye see his love unfold.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
For his love, too faintly sung,
Praise we him with heart and tongue;
Heaven and earth, in one accord,
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 181
Miss Dent's hymn is part of a poem of thirteen
stanzas occurring in the volume mentioned above,
" Thoughts and Sketches in Verse," and is entitled
there " The Sympathy of Jesus." It is number 529
in " Psalms and Hymns."
Jesus, Savior! Thou dost know
All the depth of human woe;
Thou hast shed the bitter tear,
Thou hast felt the withering fear.
For the iron of our sin
To thy heart hath entered in;
All its festering anguish keen,
Holy Savior, thine hath been.
Thou our Brother art, and we
"With our sorrows come to thee ;
Thou wilt not, for us who died,
From our misery turn aside.
Jesus, savel the floods are nigh;
To thine open arms we fly;
Sure the waters will not dare
Overwhelm our spirits there.
No I the raging waves subside,
Thou hast checked the rising tide;
All our woes obey thy will,
While thou whisperest, " Peace, be still! "
It may be added that Miss Dent is also the author
of a religious story entitled " Sunshine in the Valley "
(1858), and that her home is still in Northamptonshire.
Mrs. Trestrail, with, her honored husband, resides at
Clifton, near Bristol.
JOHN T. WIGNER.
1815 .
Rev. John Thomas Wigner, one of the most re-
spected ministers of the Baptist denomination in Eng-
182 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
land, was born in or about the year 1815, at Harwich,
in Essex, where his father was a tent and sail maker.
When a youth he removed to Burnham, in Essex, and
there in his sixteenth year he was baptized, and joined
the Baptist church. In 1836, he became a student at
Stepney College (now Regent's Park), and in 1840, he
entered upon the pastorate of the Baptist church in
Lynn, Norfolk. On his fiftieth birthday a great sor-
row came to him, and that day, to use his own words,
has been to him a non dies ever since, and is never
referred to. Hence the indefinite expression used
above concerning the date of his birth. From Lynn,
Mr. Wigner removed, in 1866, to Brockley, where
shortly afterward a new chapel and school rooms were
built for him, and where he still ministers to a large
and attached congregation.
Mr. Wigner was one of the company of ministers
who, in 1860, brought out the now well-known Bap-
tist hymn book, entitled "Psalms and Hymns." A
supplement to this book was published in 1881, of
which Mr. Wigner was the editor. He also edited, in
1882, a hymn book for the young, which has a large
circulation among Baptist churches. It is entitled
"Psalms and Hymns for School and Home." Mr.
Wigner is the author of two hymns which have a place
in the publications named. One of these commences
O Lord, revive thy work.
The other is the following :
Hark! 't is the song of heaven,
Let earth resound the strain;
And let the joyful tidings spread
O'er island, sea and main.
" To us a child is born,"
To bless our guilty race,
To bring salvation to our world,
To save us by his grace.
AND THEIR HYMNS. . 183
" To us a Son is given,"
All glory to his name!
We join with angel hosts to sing
His wondrous, boundless fame.
The offering of our hearts,
Low at his feet we lay ;
"With sacred songs and holy joy,
Keep the glad holiday.
All hail! thou glorious King!
We give ourselves to thee ;
Our souls adore thy royal sway,
Let us thy glory see.
A third hymn, to which Mr. Wigner's name is ap-
pended, is in reaUty an adaptation by him of a hymn
by Andrew Reed,
O, do not let the word depart.
W. POOLE BALFERN.
1818-1887.
Rev. W. Poole Balfern was born at Hammersmith,
near London, September 4, 1818. His first pastorate
was at Bow, near London, where he entered upon his
labors in September, 1855. Here he remained seven
years, and then resigned on account of ill health. Af-
ter a two years' rest, though far from being well, he
opened a chapel at Springvale, Ham, for the poor near
his home. Some years later, and while thus engaged,
he received an invitation from the church at Norlands
Chapel, Nctting-hill, in the same neighborhood. The
church was burdened with a heavy debt, and was
unable to pay for the support of a stated pastor. He
accepted the invitation, and entered upon the pastorate
of the church, taking with him the church he had
184 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
gathered. Here he remained two years, when, his
health again failing, he was obliged to resign. For a
change and rest, he went to Brighton, and after a while
he was called to the pastorate of the Sussex Street Bap-
tist church, then in a very low condition. There he
labored ten years, when age and brain prostration
compelled him to resign. He died at his home in
Brighton, July 3, 1887.
Mr. Balfern used his pen in the preparation of many
works in prose and verse. Among them are " Glimp-
ses of Jesus, or Christ Exalted in the Affections of his
People"; "Lessons from Jesus, or the Teachings of
Divine Love "; " The Sheltering Blood, or Sinner's
Refuge "; " The Pathos of Life "; " The Beauty of the
Great King, and other Poems for the Heart and Home ";
" Lyrics for the Heart "; " Gethsemane, or Incidents of
the Great Sorrow "; " Heart Fellowship with Christ,
with Meditations and Prayer for each Sunday in the
Year"; "The Way of Peace." He was also a fre-
quent contributor to religious journals. Mr. Balfern' s
hymns are found in his published works and the re-
ligious journals, from which some of them have been
transferred to " The Baptist Hymnal " and other col-
lections. Some of his hymns are also in various Sun-
day-school hymn books. The following is from the
Enghsh " Baptist Hymnal " (900) :
Say not, O wounded heart,
Thy love can find no home;
Behold the Bridegroom of thy soul,
And hear him whisper, " Come! "
No falsehood dwells in him.
His heart no change hath known;
The faith which rests upon his word,
Makes all his love its own.
With watchful love he waits
To welcome to his breast
Each wanderer who, with weary feet,
Would seek his perfect rest.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 185
The sighs of Penitence
He hears, and counts her tears;
And when she leans upon his breast,
Forgives the sins of years.
Turn then, O soul, and livel
In Christ's own heart find peace;
Now let assurance of his love
Bid all thy conflicts cease.
The London Baptist says of Mr. Balf ern : " He was
singularly unselfish and loving in personal character,
and his tone in writing was an index to the true spirit-
uaUty of his mind."
JOSEPH TRITTON.
1819-1887.
Mr. Tritton was from 1869, until the time of his
death, treasurer of the Baptist Missionary Society.
He took a deep, practical interest in foreign mission-
ary work, and at different times contributed largely
for missionary purposes. To other purposes, also, he
devoted his means on a liberal scale. He was for
some time treasurer of the Baptist Irish Society, of
the Surrey Mission, and of the Institution now known
as the Asjdum for Fatherless Children.
Mr. Tritton was born at Battersea, September 21,
1819. His father's family, including himself, were in
earlier years members of the church at Battersea,
under the pastoral care of Rev. Joseph Hughes, one
of the founders of the British and Foreign Bible Soci-
ety, and a friend of John Foster. He was educated
partly at private schools and partly at the Charter
House, For upward of forty years he was a partner
186 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
in the well known banking house of Barclay, Bevan,
Tritton & Co. He died May 1, 1887.
Mr. Tritton was an occasional writer of hymns and
poems on spiritual subjects. Two of the hymns sung
at the opening of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, in
1861, were composed by him for that occasion, and
afterward incorporated by Mr. Spurgeon in " Our Own
Hymn Book" (1866). Their first lines are
" Spirit of glory and of grace " (1018),
" Sing to the Lord with heart and voice " (102).
A third hymn in the same book.
Behold, he comes! the glorious King,
was composed by Mr. Tritton in 1856. The two fol-
lowing hymns, included in "Psalms and Hymns," were
prepared for use at the annual meetings of the Bap-
tist Missionary Society in 1880 :
" Lord God of our salvation " (1216),
" Head of the church, and Lord of all " (1218).
Other good hymns from Mr. Tritton' s pen were pub-
lished from time to time in the Missionary Herald.
The following is a good specimen of his style :
Savior, who from the chosen spot,
On morning cloud wast borne away,
Where the dim shades of earth are not,
But all is bright, unending day; —
"With us 'tis darkness, sin, and strife;
Without, the foe — within, the fear;
O when wilt thou, great Prince of Life,
In full salvation's strength appear ?
What can we but our God implore
His power and glory to reveal,
While faith tells out, from shore to shore,
Thy grace a stricken world to heal ?
AND THEIR HYMNS. 187
Look from thy seat at God's right hand;
Thy seat, on heaven's eternal hill; —
And sj)eed each consecrated band,
That strives to do the Father's will.
On thee our every hope is laid;
Such hope as at thy cross up-springs ;
For thee our every prayer is made,
Enthroned Redeemer, " King of Kings,"
To whom all lands must tribute bear.
All hearts be bowed in reverence low;
While destined in thy truth to share,
Its glory shall the nations know.
EMMA TURKEY.
1819-1851.
In " Psalms and Hymns for School and Home," are
two hymns for children, sweet and tender in their
simplicity, to which are appended the signatures " E.
Turney," and "E. T." It cannot be affirmed with cer-
tainty, but all the facts make it extremely probable,
that the writer of these hymns was Mrs. Emma
Turney, nee Emma Bolwell, who was born at Aldeburgh,
Suffolk, December 17, 1819, and May 13, 1842, became
the wife of Mr. G. L. Turney, a deacon of the General
Baptist church in Borough Road, Southwark. Mrs.
Turney, before her marriage, had been engaged in
tuition, and was an accomplished Christian lady. She
died September 10, 1851. Number 351 in the above
collection begins
Come to Jesus, little one.
The following is number 372 :
The darkness now is over,
And all the world is bright;
Praise be to Christ, who keepeth
His children safe at night I
188 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"We cannot tell what gladness
May be our lot today,
What sorrow or temptation
May meet us on our way;
But this we know most surely,
That through all good or ill,
God's grace can always help us
To do his holy will.
Then, Jesus, let the angels,
Who watch us through the night
Be all day long beside us
To guide our steps aright.
And when the evening cometh,
We '11 kneel again to pray,
And thank thee for the blessings
Bestowed throughout the day.
BENJAMIN W. PRO VIS.
1822 .
Benjamin Wilmot Provis is a good specimen of a
class of men happily to be found in many Non-con-
formist churches in the smaller towns of England ;
intelligent, godly laymen, pillars in the communities
to which they belong. Mr. Provis was born at Chip-
penham, Wiltshire, November 15, 1822, but for many
years past he has resided at Coleford, Gloucestershire,
where he is engaged in business. He is a member of
the Baptist church in that place, and for the last thirty
years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school
and leader of the choir. He has written a number of
hymns, chiefly for use in the Sunday-school, or on
anniversary occasions. Most of these are unknown
AND THEIR HYMNS. 189
beyond his own locality, but two have been introduced
into popular hymn books, —
" No tie so strong or sweet below,"
*' Bright and joyous be our lay."
The first of these is herewith given as amended by the
author :
No tie so strong or sweet below
That time doth not dissever;
But in the Father's home there waits
This recompense forever —
No parting there, no parting there,
No parting there forever.
Our cords of joy are cleft in twain.
Not one remains unbroken;
Yet heaven relinks eternally,
For so the Lord hath spoken.
No parting there, etc,
"Why mourn we gaps which years have made ?
Why grieve for the departed ?
Since Christ shall reunite in heaven,
And heal the broken-hearted.
No parting there, etc.
Yea, in the Paradise of God
The sorrows of life's story
Shall be resolved in psalms of praise
And everlasting glory.
No parting there, etc.
Sing we today; the night draws on I
Come night of mortal slumber!
To-morrow clasp we waiting hands
Of hosts no man can number.
No parting there, etc.
190 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
SOLOMON S. ALLSOP.
1824 .
Rev. Solomon Smithee Allsop is a useful and
much respected minister connected with the General
Baptists. He was born at Quomdan, Leicestershire,
April 1, 1824. His father was a Baptist minister, af-
terward a missionary to Jamaica, where he died in
1829. The son, returning to England, received a
good education, became a church member, an occa-
sional preacher, and eventually, in 1860, pastor of a
General Baptist church at Whittlesea, in Cambridge-
shire. His subsequent spheres of labor were Long-
ford, near Coventry, and March, until 1879, when he
removed to Burton-on-Trent, where he now resides.
Both at March and Burton-on-Trent new chapels were
erected in connection with his ministry. When he
was pastor at Longford it was the custom to have an
original hymn at the Sunday-school anniversaries, and
for these occasions Mr. Allsop wrote several hymns,
which found favor in other localities, and were often
sung, though the author w^as unknown. The foUow-
ing is from the "School Hymnal" (323):
Our hymn of thanks we sing today,
Our hearts and voices raise,
To him who with a Father's love,
Has guided all our ways ;
The mercies of another year
Demand our grateful praise.
Jesus, accept the thanks we bring,
Unworthy though they be;
Thou didst of old let children sing
Hosannas unto thee.
We, too, present our offering,
And join their harmony.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 191
Throughout the year we have been blest
With lessons from thy word,
rrom teachers, dear, who never tire.
In working for their Lord,
Our minds to train, our souls to win;
O give them their reward.
May we still love the Sunday-school ;
Still love thy word and ways ;
And wise unto salvation grow.
In these our youthful daj's ;
Then join the blessed band above,
Who ever sing thy praise.
Lord, smile upon the friends who come
To aid this work of love;
Their offerings graciously accept;
Thy blessing may they prove
An hundred fold, and may we meet
Teachers and friends above.
JOHN H. BETTS.
1825 .
Eev. Jonx Henry Betts was born June 16, 1825,
at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where his father was for
many years pastor of the Baptist church. He com-
menced his own ministry in 1847, and has labored suc-
cessfully in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Darling-
ton, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Since 1881, he has
been pastor at Rye Hill Chapel, in the important city
last named.
In early life Mr. Betts published a volume of poems
entitled "Early Blossoms," consisting of hymns and
translations from the Greek and Latin classics. While
in London and Edinburgh he also published three
small volumes of sermons and lectures, now out of
print. For several years he was editor of the Primi-
192 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
tive Church Magazine. He is also the compiler of a
collection of hymns for Sunday-schools, entitled " The
Children's Hosanna." Several of these hymns were
written by Mr. Betts, and are to be found in Mayor's
"Book of Praise," a collection of hymns for the young,
which has had a large circulation in Great Britain.
One of these is the following:
Beautiful Star, whose heavenly light
Cheers a guilty world of night;
Thou shedd'st thy glories from afar,
Star of the Christian, beautiful star.
Beautiful Star, whose kindly ray
Brings to earth a glorious day;
With steady, heaven enkindled flame,
Thou shinest, evermore the same.
Beautiful Star, thy pilot spark
Leads the traveler in the dark.
Through all his journey to the skies,
He lifts to thee his gladdened eyes.
Beautiful Star, when o'er the deep
Wildest storms of sorrow sweep,
The sailor feels and fears no ill.
For overhead thou shinest still.
Beautiful Star, the darksome tomb
In thy light shall lose its gloom;
O let me find thy presence there.
And e'en in death I '11 feel no fear.
JOHN COMPSTON.
1828 .
Probably no man in England has done more to pop-
ularize the great temperance movement by the aid of
music and song, than Rev. .Tohn Compston. True, no
hymns of his are sung in the ordinary worship of the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 193
churches, but at Band of Hope meetings and other
temperance gatherings his stirring verses are famiUar
favorites, and some of them contain so much of the
rehgious as well as the lyrical element that their
author may well have a place in this volume. Mr.
Compston was born at Smallbridge, near Rochdale,
Lancashire, January 9, 1828, his father, Samuel Comps-
ton, being a Congregational minister. John Comps-
ton became a Baptist, and beginning to preach in the
year 1852, he accepted a call to the pastorate of the
Baptist church, Inskip, near Preston. He labored
subsequently at Bramley (now Leeds), Barnsley, York
Road, Leeds; and, in 1878, removed into Somersetshire
to become pastor of the United churches of Fivehead
and Isle Abbots, near Taunton, a post he still occupies.
While at Leeds he discharged the duties of organizing
secretary to the Yorkshire Band of Hope Union.
His first work in connection with hymns was the
publication of a popular little book known as "Lan-
cashire Sunday-school Songs," afterward incorporated
in a larger book entitled " Sacred Songs for Home and
School," of which Rev. J, Lees was co-editor. A hymn
for the young, composed by Mr. Compston, commenc-
inar
Joseph, a lovely youth,
appeared in both of these collections, and has been
reprinted elsewhere. In 1857, and 1863, music for
these sacred songs was published by Mr. Compston, in
the latter instance with the title " Popular Sacred
Harmonies." In 1881, he edited a more important
work, which has passed through several editions, and
is entitled " The National Temperance Hymnal." In
this work words and music are combined. Of the five
hundred compositions contained in it, twenty are by
Mr. Compston. One of these appears in the " School
Hymnal " (1880), the first line being,
The boys and girls of England, O happy may they be.
13
194 BAPTIST HYMN WKITERS
The following hymn, written for the re-opening of a
house of worship, is one of Mr. Compston's best:
Lol now with joy we enter
At Zion's open door,
Where strong affections center,
And numbers throng the floor.
In God, the Lord, we glory,
Where love our life hath crowned,
And in whose boundless mercy
Our souls true rest have found.
This day, with grateful feeling,
Our psalms and hymns we bring;
Our love to Jesus sealing,
His praise we join to sing;
Thus far his hand has prospered
Our good and great design,
Nor will his kindness fail us,
Nor e'er his love decline.
With hearts subdued and tender.
Upon the past we gaze ;
Whilst thanks to God we render,
Who shaped our toilsome ways.
Through all the " days of small things,"
For more than thirty years.
His care appeaed in all things,
And turned to smiles our fears.
O God of grace and glory.
Thy blessings we implore ; —
Now as we stand before thee,
Thy Spirit on us pour.
Whene'er thy people gather
Within these walls to pray,
Come, and fulfil thy promise,
And ever with us stay.
Beside pamphlets at various times on public ques-
tions, Mr. Compston has recently published a well
known work entitled " Temperance as Taught in the
Revised Bible," containing brief comments on passages
of Scripture bearing on the temperance controversy.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 195
DAWSON BURNS.
1828 .
Dawson Buens, d.d., was born in Southwark, Lon-
don, December 22, 1828, and is the younger son of
Jabez Burns, d.d., widely known in his day as a
preacher and author, and especially as a speaker and
lecturer in behalf of temperance reform and other
philanthropic movements. Dawson Burns studied for
the ministry at the General Baptist College then lo-
cated at Leicester; and, in 1851, commenced public
work in Manchester. After a time he became assist-
ant, and eventually successor to his father as minister
of the General Baptist Chapel, Church Street, Mary-
lebone, London. This position he resigned a few
years ago in order to devote himself more entirely to
literary and organizing work in connection with the
temperance cause. In 1868, he published, with Dr. F.
Lees as co-editor, the "Temperance Bible Commen-
tary"; in 1872, ''Bases of the Temperance Reform";
in 1875, "Christendom and the Drink Curse"; in
1883, "Temperance Ballads"; beside numerous con-
tributions, year by year, to periodicals, congresses,
etc.
But in the midst of this almost incessant work of
advocacy and controversy Dr. Burns has not ceased,
in the quiet of his home, to practice the art of poetry.
In 1884, he published "Rays of Sacred Song" (Lon-
don, S. W. Partridge & Co.), a volume containing
nearly forty hymns, and many short poems, chiefly on
Scripture subjects. In 1886, appeared from his pen
" Oliver Cromwell, and Other Poems." The following
is from the EngHsh "Baptist Hymnal" (783):
Gladsome we hail this clay's return;
In God's great name again we meet;
Our hearts once more within us burn,
And our communion shall be sweet.
196 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"We bless thee, Lord, for all the good
Thy lil3eral hand has freely given,
For grace by which our feet have stood
In ways that lead the soul to heaven.
For all the mercies of the past
We join in songs of filial praise,
Around us now thy favor cast,
Thou Guide and Guardian of our days.
'T was by thy Spirit-kindling flame
Thy servants felt their bosoms glow,
And in thy all sustaining name,
They still with hallowed ardor go.
More strength we crave, more love, more zeal.
That we may follow Christ; and live
To labor for our brethren's weal,
And unto thee the glory give.
SIR NATHANIEL BARNABY.
1829 .
Sir Nathaniel Barnabt, k.c.b., is the only Bap-
tist hymn writer upon whom has been bestowed the
honor of knighthood. He received this distinction
from the Queen of England in recognition of the ser-
vices he had rendered his country as a director of
Naval Construction. He was born at Chatham, Feb-
ruary 25, 1829, and was a scholar in the Brook Sun-
day-school there. For many years he has been super-
intendent of the Sunday-school connected with the
Baptist church at Lee, in Kent, and the few hymns
he has written were first sung at its anniversary
services. Two of these were introduced into the
"School Hymnal" (London, 1880), and soon came
into extensive use. Their first lines are as follows;
" To Jesus our Captain, to Jesus our King,"
" The soldier keeps his wakeful watch,"
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 197
The second of these hymns was written to be sung to
the popular German war song, the "Watch on the
Rhine," and is as follows :
The soldier keeps his wakeful watch
AVhile wearied comrades sleep around,
With eager eyes and ears, to catch
Of stealthy foeman sight or sound.
Girls. Then let me watch when danger 's near;
Boys. Then let me watch when danger 's near;
Girls. God help us all to watch; to watch and pray;
All. God help us all to watch; and guard thou our way.
As faithful soldiers let us watch
For sin, our strong and bitter foe,
Lest he an easy victory snatch,
Break through our guard, and lay us low.
Then, etc.
The sailor keeps his wakeful watch,
When billows rise and tempests roar,
With straining eyes the light to catch,
Which warns him from the dangerous shore.
Then, etc.
«
For like the sailor, we are borne
Through storm and calm across the sea;
God fills our sails and drives us on,
To land us in eternity.
Then, etc.
In evening winds and raging seas,
By stormy day and dreary night.
Supported by thy promises
I '11 watch and work, with all my might.
Then, etc.
Land me, O Lord, in safety there,
And all my dangerous way attend;
Then praise shall leave no room for prayer,
And my long watch shall have an end.
Then, etc.
198 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
THOMAS GOADBY.
1829 .
Rev. Thomas Goadby, b.a., is the second son of
Rev. Joseph Goadby. He was born December 23,
1829, at Leicester, where his father was at that time
minister. He studied first at the General Baptist Col-
leo-e, then located at Leicester, and afterward at
Glasgow University, having obtained one of Dr. Wil-
liams' scholarships. He was graduated b.a., in 1856,
and shortly after commenced his ministry as pastor of
the General Baptist church in Coventry. In 1861, he
removed to Commercial Road, London, and thence, in
1868, to Osmerton Road, Derby. In 1873, he was
chosen president of the General Baptist College, which
had been removed from Leicester, and is" now in Not-
tingham ; and this position he still holds.
Mr. Goadby is best known as a preacher and speaker,
but he has been a frequent contributor to periodical
literature ; and a number of his more important papers
and addresses have appeared in pamphlet form. In
1862, he published a short poem entitled " The Day of
Death." He is a good German scholar, and has at-
tended courses of lectures by some of the most emi-
nent professors in German Universities. In 1884, he
translated the first volume of Ewald's great work
"Die Lehre der Bibel von Gott," the translation being
published in the Foreign Theological Series of T. &
T. Clark, under the title, " Revelation, its Nature and
Record."
Mr. Goadby's hymns have been composed chiefly for
the use of young people at Sunday-school anniversaries,
and some of them have been very popular. Nine are
in the "School Hymnal" (1880):
" Morn awakes and woodlands ring,"
" God of the earth and sky,"
" O God, who on through all the years,"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 199
" Prince of Life, enthroned in glory,"
" When the day of life is dawning,"
" Othou whose holy love,"
" Shepherd of Israel, Jesus our Savior,"
" A band of maiden pilgrims,"
" Forward, Gospel heralds,"
The first, in full, is as follows :
Morn awakes and woodlands ring,
Earth and heaven with glory shine;
Glad as birds of dawn we sing,
Brimming o'er with song divine.
Sunbeams glitter, day is come.
Fled are all the fears of night;
Stones will shout, if lips are dumb: —
Praise to thee, great Lord of Light!
Bounding in the hearts of men,
Breaking on the grassy sod.
Swells the living tide again
From the flowing founts of God.
Dewy slumber leaves the eyes,
Joy in every soul is rife.
As from death lo all things rise: —
Praise to thee, great Lord of Lifel
Sweet as God's sweet grace the air
Breathes its freshness o'er the flowers;
Earth is beautiful and fair;
Blessed are the morning hours.
Golden fields with radiance glow
Golden skies gleam bright above,
Eden comes again below: —
Praise to thee, great Lord of Love I
Swiftly flies the night of Time,
Soon eternal day will dawn, —
Angel choirs in song sublime
Heralding unfading morn ;
Then transfigured evermore,
All the sin of earth forgiven,
Loud we '11 sing where saints adore,
Praise to thee, great Lord of Heaven!
200 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JAMES F. SMYTHE.
1830 .
Mr. Smythe was born in Bristol, October 29, 1830,
and studied for the ministry at the Baptist college in
that city. In 1858, he entered upon public life as
minister at Worstead, in the agricultural county of
Norfolk. It was afterward his lot to be the first Bap-
tist pastor in modern times in the ancient city of
York. Subsequently he labored in Canterbury and
Bolton, and is now pastor of the General Baptist
church at Berkhampsted. Mr. Smythe' s first poetical
production appeared in the Baptist Magazine in the
year 1856, and was entitled "God and the Soul."
Since then he has written a considerable number of
hymns and short poems, which have appeared in the
Sword and Trowel, the General Magazine, and other
religious periodicals. The following, from "Psalms
and Hymns for School and Home" (128), is from his
pen:
O Jesus 1 meek and lowly,
Who once did sojourn here;
O Jesus! pure and holy,
Thy gentle voice I hear!
It speaks from out the pages
Of thine own Book divine;
It comes all down the ages,
To weary hearts like mine.
O Jesus! meek and lowly,
Of comforters the best;
O Jesus! pure and holy,
To me thou offer'st rest;
Best from all mental anguish,
The rest of sin forgiven.
Rest when I fail and languish,
The perfect rest of heaven.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 201
O Jesus I meek and lowly,
I look to thee alone;
0 Jesus I pure and holy,
To thee for rest I come ;
1 trust, and so believe thee,
I seek thy blessed face;
Keceive me, oh, receive me.
Within thy kind embrace!
MARY E. LESLIE.
1834 -^ — .
Miss Mary Eliza Leslie is a daughter of Rev.
Andrew Leslie, a Baptist missionary, who for twenty,
two years was pastor of the church in Circular Road,
Calcutta. She was born at Menghyr, January 13,
1834. She became a member of her father's church,
and, being possessed of considerable intellectual at^
tainments, was for eight years at the head of an instil
tution for the education of the daughters of native
Christian gentlemen. Since 1877, she has been en-
gaged in visiting the hospitals of Calcutta, in temper-
ance and zenana work, and other kinds of Christian
service.
Miss Leslie is the author of the following works:
"Ina, and other Poems" (1856); "Sorrows and Aspi-
rations " (1858); "Heart Echoes from the East, or
Sacred Lyrics and Sonnets" (1861); "The Dawn of
Light, a Story for Hindoo Women" (1869); "Eastern
Blossoms, a »Story for Native Christian Women" (1875);
and "A Child of the Day" (1882, republished in
Edinburgh).
In " Heart Echoes from the East "is a lyric be-
ginning,
They are gathering homeward from every land,
which soon became extremely popular, and has been
202 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
reprinted in many forms. Set to music, it has been
often sung at anniversaries. Several of Miss Leslie's
lyrics and sonnets are very good, but no one of her
hymns is equal in poetic power to this (" School
Hymnal," 291) :
They are gathering homeward from every land,
One by one;
As their weary feet touch the shining strand,
One by one.
Their brows are enclosed in a golden crown,
Their travel stained garments are all laid down,
And clothed in white raiment they rest on the mead
Where the Lamb loveth his chosen to lead,
One by one.
Before they rest they pass through the strife,
One by one;
Through the waters of death they enter life,
One by one.
To some are the floods of the river still
As they ford on their way to the heavenly hill;
To others the waves run fiercely and wild;
Yet all reach the home of the undefiled,
One by one.
Jesus, Eedeemer, we look to thee,
One by one;
We lift up our voices tremblingly,
One by one.
The waves of the river are dark and cold,
We know not the spot where our feet may hold;
Thou who didst pass through in deep midnight,
Strengthen us, send us the staff, and the light,
One by one.
Plant thou thy feet beside as we tread,
One by one;
On thee let us lean each drooping head,
One by one.
Let but thy strong arm around us be twined,
We shall cast our cares and fears to the wind.
Savior, Redeemer, with thee full in view,
Smilingly, gladsomely, shall we pass through,
One by one.
■^yT^i^'i^iQynaAyLi^ cyto. <JZJ?.^yi^^O'n^.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 203
CHARLES H. SPURGEON,
1834 .
Few men are so widely known as Charles Haddon
Spurgeon. He was born June 19, 1834, at Kelvedon,
Essex, where his fatlier w^as pastor of an Independent
church. At an early age he was placed under the
care of his grandfather, also an Independent minister,
who lived at Stambourne, in the same county. Later
he attended a private academy at Colchester, which
had become his father's residence. When fifteen
years of age he studied a year at an agricultural col-
lege at Maidstone. Afterward he was an assistant in
a school at Newmarket. In the autumn of 1850, he
became deeply interested in his religious welfare, and
a few months later, at the Primitive Methodist Chapel
at Colchester, he heard a sermon from the text, " Look
unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth."
The preacher's words reached his heart, and then and
there, according to his own glad testimony, he gave
himself to the Lord Jesus Christ. When considering
the duty of publicly confessing his allegiance to his
Master, he decided to unite with a Baptist church,
and May 3, 1851, he was baptized at Isleham, near
Newmarket.
For awhile he devoted himself to the work of tract
distribution and Sunday-school teaching. He then
removed to Cambridge, where he found employment
as usher. Here he united with the Baptist church in
St. Andrews Street, of which Robert Robinson and
afterward Robert Hall had been pastors, and engaged
in religious work as opportunity offered. His first
sermon he preached at Teversham, when sixteen years
of age, having received a license as a lay preacher.
In 1852, he was called to the pastorate of the little
Baptist church at Waterbeach. Here crowds flocked
to hear him. His fame soon reached London, and, in
204 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the autumn of 1853, the deacons of Dr. Rippon's old
church in New Park Street invited him to come to
London, and supply the pulpit. The invitation
was accepted, and the impression which the young
preacher made by his sermons was such that he at
once received a call to the pastorate. This he ac-
cepted, and removing to London he entered upon his
work in the metropolis under very bright prospects.
Crowds attended his preaching services, and within a
year it became necessary to enlarge the church edi-
fice. Meanwhile Exeter Hall was hired, and overflow-
ing congregations greeted him there. The enlarged
chapel proved inadequate to seat the throngs that
assembled to hear him, and, in 1856, Mr. Spurgeon
commenced preaching in the Music Hall in Surry Gar-
dens, which had accommodations for seven thousand
people. To meet the wants of the rapidly growing
church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle was erected, the
corner-stone of which was laid in August, 1859. The
building was completed in 1861, at a cost of one hun-
dred and fifty thousand dollars. Here Mr. Spurgeon
has since preached to large congregations, the house
having seats for fifty-five hundred people, and stand-
ing-room for one thousand more. When the church
took possession of the Tabernacle it had a member-
ship of eleven hundred and seventy-eight ; the mem-
bership is now upward of five thousand. Connected
with the church are "The Pastor's College," for the
training of young men for the ministry, and many
benevolent institutions, including almshouses and or-
phan asylums. Since 1868, Mr. Spurgeon's brother,
Rev. James A. Spurgeon, has been associated with
him as assistant pastor.
Mr. Spurgeon's sermons have been published each
week, and very widely circulated, either in the preach-
er's own tongue or in translations. He has also pub-
lished many valuable works, of which especial mention
should be made of his " Commentary on the Psalms,"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 205
in seven volumes, entitled ''^The Treasury of David."
In 1866, he published "Our Own Hymn Book, a Col-
lection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social and
Private Worship." In this admirable collection two
hundred and twenty authors are represented by eleven
hundred and twenty-nine hymns. Mr. Spurgeon's
own contributions were fourteen psalms and ten
hymns, with three which he had altered. Of the
hymns a favorite is that which commences,
Sweetly the holy hymn
Breaks on the morning air;
Before the world with smoke is dim
We meet to offer prayer.
But the hymn by Mr. Spurgeon, which he himself
likes best, and which has become best known perhaps,
having found its way into many collections, is the
following :
The Holy Ghost is here,
Where saints in prayer agree ;
As Jesus' parting gift, he's near
Each pleading company.
IsTot far away is he,
To be by prayer brought nigh;
But here in present majesty,
As in his courts on high.
He dwells within our soul,
An ever welcome guest;
He reigns with absolute control
As monarch in the breast.
Our bodies are his shrine,
And he th' indwelling Lord;
All hail, thou Comforter divine I
Be evermore adored.
Obedient to thy will,
We wait to feel thy power;
O Lord of life, our hopes fulfil,
And bless this hallowed hour.
200 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
MARIANNE FARNINGHAM HEARN.
1834 .
This popular English authoress was born at Farn-
ingham, Kent, December 17, 1834. Her Christian and
family name is simply Marianne Hearn, but she is
best known by the nom de plume of Marianne Farning-
ham, Avhich she adopted at the commencement of her
literary career. For the last twenty-one years she
has resided at Northampton, and is a member of the
Baptist church in College Street in that town. In a
letter to the writer she says: "The greatest thing
about me is my Young Woman's Bible Class, which I
hold in Mr. Brown's Chapel on Sunday afternoons,
consisting of one hundred and fifty members, of all
classes and denominations."
Her literary work has been chiefly done in connec-
tion with the Christian World newspaper, on whose
staff she has been from the commencement of its pub-
lication. A large number of her contributions to this
paper have been reprinted, making more than twenty
volumes, such as " Songs of Sunshine," i' Gilbert, and
Other Poems," "Songs and Lyrics of the Blessed
Life," etc. Miss Hearn is also editor of the Sunday
School Times, a cheap weekly publication for the use
of Sunday-school teachers in England. Occasion-
ally, too, she appears on the lecture platform. Her
addresses are characterized by the modesty and quiet
earnestness of her manner, as well as by the clearness
of her utterance, and the appropriateness and justice
of her sentiments.
The most popular of her hymns is one with the
refrain " Waiting and Watching for Me," which first
appeared in the Christian World, in the autumn of
1864. With a new first stanza, and the omission of
the fourth, this hymn is included in Sankey's
" Sacred Sono-s and Solos." It is sriven below in its
original form as supplied by the authoress.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 207
When mysterious whispers are floating about,
And voices that will not be still
Shall summon me hence from the slippery shore
To the waves that are silent and chill ;
"When I look with changed eyes at the house of the blest,
Far out of the reach of the sea, —
"Will any one stand at the Beautiful Gate
"Waiting and watching for me ?
There are little ones glancing about on my path
In need of a friend and a guide;
There are dim little eyes looking up into mine
"Whose tears could be easily dried.
But Jesus may beckon the children away
In the midst of their grief or their glee;
"Will any of these at the Beautiful Gate
Be waiting and watching for me ?
There are old and forsaken who linger awhile
In homes which their dearest have left,
And an action of love or a few gentle words
Might cheer the sad spirit bereft.
But the reaper is near to the long-standing corn,
The weary shall soon be set free ;
"Will any of these at the Beautiful Gate
Be waiting and watching for me ?
There are dear ones at home I may bless with my love,
There are wretched ones pacing the street;
There are friendless and suffering strangers around;
There are tempted and poor I must meet;
There are many unthought of, whom happy and blest
In the land of the good I shall see,
"Will any of these at the Beautiful Gate
Be waiting and watching for me ?
I may be brought there by the unbounded grace
Of the Savior who loves to forgive,
Though I bless not the hungr}' ones near to my side.
But pray for myself while I live ;
But I think I should mourn o'er my selfish neglect.
If sorrow in heaven can be,
If no one should stand at the Beautiful Gate,
"Waiting and watching for me.
208 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Other well known hymns by Miss Hearn are the
followmg (" School Hymnal," numbers 303, 320 j:
Hail, the children's festal day,
and
Father, who givest us now the new year.
FREDERICK H. ROBARTS.
1835 .
Rev. Frederick Hall Robarts, formerly of Liv-
erpool, now pastor of the Hillhead Baptist church,
Glasgow, was born in London, in March, 1835. He
studied at University College, London, and at the Uni-
versity of Edinburgh, and commenced his ministry in
1859, in Liverpool. He continued in the pastorate of
the Richmond Chapel in that city until 1883, when he
removed to his present sphere of labor. Mr. Robarts
has written some hymns for children, three of which
have appeared in " Psalms and Hymns for School and
Home " (1882), viz :
" In the name of Jesus,"
" O bless the Lord and praise,"
and the following:
O Lord, our Strength and Kefuge,
Behold us drawing near,
To supplicate thy blessing
Upon this opening year;
What days may be before us,
Not one of us can tell;
O satisfy us early,
With grace to spend them well.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 209
And early in our lifetime,
While all is fresh and new,
Descend upon our spirits
As fertilizing dew;
Let not the years pass o'er us,
And leave us far from thee.
But satisfy us early,
With fervent piety.
And early every morning,
Before the strife begins,
With world and flesh and devil.
With toils and cares and sins.
To do our daily duties
May we our hearts prepare.
And always seek thee early.
In Scripture and in prayer.
O satisfy us early,
With grace and peace and love,
And showers of thy mercy,
Descending from above;
That following our Savior,
Obedient to his voice,
Through all our days with gladness
And praise we may rejoice.
EDWARD H. JACKSON.
1838 .
Rev. Edward H. Jackson was born in Birmingham,
April 12, 1838, his father being a civil engineer in the
employ of the Government. He was brought up a
Congregationalist, but became a Baptist in 1856, and
a Baptist minister, in the General Baptist section of
the denomination, in 1859. His first station was in
Liverpool for two years. Since then, he has been
pastor at Billesdon and Castle Donnington, in Leicester-
14
210 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
shire, at Ripley, in Derbyshire, and at South, in Lin-
colnshire.
Mr. Jackson has been a frequent lecturer in behalf
of the Society for the Liberation of Religion from
State Patronage, etc. Most of his hymns have been
written for Sunday-school anniversaries. Three were
first published in the " Baptist Hymnal," and seven
others in the "School Hymnal" (London, 1880).
Several have been introduced into other collections of
hymns for the young. The following is 301 in the
"School Hymnal":
The Golden Land is shining
Beyond the azure sky,
Its pearly gates are massive
Its jasper walls are high ;
Its warders are the angels,
And evermore they keep
The splendors of its pavement
Untouched by sinful feet.
'T is true that land is peopled
By those that dwelt below;
But there they walk in raiments
As stainless as the snow;
Their souls' transparent beauty
Undimraed by thought of sin,
They outwardly are lovely,
And glorious within.
On earth e'en little children
Are sinful and defiled,
But yonder both are sinless
The angel and the child.
O say, can we attain to
This beautiful estate ?
Who '11 lead us to that kingdom,
And turn the mighty gate ?
O there is one to lead us,
One who was crucified;
Whose living word is speaking
To tell us why he died.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 211
His precious blood can cleanse us
And make us fit to stand
With all his shining angels
Within the Golden Land.
The Golden Land is shining
Beyond the azure sky,
Its pearly gates are massive
Its jasper walls are high;
But all its angels call us,
And stretch a loving hand.
For Christ has bid them help us
To reach the Golden Land.
CHARLES CLARK.
1838 .
Mr. Clark is chiefly known as an eloquent preacher
and lecturer. He was born in London, April 19, 1838,
studied at the General Baptist College near Notting-
ham, and, in 1862, began his ministry at Halifax,
Yorkshire. He was subsequently pastor at Mazepond,
London, and of the ancient and important Baptist
church in Broadmead, Bristol. In 1869, he accepted
an invitation to take charge of the Baptist church in
Albert Street, Melbourne, Australia. He returned
from Australia in 1879, and after an interval of two
years, employed chiefly in lecturing, became the first
minister of a beautiful chapel, newly erected, at
EaUng, a suburb of London, where, through his labors,
a niunerous congregation had been gathered. Mr.
Clark has not attempted much as a hymn writer, but
in the "School Hymnal," a Baptist collection of hymns
for the young, he is represented by the following :
Jesus, holy Savior,
Shepherd of the sheep,
In this world of danger
Me in safety keep.
212 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
While through life I journey,
Deign to be my guide;
Let me never wander
From thy sheltering side.
Tender flowers are blooming
By the sunlit way;
Birds and bees make music
Through the summer day;
All the joys of childhood
Xow my spirit greet;
But that thou art near me
Makes my life most sweet.
If through gloomy valleys
Life's rough path shall lie,
Let thy staff of comfort
Evermore be nigh.
Then no threatening evil
Shall my heart affright,
"While I feel my Shepherd
Near me iu the night.
When in thy good pleasure
Earthly life shall cease,
May thy gentle presence
Fill my heart with peace.
May thy holy angels
Bear my soul above,
There to rest forever
In my Savior's love.
THOMAS V. TYMNS.
1842 .
It is well that in the church of Christ there should
always be some men fitted by intellect and culture to
grapple with the deeper questions of theology and
philosophy. Such a man is Rev. Thomas Vincent
Tymns. He was born in Westminster, London, Jan-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 2ia
uary 5, 1842. After receiving an education for the
ministry at the Baptist College in Regent's Park, he
became, in 1865, pastor at Berwick-on-Tweed. Thence,
in 1868, he removed to Accrington, and, in 1869, to
London, where he now ministers to an inteUigent and
influential congregation in the Downs Chapel, Clapton.
In 1885, Mr. Tymns published a very able book en-
titled " The Mystery of God, a Consideration of some
Intellectual Hindrances to Faith" (London, Elliot
Stock). The public appreciation of it was shown in
the fact that before the end of 1886, a second edition
was called for. But the study of very grave questions
has not prevented Mr. Tymns from employing his
pen occasionally in sacred song. He has written
several hymns, of which the following has been intro-
duced into several hymn books :
Another Sabbath ended,
Its peaceful hours all flown,
We come to close its worship,
O Lord, before thy throne.
We bless thee for this earnest
Of better rest above ;
This token of thy kindness.
This pledge of boundless love.
We would prolong its moments,
And linger yet a while
Amid its closing shadows,
Illumined by thy smile.
Our souls shall know no darkness
While we may look to thee ;
Our eyes shall ne'er grow weary
While we thy face can see.
O Jesus! our dear Savior,
To thee our songs we raise;
Our hearts, by care untroubled,
Uplift themselves in praise.
For to God's truce with labor
More glory thou hast given;
And Sabbaths now are sweeter.
Since Christ the Lord has risen.
214 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
O Lord! again we bless thee
For such a day as this ; ^
So rich in ancient glories,
So bright with hopes of bliss.
O ! may we reach thy perfect,
Thine endless, day of rest;
Then lay our earth-worn spirits,
Upon our Father's breast 1
The first lines of other hymns written by Mr. Tymns
are
" O Lord of glory be my light,"
*' Almighty God! by thee of old,"
" Lord, I read of tender mercy."
JOHN M. WIGNER.
1844 .
John Murch "Wigner, second and only surviving
son of Rev. J. T. Wigner, was born in Lynn, Essex,
June 10, 1844. He was educated at the Lynn Gram-
mar School, and afterward was graduated b.a. and b.sc,
in the London University. He now resides near Lon-
don, and has been for many years in the India Home
Civil Service. As a member of his father's church,
he has done much to promote the spiritual welfare
of the young. Scores, if not hundreds, have been
brought to God through him. He is the author of
several hymns, three of which appear in the Baptist
hymn books:
" Lost one, wandering on in sadness,"
" Lo, a loving Friend is waiting,"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 215
and the following :
Come to the Savior now I
He gently calleth thee;
In true repentance bow,
Before him bend the knee.
He waiteth to bestow
Salvation, peace and love,
True joy on earth below,
A home in heaven above.
Come to the Savior now!
Gaze on that crimson tide —
Water and blood — that flow
Forth from his wounded side.
Hark to that suffering One —
" 'Tis finished," now he cries.
Redemption's work is done,
Then bows his head and dies.
Come to the Savior now I
He suffered all for thee.
And in his merits thou
Hast an unfailing plea.
No vain excuses frame,
For feelings do not stay;
None who to Jesus came
Were ever sent away.
Come to the Savior now I
Ye who have wandei-ed far.
Renew your solemn vow,
For his by right you are.
Come like poor wandering sheep,
Returning to his fold.
His arm will safely keep,
His love will ne'er grow cold.
Come to the Savior all I
Whate'er your burden be;
Hear now his loving call —
" Cast all your care on me."
Come, and for every grief
In Jesus you will find
A sure and safe relief,
A loving friend and kind.
216 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
WILLIAM H. PARKER.
1845 .
"William Henry Parker is an interesting example
of what can be accomplished by an English working-
man in the way of self-culture. He was born March
4, 1845, at New Basford, a manufacturing suburb of
the town of Nottingham. At the age of thirteen he
became an apprentice in the machine construction
department of a large lace manufactory in his native
place, and still continues in the employ of the same
firm. Early in life he began to write verses, and hav-
ing united with a General Baptist church, and become
interested in Sunday-schools, was led to compose
hymns for use on anniversary occasions. Every year
he produces one or two for this purpose. Three of
these hymns were introduced by his pastor, Rev. W.
R. Stevenson, into the "School Hymnal" (1880), and
soon found their way into other collections of hymns
for the young.
In 1882, Mr. Parker published a small volume enti-
tled "The Princess Alice, and Other Poems." In the
poets' corner of the local newspapers his compositions
not unfrequently have a place. The following are
the first Hues of the hymns to which reference above
is made :
" Children know but little,"
"Jesus, I so often need thee,"
" Holy Spirit, hear us."
All these are characterized by a simplicity of language
which renders them peculiarly adapted to the use of
children. Owing probably to the fact that there are
but few hymns addressed to the Holy Spirit, which
are found in collections for children, the third of these
hymns has been introduced into a number of modern
AND THEIR HYMNS. 217
Sunday-school hymn books. As found in the "School
Hymnal" this hymn is as follows:
Holy Spirit, hear us;
Help us while we sing;
Breathe into the music
Of the praise we bring.
Holy Spirit, prompt us
When we kneel to pray;
Kearer come, and teach us
What we ought to say.
Holy Spirit, shine thou
On the Book we read;
• Gild its holy pages
With the light we need.
Holy Spirit, give us
Each a lowly mind;
Make us more like Jesus,
Gentle, pure and kind.
Holy Spirit, brighten
Little deeds of toil;
And our playful pastimes
Let no folly spoil.
Holy Spirit, keep us
Safe from sins which lie
Hidden by some pleasure
From our youthful eye.
Holy Spirit, help us
Daily by thy might.
What is wrong to conquer,
And to choose the right.
218 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
FREDERIC W. GOADBY.
1845-1879.
Rev. Frederic William Goadbt was the sixth son
of Rev. Joseph Goadby and a younger brother of Rev.
Thomas Goadby. He was born at Leicester, August
10, 1845, educated at the Loughborougli Grammar
School; in 1862, he entered Regent's Park College,
London, as " Wood Scholar," and was graduated m.a. in
the London University in 1868. From 1868, to 1876,
he was pastor of the Baptist church at Bluntisham. He
then removed to Watford, where, after a brief, bright
course, he died, much lamented, October 15j 1879.
He was regarded as one of the most promising young
ministers in the denomination, and his apparently pre-
mature departure was felt to be a public loss.
Mr. Goadby was the author of several good hymns.
Two of these were written for the opening of new
places of worship :
O thou, whose hand has brought us,
and
Our father's Friend and God,
both of which are found in " Psalms and Hymns '*
(1246 and 1248). The others were hymns for the
young:
O Lord, the children come to thee,
and the following (" School Hymnal," 172) :
A crowd fills the court of the temple,
A sound as of praise stirs the air,
Jerusalem thrills with emotion.
The Lord of the temple is there!
In vain is the priestly displeasure
To silence the anthems that ring;
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
The children all joyfully sing.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 219
And if in this temple of worship,
Where now we are met in his name,
The Lord should appear in his beauty,
Himself his own Gospel proclaim,
What anthems of grateful devotion,
Around him would echo and ring;
Hosannal Hosannal Hosannal
The children would joyfully sing.
LordI make each young heart thine own temple,
Keveal thy sweet presence within,
Illumine our minds by thy coming,
Expel every longing for sin ;
And when in our souls we adore thee,
How pure the glad praise we shall bring!
Hosanna! Hosannal Hosannal
The children will joyfully sing.
And when in that temple of glory.
Where falls never shadow of night.
Where sorrow and sin never sadden,
And thou shalt thyself be the light;
When round thee the ransomed are thronging,
High heaven with their praises will ring.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
Thy children forever will sing.
JAMES T. ROBERTS.
1850 .
James Thomas Roberts was born at Suton, Bed-
fordshire, December 22, 1850. He was educated for
the ministry at the Baptist College, Chilwell, near
Nottingham, and, in 1874, became pastor of the Bap-
tist church at Retford, Nottinghamshire. Subse-
quently he labored at Grimsley, and at Westvale, near
Halifax, Yorkshire. Among the Baptist churches of
Yorkshire the Sunday-school anniversary is the great
220 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
festival of the year, and during Mr. Roberts' residence
at Westvale he composed several hymns for use on
these occasions,
" O Jesus, blessed Jesus,"
" Onward, children, onward,"
" Toil on, teachers,"
" Again unto Jesus our Savior,"
and others. These hymns were sung at various places
in the district, but only one has found its way into
the hymn books. Mr. Roberts is now again residing
at Suton, his native place, engaged in business, but
preaching on most Lord's-days in the villages adja-
cent. The following is from the "School Hymnal"
(141) :
O Jesus, blessed Jesus I
Who art the children's Friend,
Hear thou our grateful praises,
"While at thy feet we bend;
As thou hast deigned to welcome —
As thou hast deigned to bless
The little ones who love thee, —
Around thee now we press.
Bless even us, dear Jesus!
For O, we long to know
The peace, the joy and gladness,
Thou only canst bestow.
To know thee, and to love thee.
Be this our early choice,
That all along life's journey
In thee we may rejoice.
We love thy name, dear Jesus.
No other name is given
That is to us so precious.
That is so dear to heaven ;
It tells us of a Savior,
It tells us of a Friend
Who will with loving favor
To all our wants attend.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 221
O guide us, blessed Jesus!
Amid the snares of youth,
For well we know our proneness
To leave the paths of truth.
May thy kind arms enfold us
So near thy loving heart,
That sheltered and defended,
We nevermore may part.
We look to thee, dear Jesus!
Our hope is stayed on thee ;
O make us now, and keep us
Thine own eternally.
And, when no more thy children
Shall sing thy praises here,
May parents, teachers, scholars,
Meet in yon heavenly sphere.
WALTER J. MATHAMS.
1853 .
Walter John Mathams is pastor of the Baptist
church at Folkirk, Scotland. He was born in London,
October 30, 1853. In early life he went to sea, and
had an eventful experience, being at one time ship-
wrecked, and at another imprisoned as a forced recruit
for the Brazilian army during a war with Paraguay.
On his return home he began to study for the minis-
try, and entered Regent's Park College in 1874. His
first pastoral charge was at Preston, in Lancashire, but
health failing he went for a time to Australia. Again
returning to Great Britain, in 1883, he became pastor
of the church to which he now ministers.
Whilst a student at Regent's Park, Mr. Mathams
published a small collection of hymns and poems, en-
titled " At Jesus' Feet" (1876). He has since written
a number of small religious books of a popular charac-
222 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ter, such as " Fireside Parables," " Sunday Parables,"
and " Bristles for Brooms."
Several of Mr. Mathams' hymns are to be found in
the English " Baptist Hymnal," " Psalms and Hymns,"
and " Psalms and Hymns for School and Home." The
following is 318 in the " Baptist Hymnal " :
My heart, O God, be wholly thine,
I would not keep it back from thee;
Nor wish to shun the grace divine
Which asks this humble gift of me.
0 take it now, and let thy love
For ever more within me dwell;
And may thy spirit from above
Teach me to serve my Master well.
Afar be every thought of sin,
Afar be every wish to stray;
Let truth and holiness begin
To lead me up the heavenward way.
Make this my only aim and care.
To seek thy praise in all I do ;
To consecrate each act with prayer,
As I my daily work pursue.
More like to thee, my blessM Lord,
1 would be, as my days pass by,
With patience, love, and wisdom stored,
Keady to live, and fit to die.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 223
AMERICAN BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
BENJAMIN CLEAVLAND.
1733-1811.
Ix many American hymn books, from the beginning
of the century, place has been given to a hymn com-
mencing
Oh, could I find from day to day.
In the " Psalmist," it is credited to " Church Psalmody,'*
and in " Church Psalmody," to " Methodist Coll." In
the " Plymouth Collection," it is credited to the " Hart-
ford Selection." In some other collections it is marked
" Anon." It has at length been ascertained — and the
discovery is due to Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, d.d., of
Hartford, Conn., — that this well known hymn was
written by Benjamin Cleavland. In a communication
in the Watchman and Reflector, December 22, 1870,
Dr. Phelps announced his discovery. " A little, old
leather-bound book " had fallen into his hands, con-
taining some hymns by Benjamin Cleavland, and
among them was this hymn. " It is the only hymn
by the author," says Dr. Phelps, " that any compiler
would now think of inserting in a book of psalmody."
This old leather-bound hymn book is the property of
Hon. J. H. Trumbull, ll.d., of Hartford, Conn., and
its title in full is as follows: '^'^ Hymns on Different
Spiritual Subjects. In two Parts. Part I. Containing
xxiv Hymns, on various subjects, suitable for Chris-
tian Worship. By Benjamin Cleavland. Fourth
224 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Edition. Part II. Containing xxxii Hymns by Anna
Beeman, of Warren in Connecticut, and xxiv Hymns
by Amos Wells. To which is added a number of Hymns,
by different Authors. Particularly Adapted to the
Baptist Worship. Norwich : Connecticut. Printed by
John Trumbull, mdccxcii. With the Privilege of
Copy Right." Dr. Trumbull's copy of this hymn
book, printed by his grandfather, is an imperfect one,
ending with p. 112. The date of publication is un-
certain. Dr. Trumbull says, " The margin of the page,
at this point, is worn, and I am not sure of the date,
which may have been mdccxciii."
As printed in this collection, Mr. Cleavland's h3rmn
contains six stanzas, and is as follows :
O could I find from day to day
A nearness to my God;
Then should my hours glide sweet away
And lean upon thy Word.
Lord, I desire with thee to live,
Anew from day to day,
In joys the world can never give
Nor never take away.
O Jesus, come and rule my heart
And I '11 be wholly thine.
And never, never more depart,
For thou art wholly mine.
Thus, till my last expiring breath,
Thy goodness I '11 adore ;
And when my flesh dissolves in death
My soul shall love thee more.
Through boundless grace I then shall spend
An everlasting day
In the embraces of my friend,
Who took my guilt away.
That worthy name shall have the praise
To whom all praise is due ;
While angels and archangels gaze
On scenes forever new.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 225
'~ This hymn, in its original form, has a place in
" Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs ; for the use of
Religious Assemblies and Private Christians. Being
a collection by Joshua Smith — and others. Eighth
Edition. With large additions and alterations by
William Northup, v.d.m., Norwich. Printed and
Sold by John Sterry & Co., mdccxcvii." Mr.
Cleavland's hymn appeared in an altered form in the
"Hartford Selection," 1799. In Dr. Nettleton's
" Village Hymns," 1826, it appears substantially in its
present form, with four stanzas.
Dea. Benjamin Cleavland (correctly Cleveland),
was born in Windham, Conn., August 30, 1733. He
was first cousin of Rev. Aaron Cleveland, the ancestor
of President Cleveland. Mr. Cleveland married first at
Windham, February 20, 1754, Mary Elderkin; second
at Scotland, Conn., March 25, 1784, Sarah Hibbert, who
was probably a sister, or a near relative, of Dea. Hib-
bert, the author of a number of hymns in " Hymns on
Different Spiritual Subjects." His twelve children,
one of whom. Rev. Nathan Cleveland, was a Baptist
minister, were all by his first marriage. After the
expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia, numer-
ous families removed from New England and occupied
their vacant lands. With them came Benjamin Cleav-
land and settled at Horton, now Wolfville. Of the
Horton Baptist Church, which was established near
the close of the eighteenth century, he became a
member. He died at Wolfville, March 9, 1811, and
was buried in the old cemetery on Main Street. Dr.
Edward Young, for many years Chief of the Bureau
of Statistics at Washington, D. C, and now United
States consul at Windsor, N. S., is a descendant of
Benjamin Cleavland.
15
226 BAPTIST IIYMX WRITERS
THOMAS BALDWIN.
1753-1826.
Rev. Thomas Baldwin, d.d., the only son of
Thomas and Mary Baldwin, was born in Bozrah,
Conn., December 23, 1753. His father, who died
while his son was a youth, rose to distinction in the
colonial military service. His mother, a woman of
vigorous intellect and elevated piety, remarried when
her son was about sixteen years of age, and the fam-
ily removed to Canaan, N. H. Here Thomas was
married, September 22, 1775. While yet a young
man, he was elected to represent the town of Canaan
in the legislature, and so satisfactorily did he discharge
his duties that he was repeatedly elected to this office.
The bar seemed now to open to him a field for dis-
tinction, and he commenced a course of study, with
the profession of law in view. But God's plan was
otherwise. In the autumn of 1777, his first-born child
died, and by this affliction his thoughts were directed
to sacred things. It was not until the year 1780,
however, that, in connection with the labors of two
Baptist ministers who visited Canaan, and held relig-
ious services, that he was led to yield his heart to the
Savior. In the latter part of 1781, he was baptized
by Rev. Elisha Rawson.
Such were his convictions of duty that he soon con-
cluded to abandon his legal studies and devote himself
to the work of the Christian ministry. He com-
menced to preach in August, 1782, and June 11,
1783, he was ordained as an evangelist at Canaan.
Here, for no stipulated salary, he labored seven years,
performing much evangelistic service in destitute
places.
In the early part of 1790, Mr. Baldwin received an
invitation to visit the Baptist church in Sturbridge,
Mass., and also that in Hampton, Conn. At the open-
AKD THEIR HYMXS. 227
ing of the summer he left his home to respond to
these invitations. On the journey he received an
added invitation from the Second Baptist church in
Boston. The churches in Sturbridge and Hampton
desired to secure his services as pastor. Proceeding
to Boston, he preached in the Second Churchy July 4,
1790, and a few following Sabbaths. Here, also, he
received a call to the pastorate. Many considerations
seemed to indicate the path of duty, and the call to
Boston was accepted. Mr. Baldwin's installation fol-
lowed, November 11. Dr. Stillman preached the ser-
mon. Dr. Smith, of Haverhill, gave the charge, Rev.
Thomas Green, of Cambridge, presented the hand of
fellowship, and Rev. Joseph Grafton, of Newton, of-
fered the concluding prayer. His ministry was
greatly blessed. Revival followed revival, and, in
1797, it became necessary, on account of the increase
in the congregation, to enlarge the house. Repeat-
edly he was chosen chaplain of the General Court of
Massachusetts, and, in 1802, he was appointed to
deliver the annual sermon on the day of the General
Election.
Beside the sermons already referred to, Dr. Baldwin
published "Open Communion Examined" (1789); "A
Friendly Letter," addressed to Rev. Noah Webster
(1794), both republished in 1806; '-A Series of Let-
ters, in which the Distinguishing Sentiments of the
Baptists are Explained and Vindicated, in Answer to
a Late Publication by the Rev. Samuel Worcester, A.
M., Addressed to the Author, Entitled 'Serious and
Candid Letters' " (1810); and "An Essay on the Bap-
tism of John" (1820). He also prepared a Catechism,
which had passed through six editions in 1826. By
appointment of the Baptist Missionary Society of
Massachusetts, he commenced, in 1803, the publica-
tion of the "American Baptist Magazine," then under
the title of the "Massachusetts Baptist Missionary
Magazine." From its commencement, until 1817, he
228 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
was its soie editor; and from that time until his death
he was its senior editor. He received the degree of
Master of Arts from Brown University in 1794, and
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Union College
in 1803.
Dr. Baldwin's death occurred August 29, 1826, at
Waterville, Maine, whither he had gone to attend
the annual commencement of Waterville College, of
which he was a trustee. He retired to rest, on the
evening of the day of his arrival, apparently as well
as usual. After sleeping about an hour, he awoke,
suddenly groaned, and "was not, for God took him."
At his funeral in Boston, September 5, the sermon
was preached by Rev. Daniel Sharp, from the words,
"He was a good man," Acts xi. 24.
The following well known hymn was composed by
Dr. Baldwin during a night journey from Newport,
N. H., to Canaan. There had been alienation in the
church at Newport, and Dr. Baldwin's visit had re-
sulted in a union of its members.
rrom whence doth this union arise,
That hatred is conquered by love;
That fastens our souls in such ties,
As nature and time can't remove ?
It cannot in Eden be found,
Nor yet in a Paradise lost;
It grows on Immanuel's ground,
And Jesus' rich blood it did cost.
My friends are so dear unto me,
Our hearts all united in love;
"Where Jesus is gone we shall be,
In yonder blest mansions above.
O, why then so loath for to part,
Since we shall ere long meet again ?
Engraved on Immanuel's heart,
At distance we cannot remain.
AKD THEIR HYMNS. 229
Though called to resign up this breath,
And quit these frail bodies of clay,
When freed from corruption and death,
We '11 unite in the regions of day.
With Jesus we ever shall reign,
And all his bright glories shall see;
We '11 sing Alleluia, Amen I
Amen! even so let it be.
The first lines of other hymns written by Dr.
Baldwin, are as follows :
" Come, happy souls, adore the Lamb,"
" 'T is first of all thyself to know,"
" Almighty Savior, here we stand,"
" Come, welcome this new year of grace,"
"See that ship, her sails now bending."
The last, entitled " The Parting Scene," was written
on the sailing of the missionaries, Wheelock and Col-
man, with their wives, from Boston for India, Novem-
ber 16, 1817.
JOHN LELAND.
1754-1841.
Elder John Leland, as he was generally known,
was born in Grafton, Mass., May 14, 1754. When
twenty years of age he was baptized at Northbridge
by Rev. Noah Alden, of Bellingham. Shortly after-
ward he decided, in accordance with his conviction of
.duty, to devote himself to the work of the Christian
ministry, and, in the autumn of 1774, he united with
the Bellingham Baptist church, from which he received
a license to preach. In October, 1775, he went to
Virginia, where he was ordained. He labored in vari-
230 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ous parts of that State, and under his pungent preach-
ino; of the truth hundreds were brouo;ht to Christ. He
remained in Virginia about fifteen years, and during
this time he preached three thousand and nine sermons,
and baptized seven hundred converts. Returning to
his native state, he took up his residence in Cheshire,
where he spent the remainder of his Hfe. His evan-
geUstic labors were continued, and the number of the
persons he had baptized, down to 1821, he gave as
one thousand three hundred and fifty-two. His last
sermon was preached at North Adams, Mass., January
8, 1841. Taken severely ill that night, he lingered
until the evening of the fourteenth, when he gently
entered into rest.
Mr. Leland was a prolific writer. His occasional
sermons and addresses and essays, on a great variety
of subjects, moral, religious and political, were pub-
lished, after his death, in a large octavo volume, with
notice of his life by Miss L. F. Greene, of Lanesborough,
Mass. Many of his hymns are included in this collec-
tion. The best of these is the following, found in
most of the hymn books of the present day :
The day is past and gone ;
The evening shades appear;
Oh, may I ever keep in mind,
The night of death draws near!
I lay my garments by,
Upon my bed to rest;
So death shall soon disrobe lis all
And leave my soul undrest.
Lord keep me safe this night,
Secure from all my fears ;
May angels guard me while I sleep,
Till morning light appears.
And when I early rise,
To view the unwearied sun,
May I set out to win the prize,
And after glory run.
AND THEIR HYMXS. 231
And when my days are past,
And I from time remove,
Oh, may I in thy bosom rest,
The bosom of thy love.
Of this hymn the late Rev. S. W. Duffield ("English
Hymns," p. 515) says : "There is an Ambrosian sim-
plicity about this hymn which suggests at once a pure
and unaffected piety, like that of the early church.
The piece is really classic in its unpretending beauty."
And he cites from the " Century Magazine," Septem-
ber, 1885, the following incident, in which there is a
reference to this hymn. It is from a lady's record in
a diary kept during the siege of Vicksburg (June 5,
1863), when the house where she lived was struck by
a shell.
" The candles were useless in the dense smoke, and
it was many minutes before we could see. Then
we found the entire side of the room torn out. The
soldiers who had rushed in said : '■ This is an eighty-
pound Parrott.' It had entered though the front,
burst on the pallet-bed which was in tatters ; the toilet
service and everything else in the room smashed. The
soldiers assisted H to board up the breaks with
planks to keep out prowlers, and we went to bed in
the cellar as usual. This morning the yard is partially
ploughed by a couple that fell there in the night. I
think this house, so large and prominent from the
river, is perhaps taken for headquarters, and specially
shelled. As we descend at night to the lower regions,
I think of the evening hymn that grandmother taught
me when a child:
' Lord, keep us safe this night,
Secure from all our fears ;
May angels guard us while we sleep,
Till morning light appears.' "
232 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The following hymns by Mr. Leland, beside the one
now given, were published as early as 1809:
" Wandering pilgrims, mourning Christians,"
" Blessed be God for all,"
" Come and taste along with me,"
" How arduous is the preacher's fight,"
" Brethren, I have come once more,"
" Think, O my soul, the dreadful day,"
" I set myself against the Lord,"
" Christians, if your hearts be warm."
Writing concerning his labors in Virginia in 1788, Mr.
Leland says : "I had a meeting at John Lea's, in
Louisa, when something seemed to descend on the
people, like that which took place at Mr. Hodgers'
[mentioned before], but the effects were not so great.
The next day there were five to be baptized. The day
was very cold. While Mr. Bowles was preaching to
the people, I composed the hymn,
Christians, if your hearts be warm."
This hymn, a great favorite with the fathers, first
contained three stanzas, and three were subsequently
added. Another hymn by Mr. Leland,
Now the Savior stands a pleading,
was found in most Baptist collections a half century
ago. Mr. Leland was also the author of
" Once there was a precious season,"
" Come heavenly muse, inspire my heart,"
" Prostrate before our weeping eyes,"
" How long, dear Savior, O how long,"
" How solcrau tlie rite we behold,"
" If grace could reach the dying thief,"
" Jesus, who reigns in heaven above,"
" Attending angels long have waited,"
AND THEIR IIYMNS. 233
" "When the Savior, long triumphant,"
" When God revealed his grand design,"
" Thus saith the eternal God,"
and many other hymns.
RICHARD FURMAN.
1755-1825.
Rev. Richard Fueman, d.d., vv^as born in Esopus,
N. Y., in 1755. His father, who was a surveyor, not
long after removed to South CaroUna, where he set-
tled at the High Hills of San tee. The son received a
good education in the classics as well as in the English
branches. When sixteen years of age he united with
the High Hills Baptist church, and two years later he
commenced to preach to the church of which he was
a member. Gradually he extended his labors, and
through his instrumentality many churches were
organized in regions hitherto destitute of gospel
privileges.
During the Revolution he was greatly interested in
the cause represented by the colonists, and especially
in the establishment of religious freedom. For awhile
he was obliged to leave South Carolina on account of
the progress of the British arms, and he made his
way into North Carolina, and later into Virginia.
While in Virginia, he had Patrick Henry in his Sab-
bath congregations, and was honored by his friendship.
When it was safe for him to return to South Carolina,
he remained awhile at High Hills, his former resi-
dence, and, in 1787, he accepted a call to the pastor-
ate of the First Baptist church in Charleston. Here
he had a long and eminently useful ministry, and he
was greatly beloved, not only by his own people, but
234 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
by the whole community. He was one of the mem-
bers of the convention that framed the constitution of
South CaroUna. In 1814, in Philadelphia, he presided
over the first general convention of the Baptists of
the United States. For several years he w^as presi-
dent of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He
died August 25, 1825. His last sermon was from the
text, "And Enoch walked with God, and was not, for
God took him." Dr. W. B. Johnson says: "It was a
noble effort, worthy of one who was standing at the
portals of heaven." Referring to Dr. Furman as a
preacher, Dr. Johnson says: "I remember hearing
him, more than forty years ago, preach from the text,
'I am set for the defence of the gospel.' It was truly
a masterly effort. Never shall I forget his solemn,
impressive countenance, his dignified manner, his
clear statements of the gospel doctrine and precepts,
his unanswerable arguments in support of the gospel's
claim to a divine origin, the lofty sentiments that he
poured forth, the immovable firmness with which he
maintained his position, and the commanding elo-
quence with which he enforced the whole argument."
Dr. Furman was the author of "Pleasures of Piety,
and Other Poems." The following hymn, written by
him, was included by Andrew Broaddus in his " Vir-
ginia Selection" (1842), from which it was transferred
to the "Baptist Psalmody" (1850):
Sovereign of all the worlds above,
Thy glory with unclouded rays,
Shines through the realms of light and love,
Inspiring angels with thy praise.
Thy power we own, thy grace adore;
Thou deign'st to visit men below!
Shines through the realms of light and love,
Inspiring angels with thy praise.
Thy power we own, thy grace adore;
Thou deign'st to visit men below!
And in affliction's darkest hour,
The humble shall thy mercy know.
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 235
I
These western States, at thy command,
Rose from dependence and distress;
Prosperity now crowns the land,
And millions join thy name to bless.
Praise is thy due, eternal King!
We '11 speak the wonders of thy love,
With grateful hearts our tribute bring,
And emulate the hosts above.
O! be thou still our guardian God;
Preserve these States from every foe ;
Prom party rage, from scenes of blood,
From sin, and every pause of woe.
Here may the great Bedeemer reign,
Display his grace and saving power!
Here liberty auA truth maintain,
Till empires fall to rise no more.
OLIVER HOLDEN.
1765-1844.
Oliver Holdex is best known as a musical com-
poser. He was the author of ''Coronation," the fa-
mihar tune still in use as often as the words are sung,
All hail the power of Jesus' name.
Mr. Holden was the fifth in descent from Richard Hol-
den, who, in 1634, came from England in the good ship
"Frances," and settled in Ipswich, Mass. His father,
Nehemiah Holden, resided in Shirley, Mass., and there,
September 17, 1765, Oliver Holden was born. Ac-
cording to Dr. F. L. Ritter, Holden became a carpen-
ter by trade. More and more, however, he devoted
his time to music, and after he made his home in
Charlestown, Mass., which w^as as early as 1792, he
opened a music store. Musical composition now
236 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
engaged his attention, and he pubhshed the following
works: "American Harmony " (1792); " Union Har-
mony " (1793); two volumes " Worcester Collection
of Sacred Music" (four editions, 1794, 1897, 1800 and
1803); "The Modern Collection of Sacred Music"
(1800) ; " Sacred Dirges, Hymns and Anthems, Com-
memorative of the Death of Gen. George Washing-
ton" (1800); " Charlestown Collection of Sacred
Songs" (1803). In the "New England Sacred Har-
mony " (1803), by Benjamin Holt, junior, there are
some tunes by Holden ; also in the " Suffolk Collection
of Church Music " (1807), of which it is claimed that
Holden was one of the compilers. " Coronation "
Avas composed in 1792.
Mr. Holden was also a hymn writer. Rev. F. M.
Bird, of South Bethlehem, Penn., the well known
hymnologist, has a book (supposed to have been
edited by Holden, but unfortunately without a title
page) which contains twenty-one hymns marked " II."
To two of these hymns Mr. Holden' s name is attached
in the " Boston Collection " (1808), with two other
originals there. The first lines are as follows:
" Arise, my love, my undefiled,"
" Who will ope the iron gate,"
" How sweet is the language of love,"
" Weeping sinner, dr}^ your tears."
The last of these hymns is found in "Ocean Melodies"
(1849).
In "Village Hymns" (1825) there is a hymn of two
stanzas (99), by Holden, commencing
With conscious guilt and bleeding heart.
In "Select Hymns" (1836) there is also a hymn (339)
by Holden, wrongly ascribed to Miller, commencing
Within these doors assembled now.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 237
The only hymn by Mr. Holden, now in use, is that
which is found in most modern collections, commencing
They who seek a throne of grace,
altered by some unknown hand from the original form
in which it appeared in the "Union Harmony," 1793.
It is given below as printed in Ripley's "Selection of
Hymns for Conference and Pra^yer Meetings" (1821):
All those who seek a throne of grace,
Are sure to find in every place;
To those who love a life of prayer,
Our God is present everywhere.
The shady grove or burning plain,
The blooming field or swelling main,
Alike are sweet in secret prayer.
For God is present everywhere.
In pining sickness, rosy health,
In poverty or growing wealth,
The humble soul delights in prayer,
And God is present everywhere.
"When Zion mourns, and comforts fail,
And all her foes do scoff and rail,
'T is then a time for secret prayer.
For God is present everywhere.
When some backslide and others fall.
And few are found .who strive at all,
The faithful find in secret prayer,
That God is present everywhere.
Come, then, my soul, in every strait,
To Jesus come and on him wait.
He sees and hears each secret sigh,
And brings his own salvation nigh.
In the closing year of his life Mr. Holden wrote his
last hymn of two stanzas, commencing
God of my life, nigh draws the day
When thou wilt summon me away.
238 . BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
MATTHEW BOLLES.
1769-1838.
With the Baptists of Connecticut Bolles is an hon-
ored name. Rev. Matthew Bolles, a son of Rev.
David Bolles, was born in Ashford, Conn., April 21,
1769. Until middle life he engaged in business, wdien
a conviction that he ought to preach led him to with-
draw from secular pursuits, and devote himself to the
work of the Christian ministry. He began to preach
in 1812, in Pleasant Valley, Lyme, Conn., and there,
in June, 1813, he was ordained as pastor of the Bap-
tist church. Here his ministry was greatly blessed,
and he remained until 1817. From 1817, to 1838, he
was pastor at Fairfield, Conn., Milford, N. H., Marble-
head and West Bridgewater, Mass. He was an able
and eloquent preacher, and full of the Holy Ghost.
He died at Hartford, Conn., greatly lamented, Septem-
ber 26, 1838, in the seventieth year of his age.
In " Select Hymns," compiled by James H. Linsley
and Gustavus F. Davis, and published at Hartford,
Conn., in 1841, by Robins and Folger, is the following
hymn (505), by Mr. Bolles, entitled "Pastor's Prayer
in the Study":
Here, Lord, retired, I bow in prayer.
Kefresh my soul — my heart prepare
To preacli thy word with power. divine;
If it succeed, the praise be thine.
"Witliout this grace, I strive in vain,
O God, revive thy saints again;
Convince poor sinners of their case,
Cause them to seek thy pardoning grace.
Draw thousands to thy mercy seat;
Their hearts renew — their sins remit;
Fill them with joy of faith and love
To serve on earth, to praise above.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 239
In tears I sow the precious seed;
Cause it to spring — my work succeed.
With souls reward my work of love;
Then take me to thyself above.
JESSE MERCER.
1769-1841.
Rev. Jesse Mercer, d.d., was born in Halifax
County, N. C, December 16, 1769, the eldest of eight
children. He Avas a bright boy, but his early opportu-
nities for securing an education were exceedingly lim-
ited. In his fourteenth year his father removed to
Georgia, which was thenceforward his home. Four
years later he was baptized by his father, and united
with the Phillips' Mill's Baptist church. Soon after he
began to preach. A few months later he was mar-
ried to Sabrina Chivers, who was a valued helpmeet
to him nearly forty years. His ordination followed,
November 7, 1789. The churches which he success-
fully served were those of Hutton's Fork, Indian
Creek, Sardis, Phillips' Mill, Powelton, Whatley's Mill,
Eatonton, and Washington. Dr. Mallary says: "The
field occupied by Dr. Mercer between the years 1796,
and 1827, was one of the most important in the State
of Georgia, — the churches which he served beino- in
the midst of a dense population, and embracing a
considerable amount of intelligence and refinement. .
. . His connection with these several churches was
the means of quickening them to a higher sense of
Christian obligation, of building them up in faith and
holiness, and, in nearly every case, of adding largely
to their numbers." Says Dr. Basil Manly, senior:
"In his happy moments of preaching he would arouse
and enchain the attention of reflecting men beyond
240 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
any minister I have ever heard. At such times his
views were vast, profound, original, striking and ab-
sorbing in the highest degree, while his language,
though simple, was so terse and pithy, so pruned, con-
solidated, and suited to -become the vehicle of the
dense mass of his thoughts, that it required no ordi-
nary effort of a well-trained mind to take in all he
said."
For several years Dr. Mercer was editor of "The
Index," He was also active in missionary operations.
For eighteen successive years he w^as elected president
of the Georgia Baptist Convention. He was also
deeply interested in the civil affairs of the country,
and in the cause of education. His gifts to Mercer
University amounted to more than forty thousand
dollars.
His principal writings were as follows: "A Circu-
lar Letter of the Georgia Association" (1801); "A
Circular Letter on Discipline" (1806); "A Circular
Letter on the Invalidity of Pedo-baptist Administra-
tion of the Ordinances" (1811); "A Circular Letter
on Various Christian Duties" (1816); "A Discourse
on the Death of Gov. Rabun" (1819); "A Circular
Letter on the Unity and Dependence of the Churches "
(1822); "An Exposition of the First Seventeen Verses
of the Twelfth Chapter of Revelation " (1825); "A
Dissertation on the Prerequisites to Ordination "
(1829); "Scripture Meaning of Ordination" (1830);
"Ten Letters on the Atonement" (1830); "A Circular
Letter of the Baptist State Convention" (1831); "Re-
semblances and Differences between . Church Author-
ity and that of an Association" (1833); "An Essay on
the Lord's Supper" (1833); a sermon entitled "Knowl-
edge Indispensable to a Minister of God" (1834); "A
History of the Georgia Association" (1836); "A Re-
view of a Certain Report on Church and Associational
Difficulties" (1837); "A Sermon on the Importance of
Ministerial Union" (1838) ; "A Sermon on the Excel-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 241
lency of the Knowledge of Christ" (1839); an essay
entitled " The Cause of Missionary Societies, the Cause
of God" (1839); and "An Essay on Forgiveness of
Sins "(1841).
He also compiled " The Cluster of Spiritual Songs,
Divine Hymns and Sacred Poems." The first edition
was published in Augusta, Ga., in pamphlet form, and
three editions were issued before 1817. For many
years Mercer's " Cluster " was in use in the Baptist
churches in that part of the country. Several of its
hymns without doubt were written by Dr. Mercer
himself. Hymn 233, in the later editions, is entitled
" The Experience of J. M." The first of its fourteen
stanzas is as follows :
In sin's howling waste my poor soul was forlorn,
And lovdd the distance full well,
When grace, on the wings of the dove to me borne,
Did snatch me, the fire-brand of hell.
Dr. Mercer was also the author of the second part of
Edmund Jones' well known hymn,
Come, humble sinner in whose breast,
as found in the " Cluster." This second part, which
was intended as a response, is as follows :
Kesolving thus I entered in,
Though trembling and depressed;
I bowed before the gracious King,
And all my sins confessed.
Sweet majesty and awful grace,
Sat smiling on his brow,
He turned to me his glorious face,
And made my eyes o'erflow.
He held the scepter out to me,
And bade me touch and live;
I touched, and (O what mercy free I)
He did my sins forgive.
16
242 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
I touched and lived, and learned to love,
And triumphed in my God ;
I set mj'^ heart on things above,
And sang redeeming blood.
Come sinners grieved, with sins distressed,
And ready to despair,
Take courage, though with guilt oppressed,
Jesus still answers prayer.
Come enter in with cheerful haste,
You may his glory see.
You may his richest mercy taste —
He has foro:iven me.
WILLIAM STAUGHTON.
1770-1829.
Rev. William Staughton, d.d., was born in Cov-
entry, Warwickshire, England, January 4, 1770. When
fourteen years of age, he was placed in the family of
a pious man in Birmingham, with the design that he
should learn the silversmith's trade. It was here that
he was converted, and when seventeen years of age
united with the Baptist church. Not long after, with
the Christian ministry in view, he entered upon a
course of study in Bristol College. Several churches,
among them the Baptist church at Northampton,
wished to secure his services on the completion of his
studies, but he had set his face toward the new world,
and leaving England in 1793, he made his way to the
United States, and became pastor of the Baptist church
in Georgetown, South Carolina. Here he remained
until the close of 1795, when, finding the climate un-
favorable, he removed with his family to New York.
Not long after, he accepted an invitation to take
charge of an academy in Bordentown, N. J. During
AND THEIR HYMNS. 243
his residence in Bordentown he frequently preached.
Toward the close of 1798, he removed to Burlington,
N. J., where he had a large and flourishing school.
He also supplied two churches on the Sabbath, and the
Baptist church in Burlington came into existence in
connection with his labors. In 1805, he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in
Philadelphia, and by his labors the interests of the
denomination in that city were greatly advanced. In
1811, a colony from the First Church founded the San-
som Street church, and Dr. Staughton was induced to
identify himself with the new enterprise. Here he
reached the height of his influence as a preacher. As
tutor of the Baptist Education Society of the Middle
States of America, Dr. Staughton received into his
family young men, whose studies he directed in their
preparation for the work of the Gospel ministry. He
was also the first corresponding secretary of the Bap-
tist Board of Foreign Missions. As another has said,
he became to the Baptist mission cause in this country
what Andrew Fuller was amono; his brethren in Eno--
land. Dr. Staughton remained in Philadelphia until
1821, when he removed to AVashington, and became
President of the newly established Columbian College.
Resigning this position in 1829, he returned to Phila-
delphia, and in August of the same year accepted the
presidency of a new college at Georgetown, Ky. But
he never reached the scene of his proposed labors.
On his way thither he was taken ill at Washington, D.
C, and there he died December 12, 1829, in the six-
tieth year of his age. Princeton College conferred
upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity when he
was twenty-eight years of age.
At the age of twelve he evinced poetical gifts, and
poems written by him at that early period were pub-
lished at the request of his friends. When seventeen
years old he published a volume of "Juvenile Poems."
The following is the first stanza of a hymn on " Par-
doning Love " included in this collection :
244 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Involved in guilt and near despair,
Depressed with shame, o'erwhelmed with tears,
To God I raise my liunable prayer;
He scattered all my groundless fears.
Throughout his career Dr. Staughton continued to give
expression to his thoughts in verse. One of his hymns,
Tell us, ye servants of the Lord,
is found in " Select Hymns " (Linsley and Davis, 1841)
and other collections. The following hymn was written
by Dr. Staughton to be sung to the air of the " Mar-
seilles Hymn":
Ye sons Of God awake to Glory,
A host of foes before you lies,
The saints renowned in sacred story,
Behold them seize the glittering prize.
Shall frowns of earth, or hell's loud thunder,
Afflict your bosom with dismay.
Or chase you from the narrow way.
While angels gaze with joy and wonder ?
To arms, to arms, ye brave.
See, see, the standard wave,
March on, march on, the trumpet sounds,
For victory or death.
Launch out a feeble arm no longer,
Eush, rush on contest, win the day;
The foe turns pale, the saint grows stronger,
While great Immanuel leads the way;
No more a hoard of terrors nourish,
Nor seem of every hope bereft;
For on the right hand and the left
The heavenly tempered armies flourish.
To arms, etc.
The treacherous world stands yonder smiling,
And points to wealth's delight and fame,
More venomed than the serpent coiling.
She leads to anguish, want and pain;
AND THEIR HYMNS. 245
Ply her embrace, disdain her fury,
"What though her legions she engage I
From all the follies of her rage,
The shield of faith can well secure ye.
To arms, etc.
Do inward foes, thy path impeding,
Through all thy members, shout for war?
Kesist the blood, assured, though bleeding.
You soon shall mount Elijah's car;
Go crucify each bold invader.
Drive firm the nail, deep plunge the spear,
Bright eyes, bright hands, no longer dear,
Pursue your great immortal Leader.
To arms, etc.
March on, nor fear death's sable waters,
The foe stands silent as a stone,
While Jesus' ransomed sons and daughters
Go through to claim the promised throne;
White robes, and crowns of highest glory,
Victorious palms and endless songs,
Friendship with heaven's triumphant throng.
And God's bright presence is before ye.
To arms, etc.
ANDREW BROADDUS.
1770-1848.
Rev. Andrew Broaddus was born in Caroline
County, Va., November 4, 1770. In early life he
evinced an eager thirst for knowledge, and it was the
purpose of his father, who was a devout Episcopalian,
that he should enter the ministry of the Episcopal
church. But he came at length under Baptist influen-
ces, and May 28, 1789, he was baptized and united
with the Baptist church of Upper King and Queen.
246 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Soon after he yielded to the conviction that it was his
duty to engage in the work of the Christian ministry.
His first sermon was preached December 24, 1789, in a
private house in Carohne County, His hearers were
impressed by his earnest, devout spirit, and by his
graceful oratory. He used his gifts as opportunity
offered, and October 16, 1791, he was ordained in the
meeting-house of the church to which he belonged.
His first pastorate was that of the Burrus church.
Subsequently he served the Bethel, Salem, Upper
King and Queen, Beulah, Mangohic, Upper Zion, and
some other churches. His fame as a preacher at
length extended beyond the limits of his native state,
and, in 1811, he received invitations to the pastorate
from the First Baptist church in Boston, and the First
Baptist church in Philadelphia; in 1819, from the
First Baptist church in Baltimore, and the New Market
Square Baptist church in Philadelphia ; in 1824, from
the Sanson! Street Baptist church in Philadelphia ;
and in 1832, from the First Baptist church in New
York. A constitutional timidity, however, restrained
him from yielding to these solicitations from abroad,
except in 1821, when he accepted a call as an assistant
to Rev. John Courtney, pastor of the First Baptist
church in Richmond, Va. Though his ministry here
was in every way acceptable, after six months he re-
signed, owing to domestic afflictions and pecuniary
embarrassments, and returned to his country congrega-
tions, where he labored until his death, December 1,
1848. Mr. Broaddus was regarded as one of the fore-
most preachers of his time. Rev. Robert Ryland, D.D.,
says of him: "After hearing a great number of
speakers, both on sacred and secular subjects, I have
formed the conclusion that Mr. Broaddus, during the
days of his meridian strength, and in his happiest
efforts, was the most perfect orator I have ever
known."
Mr. Broaddus was a frequent contributor to the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 247
religious j)ress. His published works were " Sacred
Ballads" (1790); "The Age of Reason and Revelation,"
a reply to Paine's well known treatise (1799); and ''A
Bible History, with Occasional Notes to Explain and
Illustrate Difficult Passages" (1816). He also pre-
pared a "• Catechism for Children," which was pub-
lished by the American Baptist Publication Society.
He was greatly interested in hymnology, and in 1828,
at the request of the Dover Association, he published
a collection of hymns entitled, " The Dover Selection
of Spiritual Songs." One hymn (192), commencing
Help thy servant, gracious Lord,
is marked " original." In 1836, Mr. Broaddus pub-
lished " The Virginia Selection of Psalms, Hymns and
Spiritual Songs." This contained the hymn by Mr.
Broaddus just mentioned, and two others (667, 708),
Send thy blessing, Lord, we pray,
and the following, entitled " The Wandering Sinner":
Kestless thy spirit, poor wandering sinner,
Restless and roving, O come to thy home!
Return to the arms — to the bosom of mercy;
The Savior of sinners invites thee to come.
Darkness surrounds thee, and tempests are rising,
Fearful and dangerous the path thou hast trod;
But mercy shines forth in the i-ainbow of promise,
To welcome the wanderer home to his God.
Peace to the storm in thy soul shall be spoken,
Guilt from thy bosom be banished away,
And heaven's sweet breezes, o'er death's rolling billows,
Shall waft thee at last to the regions of day.
But oh! if regardless of God's gracious warning,
Afar from his favor your soul must remove ;
May you never hear — never feel the dread sentence;
But live to his glory, and die in his love.
248 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ROBERT T. DANIEL.
1773-1840.
Rev. Robeet T. Daniel was the author of the
very familiar baptismal hymn, commencing
Lord, in humble, sweet submission.
He was born in Middlesex County, Virginia, June 10,
1773. His parents subsequently removed to Chatham
County, North Carolina. His religious life did not
begin until 1802, when he was baptized by Rev. Isaac
Hicks, and united with the Holly Springs Baptist
church, in Wake County. Here he was ordained in
1803. Many parts of the country were at that time
destitute of religious privileges, and Mr. Daniel de-
voted himself extensively to missionary work. He
was the first missionary, or, at least, one of the first
missionaries, of the North Carolina Baptist Benevo-
lent Society, and in its service he visited Raleigh,
where, in 1812, he organized the First Baptist church
in that place. Of this church he was twice pastor.
But he loved missionary work. As one has said,
"His was a missionary heart, a missionary tongue,
and a missionary hand." In 1833, he wrote: "Dur-
ing the thirty years of my ministry I have traveled
about sixty thousand miles, preached about five thou-
sand sermons, and baptized more than fifteen hundred
people. Of that number many now are ministers,
twelve of whom are men of distinguished talents and
usefulness." His labors extended into Virginia, Mis-
sissippi and Tennessee. His ability as a preacher and
his evangelistic zeal attracted to him large audiences,
and his declaration of God's Word was in demonstra-
tion of the Spirit and with power. He died in Paris,
Tennessee, September 14, 1840.
His baptismal hymn, above referred to, first ap-
peared in the "Dover Selection" (1828). It was
AND THEIR HYMKS. 249
included in " Winchell's Watts " (1832), with the last
two stanzas omitted. In the "Service of Song" (1871)
the fifth stanza is omitted. In Dossey's '•' Choice "
(1833) there is a hymn of two stanzas, written by Mr.
Daniel, commencing
This morning let my praise arise,
and also the following hymn :
The time will surely come,
When all the ransomed race.
With angels shall go shouting home,
To meet their Savior's face.
The church of God on earth,
As well as those above,
Are sheltered from the storms of wrath,
In robes of dying love.
No trials that they meet
Shall rob them of their rest;
For Jesus makes them all complete
In his own righteousness.
All hail, thou conqu'ring King!
Come quickly from above,
And all thy chosen race shall sing
Thy free, redeeming love.
WILLIAM PARKINSON.
1774-1848.
Rev. William Parkinson was born in Frederick
County, Maryland, November 8, 1774. His religious
life commenced in 1796, and he was baptized in June
that year. Nearly two years later he was ordained,
and devoted himself to self-denying missionary labors.
In December, 1801, and for three successive terms, he
250 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
was elected chaplain to Congress, and preached in the
morning at the capitol and in the afternoon at the
treasury. ''The members of Congress," he wrote,
"attended abundantly better than I expected. I
have, moreover, the pleasure of stating that the Pres-
ident [Jefferson] has missed but one of my meetings
at the capitol." In April, 1805, he accepted a call to
the pastorate of the First Baptist church in New York.
A powerful revival followed, wliich added greatly to
the strength of the church. Large congregations
Avaited upon his ministry. His pastorate continued
thirty-five years. Mr. Parkinson then removed to
Frederick, Md. Shortly after, some of his friends in
New York organized the Bethesda Baptist church, and
he was invited to become its pastor. He accepted the
invitation, and returned to New York in 1841. But
impaired health, resulting from a fall, soon compelled
him to withdraw from the work he loved so well, and
after a lingering illness he died, March 9, 1848. He
was a man of marked intellectual abilities, and a
preacher whose words powerfully swayed the hearts
of men.
He published "A Treatise on the Ministry of the
Word," and "Sermons on the Thirty-third Chapter of
Deuteronomy." In 1809, he published "A Selection of
Hymns and Spiritual Songs." The following are the
first lines of Mr. Parkinson's own hymns included in
this collection:
" Jfo mortal ties can be compared,"
" How long and tedious are the days,"
" Alas! the deep deceit and sin,"
" The Father's free electing grace,"
" Great Shepherd of thine Israel's host,"
" Come, dear brethren in the Savior,"
" Long with doubt and fears surrounded,"
" How long, Great God, shall wretched I,"
" When, O my Jesus, Savior, when."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 251
The last two hymns are acrostics. The followino-^
entitled " Hope of a Revival," has been extensively
used in other collections, e.g., Dossey's "Choice,"
"Baptist Harmony," "Baptist Hymn Book," etc.
Come, dear brethren in the Savior,
Though we 're few, let 's not despair;
Jesus able is to favor;
Fly to him with every care;
He is able, he is able,
Zion's drooping head to rear.
If but two or three remaining,
Meet for prayer, he 's in the midst;
Let us then, without complaining,
Wait till he shall us increase;
He is able, he is able.
Soon he '11 make our sorrows cease.
By him stars and spheres were framed,
Light and darkness Jesus made ;
From their graves the dead he raised,
Shall not his redeemed be saved ?
He is able, he is able.
To bestow what we have craved.
Well, my friends, as Christ is able,
Of his will we cannot doubt,
Since for all the Father gave him,
Full salvation he wrought out;
Sure he never, sure he never.
Spilt his precious blood for nought.
Let us love, adore and praise him,
As the Lord, our righteousness;
Own him in our whole behavior,
Singing, " We are saved by grace ";
Till in heaven, till in heaven
He shall give us all a place.
Now let 's sweetly join in concert
To adore the sacred Three ;
God who made us, Christ who saved us,
And the Spirit praised be.
By the ransomed, by the ransomed,
Through a blest eternity.
252 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOSEPH B. COOK.
1775-1833.
In the third edition of Dossey's " Choice " — pub-
lished in 1830, and the earhest edition I have seen —
are ten hymns by Mr. Cook, of which the first hnes
are as follows :
" Bought with the Savior's precious blood,"
" With reverence we would now appear,"
" Repent, repent, the Baptist cries,"
" Jesus, we own thy sovereign sway,"
" Filled with distress, the fruit of sin,"
" Hail, joyful morn, which ushered in,"
" Thou sacred Spirit, heavenly Dove,"
" Up to thy throne, O God of love,"
"■ O help thy servant. Lord,"
" The year has past away."
Some of these hymns are found in other southern col-
lections, to which they were doubtless transferred from
the "Choice." The first of the above, 347 in the
" Choice," on " The Stability of the Church," is as
follows :
Bought with the Savior's precious blood,
Thy church, O God, has firmly stood;
Thy word obeyed, thy precepts loved.
Thy power and faithfulness has proved.
Built on the rock secure she stands,
Like some tall cliff in distant lands;
Though winds and tempests round her fly,
Their furious rage she dares defy.
When hosts of foes against her come,
Regardless of thy powerful name.
Thine arm, O Lord, salvation wrought
For them who thy protection sought.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 253
" "What hath God wrought ? " may Zion sing,
And shout aloud her conquering King;
Her enemies before her fall,
And God in Christ is all in all.
Strike to the Lord each joyful string,
Awake each tuneful power and sing;
Ye saints, redeemed from sin and hell,
Loud let the pleasing anthem swell.
Soon shall the archangel's trumpet sound,
"Awake; ye dead, from under ground,"
Then shall your sleeping dust arise.
To dwell with Christ above the skies.
Hev. Joseph B. Cook, a son of Rev. Joseph Cook,
was born September, 1775, probably at Dorchester,
about eighteen miles from Charleston, S. C. January
6, 1793, he was baptized by Rev. Mr. Botsford, and
united with the Welsh Neck Baptist church. In 1794,
he entered Brown University, where he was gradu-
ated September 6, 1797. Soon after his graduation
he became a member of the Baptist church in Charles-
ton, S. C, and by this church he was licensed to preach
March 3, 1799, while emploj^ed as a tutor in a private
family. Not long after he received a call to the pas-
torate of the Euhaw Baptist church, of which his
father was once pastor; and January 9, 1800, he was
ordained in Beaufort, where he preached half of the
time. Mr. Cook was clerk of the Charleston Associa-
tion in 1801, 1802, 1806, and 1820. He was modera-
tor from 1825, to 1832. He was secretary of the
South Carolina Baptist Convention in 1822, vice-pres-
ident from 1826, to 1832. In 1826, he preached the
introductory sermon at Greenville, and performed the
same service at Robertville, in 1830. For thirty years
he was a member of the Charleston Association, and
beside the Euhaw and Beaufort churches, he served as
pastor of the Camden, Mt. Pisgah, Bethel, and Sumter-
ville churches. Dr. James C. Furman, of Greenville,
S. C, who knew Mr. Cook, says:
254 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
" Throughout his whole course Mr. Cook bore him-
self as a good minister of Jesus Christ. His conduct
was eminently discreet and blameless. Wherever he
went, public opinion extended to him the deference
paid to unquestioned piety. Of a gentle spirit, unam-
bitious, constitutionally and by breeding urbane, he
silently evoked the virtues of which his life was an
exemplification. In his sermons no novel illustrations
and no surprising combinations of familiar conceptions
gave brilliancy to his presentations of the truth. He
seemed to speak in the same spirit in which John
wrote : * I have not written unto you because ye
know not the truth, but because ye know it.' His
spirit and manner were deeply reverential, and in his
feelings toward his hearers there was a mellow earnest-
ness, which often expressed itself in quiet tears.
There was a smooth rhythmical flow in his speaking ;
the same as is apparent in his hymns."
DAVID BENEDICT.
1779-1874.
Dr. David Benedict, so long a father in our Bap-
tist Israel, was born, in Norwalk, Conn., October 10,
1779. He was converted when twenty years of age,
and with the Gospel ministry in view he entered
Brown University, graduating in 1806. Having ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist
church in Pawtucket, R. I., he was ordained, and
served the church as pastor twenty-five years. Dur-
ing this time he published several historical works,
viz., "History of the Baptists" (1813); "Abridgment
of Robinson's History of Baptism" (1817); "Abridg-
ment of History of the Baptists" (1820); and a "His-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 255
tory of All Religions" (1824). After resigning his
pastorate, he devoted himself to the task of complet-
ing his '' History of the Baptists," and an added vol-
ume, entitled "History of the Baptists, Continued,"
was published in 1848. His "Fifty Years Among the
Baptists" followed in 1860. His last work, "History
of the Donatists," completed just before he was nine-
ty-five years of age, was published in 1875, the year
following his death.
His first venture as an author was in the latter part
of his college days, when he published anonymously
"The Watery War, or a Poetical Description of the
Controversy on the Subjects and Mode of Baptism, by
John of Enon." For many years this work, which
sparkles with wit and wisdom, and was several times
reprinted, was generally regarded as a production of
John Leland.
Dr. Benedict was also the compiler of a hymn book
entitled " Conference Hymns for Social Worship," the
first edition of which, it is believed, was published
at Pawtucket early in his ministry. It was enlarged
and republished from time to time, and an edition was
published as late as 1842. Three of the hymns, in the
edition of 1842, were written by Dr. Benedict. One
is entitled "Prayer for the Conversion of the Ameri-
can Indians," and commences
O'er Columbia's wide-spread forests
Haste ye heralds of the -Lamb.
A second hymn, entitled " Pilgrim's Progress," gives
expression to the influence which Bunyan's allegory
made upon Dr. Benedict's mind in his earlier years.
Hymn 155 is as follows:
Holy Bible! choicest treasure,
Blest inheritance below,
Purest source of pious pleasure,
Antidote to every woe.
Holy Bible!
Speak to men of every tongue.
256 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Holy Bible! speed thy passage,
Fly with haste the world around,
Onward bear thy joyful message,
Heathen realms await thy sound;
All creation
Waits for thy redeeming power.
Tongues of rudest conformation,
Mastered by untiring care,
Words of strangest collocation,
Far away thy light shall bear;
Every version
Onward still thy light shall bear.
Wandering Arabs, Tartars roaming,
Bushmen v/ild ou Afric's shore;
Jews and Turks with joy combining,
Bow to thy converting power;
China's millions
Shall thy wondrous deeds record.
Golden gods, and pagan splendor,
Books which blinded priests adore;
Ancient systems toi'n asunder,
All shall fall before thy power ;
Mighty Bible!
Millions yet shall feel thy power.
Teeming presses all befriend thee.
Countless volumes fly abroad;
Priests and pundits join to aid thee,
Saving, conquering Word of God;
Blessed Bible!
Send thy saving health abroad.
Dr. Benedict died at his home in Pawtucket, R. I.,
December 5, 1874, aged ninety-five years, one month
and twenty-five days.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 257
WILLIAM DOSSEY.
1780-1853.
Very little now is known concerning Rev. "William
Dossey, the compiler of Dossey's " Choice," a hymn
book published about the year 1820, and extensively
used in some of the southern states. Virginia was
his birthplace, and he was ordained in Halifax county,
Va., in July, 1803. He lived for a time with Rev.
WilHam Creath, who was his theological teacher.
Removing to North Carolina, he engaged in pastoral
work, and here he married Mary E. Outlaw, of Bertie.
Subsequently he removed to South Carolina. In the
records of the Welsh Neck Baptist church, at Society
Hill, S. C, occurs the following entry, under date of
June 3, 1813: "Rev. Wm. Dossey, of North Carolina,
having occasionally visited this place, was unanimously
called to the pastoral office of this church." This call
was renewed in September following. Under date of
February 5, 1814, there is this record: "Rev. Wm.
Dossey, who had been called to the pastoral office, was
with us this day, and on presenting letters of recom-
mendation and dismission from a sister church in
North Carolina for himself and Mrs. Mary Eliza Dos-
sey, his wiie, they were cordially received into the
fellowship of the church." In 1817, he was clerk of
the Charleston Association. In 1828, he preached the
introductory sermon at the South Carolina Baptist
Convention, held at Minervaville ; text, Acts ii. 42.
When the Welsh Neck Association was formed of
churches connected with the Charleston Association,
Mr. Dossey was the first moderator. He was modera-
tor from i832, to 1834, inclusive. For nearly twenty
years Mr. Dossey served the Welsh Neck church as
pastor. January 4, 1834, a letter of dismission was
granted to him and his wife to join the Cheraw church.
He was with this church only a short time, and then
258 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
removed to Alabama, where he settled on a planta-
tion, and preached to a few churches in the vicinity
of Shiloh, Marengo County. He died in 1853, aged
seventy-three years, at his home, which was known as
" Laurel Hill."
Rev. John Stout, pastor of the Welsh Neck church,
Society Hill, writes under date of April 5, 1887:
" Concerning Elder William Dossey, our oldest people
can only tell me that he came to this church from
North Carolina. He was then an elderly man, of fine
address, very dignified carriage, fluent in speech, very
earnest and strong in preaching, full of zeal in evan-
gelistic work, in which he had marked success. Edu-
cated preachers did not abound in this region in his
day, and his sermons commanded attention. He was
unquestionably the strongest and most effective
preacher of his time in eastern South Carolina. He
was a man of sterling character, and exercised a
superior influence socially. I have learned that he
was rather arbitrary, especially toward the close of his
ministry here ; but old people now living speak of him
as a man universally honored, as a pastor beloved.
Many of his hymns, all indeed that are not desig-
nated as from others, he composed himself. I am told
that he had a remarkably powerful and melodious
voice, and that he was very fond of singing."
Rev. James C. Furman, d.d., of Furman University,
Greenville, South Carolina, was the successor of Mr.
Dossey as pastor of the Welsh Neck church. In a
letter dated April 15, 1887, he says : " In November,
1828, the Charleston Association met with the Bethel
church, Sumter County. The Welsh Neck Association
not having then been formed, Brother Dossey appeared
among the delegates. To me, a young delegate from
Charleston, everything was new. I had heard of it,
* by the hearing of the ear,' but now my eye was
seeing the reality. The names of many of the dele-
gates were almost household words, but here were the
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 259
living substances behind the names. Among them
was WilHam Dossey. As a boy I had heard of the
^ Choice/ and wondered at sucli a cognomen for a book,
but very naturally concluded that its author was a
man who would have a will and way of his own, with-
out asking the world any odds; and now, here at
Bethel, was the author in person, rather above the
middle height, with head erect and shoulders well
thrown back, a full chest, and a development of
diaphragm, which without obesity indicated that its
possessor knew what good living was, and had turned
this knowledge to good account. The contour of his
face was oval. His forehead, high and receding, closed
in a brow which covered a pair of full, dark eyes. The
nose started off boldly as if for a long excursion from
the facial line, but seemed to have suddenly changed
its mind and stopped short. At its base, and between
the shadow of nostrils somewhat expanded, the upper
lip descended abruj)tly to take part in forming a mouth
where decision and good temper were manifestly
blended. Finish out this picture with a suit of black
hair beginning to yield to the iron gray, and resolute-
ly brushed back from the forehead and temples, and
then think of the hand thrown back of the ear, and
that look of inquiringness (excuse the word) which
attends deafness, and you see Mr. Dossey as he engaged
my attention in the conclave of delegates."
More than one hundred hymns in the " Choice "
were written by Mr. Dossey. Of these a few have
been transferred to other collections. The following
is number 260 :
O sinners, to the Savior go!
Pour forth your ardent cries;
Let streams of sacred sorrow flo'VY'
From all your weeping eyes.
Your sins have made the Savior bleed,
Have pierced his wounded side;
Have crowned with thorns his sacred head;
Por you he bled and died.
260 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
'T is sin that to destruction leads,
"With poison strews the path;
Now lift to Chi'ist your guilty heads,
And conquer sin by faith.
He that in Christ the Lord believes
Shall sin and hell outdo ;
Who Christ the conqueror receives
Shall be a conqvieror too.
Faith in his name the dead awakes,
And makes the slothful move ;
'T is faith that Satan's kingdom shakes,
The faith that works by love.
Arise 1 believer, from the earth,
The conquering shield put on ;
Display the power of living faith,—
March on and take the crown.
JESSE L. HOLMAN.
1783-1842.
Hon. Jesse L. Holman was born in Mercer County,
Ky., October 22, 1783. When he was sixteen years
of age he united with the Clear Creek Baptist church.
For his life-work he directed his attention to the pro-
fession of law, and was admitted to the bar in New-
castle. On account of his opposition to slavery, he
crossed the Ohio river, and made his home in Indiana,
on a bluff to which he gave the name Verdestan, and
where he continued to reside during the remainder of
his life. In 1814, he was elected a member of the
territorial legislature, and near the close of the same
year he was made presiding judge for his district.
Under the state government, in 1816, he was ap-
pointed a judge of the supreme court, a position
which he filled with honor fourteen years. In 1831,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 261
he was a candidate for United States senator, and was
defeated by a single vote. Four years later he was
appointed United States district judge for Indiana, and
in this office he continued until his death, March 28,
1842.
Mr. Holman took a deep interest in missions, Sun-
day-schools, Bible and temperance work. In 1834,
he was ordained, and on his circuits he frequently ad-
dressed large audiences upon topics connected with,
these enterprises. For many years he was a vice-
president of the American Sunday-school Union. He
was also president of the Western Baptist Publication
and Sunday-school Society. For five years he was
president of the Indiana Baptist Convention. He was
also, from its organization, a member of the Indiana
Baptist Education Society. His was an earnest, con-
secrated life, and he died at peace with his fellow-men
and with God.
In "Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs," compiled
by Rev. Absalom Graves, 2d ed., 1829 (the first edi-
tion was pubhshed in 1825), is a hymn (263) by Mr.
Holman, consisting of nine stanzas. It also appears in
Miller's "Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs" (30th
ed., 1842), Buck's "Baptist Hymn Book" (1842), and
some other collections, but only six of the nine stan-
zas are inserted. The hymn is as follows :
Lord, in thy presence here we meet,
May we in thee be found;
O, make the place divinely sweet;
O, let thy grace abound.
Today the order of thy house
"We would in peace maintain ;
We would renew our solemn vows,
And heavenly strength regain.
Thy Spirit, gracious Lord, impart,
Our faith and hope increase ;
Display thy love in every heart,
And keep us all in peace.
262 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Let no discordant passions rise,
To mar the work of love ;
But hold us in those heavenly ties,
That bind the saints above.
"With harmony and union bless,
That we may own to thee
How good, how sweet, how pleasant 't is
When brethren all agree.
May Zion's good be kept in view,
And bless our feeble aim,
That all we undertake to do,
May glorify thy name.
May every heart be now prepared
To do thy high commands,
And may the pleasures of the Lord
Be prospered in our hands.
Of those who thy salvation know
Add to our feeble few;
And may that holy number grow,
Like drops of morning dew.
Work in us by thy gracious sway,
And make thy work appear,
That all may feel, and all may say,
The Lord indeed is here.
Another hymn (79) by Mr. Holman, in the same
collection, consists of eight stanzas, and commences,
Ho! all ye sons of sin and woe.
JACOB BOWER.
1786-1874.
Rev. Jacob Bower, "Father" Bower as he was
familiarly called in his later years, was born in Lan-
caster County, Penn., September 26, 1786. His par-
ents were Dunkards, of earnest, simple piety. His
AND THEIR HYMNS. 263
educational advantages were meager. His conversion
occurred early in 1812, and on the first Lord's-day in
March, of that year, he was baptized. In October,
1816, he was licensed to preach. February 27, 1819,
he was ordained in Logan County, Ky. The only
books he had when he began to preach were the Ger-
man New Testament, an English Bible and a hymn
book. In 1827, he visited friends in Illinois, and in
1828, he removed to that state, and settled in Scott
County. Here he cultivated a farm, and preached.
The Baptists around him were for the most part bit-
terly opposed to missions. November 19, 1832, he
received a commission from the American Baptist
Home Mission Society. He was then a member of
the Pleasant Grove (now Manchester) church, in Scott
County. The church regarded his commission as an
insult, and he was compelled to return it. Subse-
quently he was reappointed. A severe struggle fol-
lowed, but he at length persuaded the church to aban-
don its hostility to missions, and in June following
(1833), messengers from his church, and two others,
met in Pike County, at the Blue River church, and
organized the Blue River (now Quincy) Association.
Of this association, which favored missions, Mr. Bower
was made moderator. He preached in all parts of
central Illinois, engaged in revival work, and many
hundreds were converted in connection with his la-
bors. In sixteen years, before the days of railroads,
he traveled forty thousand miles, preached two thou-
sand, nine hundred thirty-one sermons, organized four-
teen churches, and aided in constituting several asso-
ciations. Rev. G. S. Bailey, d.d., who knew him well,
says of Mr. Bower: "He was a simple-hearted, grand,
godly man." General Mason Brayman says: "Jacob
Bower belonged to that class of pioneers who were
called ^ prairie preachers ' — men who came in with
the first settlers, who traveled on foot oftentimes great
distances, in cold and heat, in storm and sunshine,
264 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
preaching in log cabins, and beneath the forest trees,
eating corn-dodgers and wild meat, armed with pocket
Bible and hymn book, inspired by a holy zeal and he-
roic conrage in the cause of their Master, How fear-
less, how earnest they were ! With what fervor and
homely eloquence they preached and exhorted, with
what mighty faith they prayed, and with what rude,
magnificent tones they sang the songs of Zion ! Jacob
Bower was one of these. He lacked scholastic learn-
ing, and was as quiet and bashful as any girl of six-
teen. But on his feet he was fervid, eloquent and
inspiring." Mr. Bower died in Mason County, 111,,
April 26, 1874, in the eighty-eighth year of his age.
In Buck's "Baptist Hymn Book" (preface, 1842),
and in "Dupuy's Hymns" (1843, revised by Rev. J.
M, Peck), there is a hymn by Mr. Bower. As he
made his way over the prairies, and called the scat-
tered settlers together, he doubtless often addressed
his brethren in the language of these unpolished lines:
Come, tell us your troubles, ye saints of the Lord,
And tell us Avhat comfort you 've found in his Word;
Although you 're unworthy, in Jesus be bold.
Tell what a kind Savior has done for your soul.
Tell how you discovered the state you were in,
Plow Aveary you felt of your burden of sin ;
Come, tell us your sorrows, your doubts, and your fear,
Your brethren are waiting, and longing to hear.
Come, now we '11 attend to the glorious good news,
Plead not your unworthiness for an excuse;
But speak while we try to assist you by prayer.
And the angels above will rejoice for to hear.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 266
ELISHA CUSHMAN.
1788-1838.
Rev. Elisiia Cushman, a lineal descendant of
Robert Cushman, one of the Pilgrim Fathers, was
born in Kingston, Mass., May 2, 1788. He learned
the carpenter's trade, and' continued in that employ-
ment until his conversion, in his twentieth year.
After a somewhat severe struggle over the question of
duty, he entered upon the work of the Christian min-
istry, and was licensed by the Kingston Baptist
church, of which he had become a member. For a
short time he studied under the direction of his pas-
tor, Rev. Samuel Glover, and preached in neighboring
villages. Then, for about a year, he supplied the
Baptist church in Grafton, and, in 1811, he assisted
Rev. Mr. Cornell, in Providence, R. I. In the follow-
ing year he supplied the Baptist church in Hartford,
Conn., and having at length been called to the pastor-
ate of the church, he was ordained June 10, 1813.
He served this church as pastor until 1825, and dur-
ing this time was prominent in all matters pertaining
to the interests of the denomination throughout the
state. He was the first editor of "The Christian Sec-
retary," established in 1822. In 1825, he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the New Market Street Bap-
tist church in Philadelphia. Here he remained four
years, and then returned to Connecticut, and preached
in Stratfield, a parish in the town of Fairfield, until
1831, when he accepted a call to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in New Haven. In 1835, he
removed to Plymouth, Mass., where, in 1838, on ac-
count of increasing ill health, he closed his pastoral
labors, and returned to Hartford for the purpose of
resuming his position as editor of " The Christian Sec-
retary." He Avas soon, however, obliged to lay aside
his pen, and he died in Hartford, October 26, 1838.
266 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Rev. Robert Turnbull, d.d., in a sketch of Mr. Cush-
man, says his "preaching was simple, instructive, and
often eloquent. His voice was highly musical, and
adapted itself with the greatest ease to the varying
moods of his mind and heart. Sometimes he indulged
in quaint turns of thought and expression, and not
unfrequently enlivened his discourses by appropriate
anecdotes and figurative illustrations. He had a poet-
ical turn, and in his preaching made great use of the
more imaginative and striking phrases of Holy Writ."
Three hymns, written by Mr. Cushman, are included
in "Select Hymns," published in Hartford, Conn., in
1836, viz.,
" Great Redeemer, let thy presence,"
" Hark the voice of injured Justice,"
and the following, which is the first hymn in the
collection :
Great Fount of Beings 1 mighty Lord
Of all this wondrous frame!
Produced by thy creating word
The world from nothing came.
Thy voice sent forth the high command —
'Twas instantly obeyed;
And through thy goodness all things stand,
Which by thy power were made.
Lord! for thy glory shine the whole;
They all reflect thy light ;
For this in course the planets roll,
And day succeeds the night.
For this the earth its produce yields,
For this the waters flow:
And blooming plants adorn the fields,
And trees aspiring grow.
Inspired with praise, our minds pursue
This wise and noble end,
That all we think, and all we do,
Shall to thy glory tend.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 267
ADONIRAM JUDSON.
1788-1850.
There is no name dearer to American Baptists than
that of Adoniram Judson, the pioneer missionary.
Dr. Judson was born August 9, 1788, in Maiden,
Mass., where his father, Rev. Adoniram Judson, was
pastor of the Congregational church. In 1804, he
entered the sophomore class in Brown University, and
in 1807, he was graduated with the highest honors of
his class. The year following his graduation he
taught a private school in Plymouth, Mass., where his
father was then residing as pastor of the Third Con-
gregational church. At the close of the year he set
out on a tour through the northern states. During
his college course he had accepted -views hostile to
Christianity, but the sudden death of a sceptical class-
mate, the knowledge of which came to him under
peculiar circumstances soon after he commenced his
journey, changed the current of his thoughts, and
abandoning his purpose to travel, he returned home,
and devoted himself to a careful study of the claims
of Christianity. For a short time he was engaged in
teaching in Boston. He then entered Andover Theo-
logical Seminary as a special student, for the purpose
of prosecuting still further his inquiries. These at
length resulted in a hearty acceptance of Christ as
his Savior, and he united with his father's church at
Plymouth, May 28, 1809.
In the following month he received and declined an
appointment as tutor in Brown University. God had
other purposes concerning him. In September, by
reading Buchanan's "Star in the East," he was led to
consider the work of foreign missions, and in Febru-
ary, 1810, he resolved to consecrate himself to this
work. Other young men in the seminary at Andover,
who, while in Williams College, had pledged them-
268 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
selves to missionary service, were in sympathy with
him. Judson completed his course at Andover, in
September, 1810. As there was no foreign missionary
society at that time in the United States, Judson wrote
to the officers of the London Missionary Society, and
received an invitation to visit England, and confer
with them. At the meeting of the General Associa-
tion of Massachusetts, in June, 1810, the subject of
foreign missions was considered, and it was thought
that an arrangement could be made which would ren-
der this step unnecessary. Disappointed in this, Jud-
son sailed for England, January 11, 1811. The vessel
was captured by a French privateer, and Judson was
imprisoned at Bayonne, but he was soon released, and
May 6, he arrived in London. Having conferred with
the officers of the London Missionary Societ}^, by whom
he was favorably received, he sailed for New York.
At a meeting of the American Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions, at Worcester, Mass., September
18, 1811, Judson and his associates were advised not
to place themselves under the direction of the London
Missionary Society, and the Board accepted Judson,
Newell, Nott and Hall as their own missionaries, and
pledged themselves to undertake their support,
Judson and his wife, Ann H. Judson, and Newell and
his wife, sailed from Salem, Mass., February 19, 1812,
for Calcutta. On the voyage, knowing that on his
arrival in India he would meet the Baptist missionaries
there, Judson commenced a study of the subject of
baptism. The result was that his views underwent a
change both as to the subjects and the act of baptism;
and after his arrival at Serampore he and his wife
were baptized by Rev. William Ward. The date of
the baptism was September 6, 1812. Having resigned
their appointment as missionaries of the American
Board, Mr. Judson and his wife appealed to those in
the United States of like views for sjrmpathy and aid.
The appeal thrilled the hearts of Baptists in all parts
AND THEIR HYMNS. 269
of the land, and the Baptist Triennial Convention was
organized May 18, 1814. On account of the hostility
of the East India Company to the estabhshment of a
mission in India, Judson decided to enter upon his
work in Burma. He reached Rangoon, July 14, 1813,
and entered at once upon the study of the language.
It was not until June 27, 1819, that he baptized his
first convert, Moung Nau. Not long after another
Burman avowed his belief in Christianity. These
signs of success were followed by opposition on the
part of the civil power, and Judson, with Colman, who
had joined him at Rangoon, went to Ava to obtain
royal approval. Failing in this, they returned to
Rangoon with the purpose of removing the mission to
the border of Arracan ; but at the earnest request of
their converts, Mr. Judson remained in Rangoon, while
Mr. Colman took up his residence at Chittagong.
In December, 1821, Dr. Price joined the mission,
and the king hearing of his medical skill, summoned
him to Ava, and Mr. Judson accompanied him as in-
terpreter. They were favorably received, and mission
work was commenced in Ava. At length Mr. Judson
returned to Rangoon, and completed his translation of
the New Testament. At the close of 1823, Mrs. Jud-
son having returned from the United States, whither
she had sailed in August, 1821, Mr. and Mrs. Judson
repaired to Ava. War between Burma and the British
East India Government soon followed, and a dark cloud
overshadowed the mission. Rangoon fell into the
hands of the British, May 23, 1824. When the tidings
reached Ava, Dr. Price and Dr. Judson (the latter
received the degree of doctor of divinity from Brown
University in 1823) were arrested, and thrown into the
death prison. For eleven months they remained in
this loathsome place, nine months in three pairs, and
two months in five pairs, of fetters. Here they were
kept from starvation only by the daily visits of Mrs.
Judson, who brought them food, and as best she could
270 BAPTIST HYMK WRITERS
alleviated their sufferings. They were then sent to
the prison at Oung-pen-la, a still more wretched place
of confinement, where Dr. Judson remained six months.
Thither Mrs. Judson followed them, and devoted her-
self to their wants with a heroism unsurpassed. No
one can read the record of those terrible days and
months of sore distress unmoved. The continued suc-
cess of the English arms prevented the execution of
the prisoners, and at length they were released, to take
part in the negotiations which the Burmese desired to
make in order to save what had not already been lost.
While Dr. Judson was engaged in this work, Mrs. Jud-
son, exhausted by her heroic labors and sufferings,
died at Amherst, October 24, 1826.
Dr. Judson removed to Maulmain, November 14,
1827, and continued his missionary labors. Here, on
the last day of January, 1834, he completed his trans-
lation of the Bible into the Burmese language. April
10, 1834, he was married to Mrs. Sarah H. Boardman,
widow of the sainted George Dana Boardman. Be-
side his missionary labors, he devoted himself for
many years to the revision of his Burmese Bible, and*
the preparation of a Burmese dictionary. The faiUng
health of Mrs. Judson led him, in April, 1845, to
return to the United States. Mrs. Judson died at the
island of St. Helena, September 1. October 15, Dr.
Judson, with his motherless children, reached Boston.
Three days after his arrival, from the lips of Dr.
Sharp, at a great public gathering. Dr. Judson re-
ceived an appropriate and heartfelt welcome. This
was the first of a long succession of such greetings,
awaiting him wherever he went. June 2, 1846, he
was married to Miss Emily Chubbuck, of Utica, N. Y.,
and July 11, with his wife, he embarked for Burma.
On his arrival he made Rangoon his home, and here
he continued his missionary labors until the autumn
of 1849, when disease compelled him to relinquish
them. He then took a short sea-voyage in order to
AND THEIR HYMNS. 271
recruit his failing strength, but without obtaining the
boon he sought he returned to Mauhnain. In April,
1850, another sea-voyage was recommended, and with
a single attendant, his wife being too ill to accompany
him, Dr. Judson set sail for the Isle of France. But
he continued to grow weaker, and April 12, nine days
after the embarkation at Mauhnain, he died, and was
buried in the ocean, latitude thirteen degrees north,
longitude ninety-three degrees east.
Only occasionally was Dr. Judson accustomed to
give his thoughts a poetical dress. Tender lines he
"Addressed to an Infant Daughter, Twenty Days Old,
in the Condemned Prison at Ava." "They were com-
posed in my mind at the time," said Dr. Judson, "and
afterward written down." The following versification
of the Lord's Prayer, which is found in "The Psalm-
ist" and other collections, was composed in the same
place a few weeks later. "It illustrates," says Dr.
Edward Judson, in his admirable life of his father,
"the nature of the subjects which occupied the
thoughts of the missionary during this long protracted
agony. It is comprised in fewer words than the orig-
inal Greek, and contains only two more than the com-
mon translation:"
Our Father, God, who art in heaven,
All hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
In earth and heaven the same.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And, as we those forgive
Who sin against us, so may we
Forgiving grace receive.
Into temptation lead us not;
From evil set us free;
The kingdom, power, and glory, Lord,
Ever belong to thee.
272 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
After his release from prison, oppressed by the loss
of his wife and daughter, Dr. Judson wrote " The Sol-
itary's Lament," commencing
Together let us sweetly live,
Together let us die.
He also subsequently, on a sea voyage, addressed some
verses to his children. But the best known of his
poetical productions is his baptismal hymn (Psalmist,
807), commencing
Come, Holy Spirit, Dove divine,
On these baptismal waters shine.
Another baptismal hymn, also written by Dr. Jud-
son, begins
Our Savior bowed beneath the wave.
WILLIAM C. BUCK.
1790-1872.
Rev. William C. Buck was born in Shenandoah
(now Warren) County, Virginia, August 23, 1790.
His early years were spent on his father's farm.
In his seventeenth year he was baptized, and united
with the Water Lick Baptist church. His thoughts
were early directed to the Christian ministry, and in
1812, he was ordained pastor of the church of which
he was a member. In the war between the United
States and Great Britain, 1812-1815, he served as
a lieutenant. In 1820, he made his way to Union
County, Kentucky, where for many years he was en-
gaged in missionary work. In 1836, he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in
Louisville. Not long after he aided in the organiza-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 273
tion of the East Baptist church. He was also editor
of "The Baptist Banner and Western Pioneer." In
1851, he was elected secretary of the Bible Board of
the Southern Baptist Convention. This position he
held until March, 1854, when he was called to the pas-
torate of the Baptist church in Columbus, Miss. In
May, 1857, he became pastor of the Baptist church in
Greensborough, Ala. In the following year he served
the Baptist church in Selma. Subsequently, until the
outbreak of the civil war, he published " The Baptist
Correspondent" at Marion, Ala. Then he became a
missionary in the Confederate army. In 1864, he was
appointed superintendent of the Orphan's Home at
Lauderdale Springs, Miss. He also had the pastoral
oversight of the Sharon church. In 1866, he removed
to Texas, where he continued to labor for the Master,
until his death at Waco, May 18, 1872.
Gen. Mason Brayman, who knew Mr. Buck during
his residence at Louisville, says: "Mr. Buck was
robust in constitution, of wonderful force of character,
full of enterprise and hard work. He was an eloquent
and impressive preacher, and the first to set on foot in
Kentucky the China mission." His published works
were "The Philosophy of Rehgion" and "The Science
of Life." In 1842, with the purpose of giving to the
Baptists of the south and west a better hymn book
than any then in use in those parts of the country, he
published " The Baptist Hymn Book." In the preface
he says : " It was commenced upon my knees, and in
every stage of my labors, assistance has been sought
from on high." It comprised one thousand and eighty
nine hymns, eight hundred and seventy eight in the
first part and two hundred and eleven in the second.
Of these, five were written by Mr. Buck,
" Great God, our thought of thee,"
" Gracious Lord, hast thou redeemed me ? "
18
274 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
" O shout! for the day of the Lord,"
" Alone in the world though a pilgrim I roam,'
and the following:
Behold, O Lord, at thy command.
Thy saints assembled from afar,
To send thy word to every land ;
O! condescend to hear our prayer!
O fire our souls with holy zeal;
Dissolve our hearts in love to thee;
And teach us, as thyself, to feel
For fallen man, where'er he be.
From every continent and isle.
From every nation on the earth,
We hear the dying sinner's wail,
And long to send the gospel forth.
A thousand hearts to thee are bowed ;
A thousand hands with thine employ;
O come and help us, blessed God,
The powers of darkness to destroy.
Gird on thy sword, victorious Prince,
Thy blood-stained banner wide display;
Haste on thy conquests, King of Peace,
And bring thy glorious latter day.
JOHN RUSSELL.
1793-1863.
Rev. W. C. Buck, in the preface to his "Baptist
Hymn Book" (1842), says the collection contains some
original hymns of his own, and adds: "There are,
also, some from the pen of brother John Russell, of
Bluffdale, Illinois, whose reputation as a scholar and a
writer needs no commendation. They were written
by Mr. Russell expressly for this work, and have never
AND THEIR HYMNS. 275
before been published." Only one hymn (245) in the
collection, however, has Dr. Russell's name attached
to it. It is entitled "Come to Christ," and is as
follows :
Ho, ye who thirst! a living fount
For you is opened wide;
The fount that gushed on Calvary's mount,
From our Kedeemer's side.
Come, seek salvation through the hlood
So freely poured for you ;
O leave the broad and downward road
That leads to endless woe.
Come, ye who long in vain have sought
True happiness to find;
In all the joys of earth there 's nought
Can fill the immortal mind.
Come, and partake the blessed feast
That Christ for you has spread;
Not all the treasures of the east
Could buy this living bread.
Come, join the humble, happy band,
That sing redemption's lay;
With them united, heart and hand,
Pursue the heavenly way.
Then, when this fleeting life is o'er,
Our toils and sorrows done,
With shouts of joy we 'H hail the shore
Which Christ for us hath won.
There, while eternal ages roll,
On the blessed theme we '11 dwell;
That Jesus died to save our souls
From endless death and hell.
John Russell, ll.d., was born in Cavendish, Vt.,
July 1, 1793. His father, Rev. John Russell, was a
Baptist minister, justly revered for his piety and ster-
ling integrity. The son's early educational advan-
tages were exceedingly limited, but possessing a some-
276 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
what philosophical mind and an unquenchable thirst
for improvement, he determined at an early age to
secure a classical education. He accordingly entered
Middlebury College, and was graduated in 1812.
During his youth he was greatly distressed on account
of his sinfulness, and while teaching in Vergennes,
near the close of his college course, he was converted,
and baptized by Rev. Mr. Wood, of Addison County.
From that time until his death his piety was sincere
and ardent, and his confidence in Christ unwavering.
His timidity and sensitiveness were excessive, and
although he received a license to preach, continually
struggling with his convictions concerning preaching,
he was never ordained. Soon after his graduation he
went to Georgia, and engaged in teaching. In 1819,
he removed to 'Missouri, where he taught in a private
family seven years. Subsequently he taught in St.
Louis, Vandalia, Alton Seminary ; and in later life he
was principal of Spring Hill Academy, East Feliciana,
La., eight years. Afterward he taught in Carrollton,
Greene County, 111. In the meantime his pen was un-
wearied and powerful. He edited "The Backwoods-
man," published at Grafton, 111., two years, and the
Louisville (Kentucky) "Advertiser" two years.
About 1820, he published "The Venomous Worm, or
Worm of the Still." To counteract Universalism In
his own neighborhood, he prepared and delivered a
discourse on "The Serpent Unveiled," which was sub-
sequently published, and became deservedly popular.
Rev. Justus Buckley, d.d., an intimate friend, says
of Dr. Russell: "He was no inconsiderable linguist.
He read Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, German and
Italian, with almost as much ease as his mother tongue.
His mind was philosophical, logical, analytical; his
diction chaste, classical, sometimes even captivating;
his writings evince clearness, conciseness, vigor, wit,
and beauty. Especially in his private correspondence
were exhibited the sprightliness of wit, the ripeness of
AND THEIR HYMXS. 277
scholarship, the fertility of imagination, the childlike
confidence, and the deep, ardent piety, all combining
to make him revered and loved."
Dr. Russell died after a short illness, at his home iu
Bluffdale, III, January 21, 1863.
NATHANIEL COLVER.
1794-1870.
" A noble, great-souled, loving man " was Dr. Rol-
lin H. Neale's testimony concerning Nathaniel Colver,
D.D., who was born in Orwell, Vt., May 10, 1794.
When he was between one and two years of age his
father removed to Champlain, in northern New York,
and later, when he was about sixteen years of age, to
West Stockbridge, Mass. Subsequently he was ap-
prenticed to a tanner and currier. His conversion
occurred when he was twenty-three years of age, and
he was baptized June 9, 1817, by Rev. John M. Peck,
then on a visit to West Stockbridge. The proposal of
his brethren that he should devote liimself to the work
of the ministry he met at first with a firm refusal, on
account of his conviction of his personal unfitness;
but he afterward yielded, and he was ordained at West
Clarendon, Yt., in 1819. There he labored as pastor
of the Baptist church two years. He was afterward
pastor at Fort Covington, N. Y., and later, at Kings-
bury, Fort Ann and Union Village. In 1834, he
became pastor of the Baptist church in Holmesburgh,
near Philadelphia, Penn., but a few months later he
returned to Union Village, where he remained as pas-
tor of the church until 1838. That year was spent in
the service of the American Antislavery Society, and
he lectured in many places iu New England. It was in
278 BAPTIST HYMIN' WRITERS
this way that he became acquainted with the brethren
who organized what is now the Union Temple Baptist
church, which, since 1843, has worshiped in Tremont
Temple, Boston. Timothy Gilbert was the leading
spirit of this enterprise, and he found in Nathaniel
Colver a true yoke-fellow. Here Dr. Colver found a
field fitted for his peculiar gifts, and here he preached
with growing power. He was in sympathy with the
prominent reforms of the day, and as pastor of
Tremont Temple he was in the very heart of the
antislavery agitation.
In 1852, he resigned his Boston pastorate, and ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church at
South Abington, Mass. Here he remained until April,
1853, when he accepted a call to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in Detroit, Mich. In 1856, he
became pastor of the First Baptist church in Cincin-
nati, Ohio. Soon after, Granville College, now Denison
University, conferred upon him the degree of doctor
of divinity. In 1861, he removed to Chicago, to take
the pastorate of the Tabernacle, now the Second Bap-
tist church. While in Chicago he took a deep interest
in the organization of what is now the Theological
Seminary at Morgan Park. In 1867-70, he was presi-
dent of the Freedman's Institute, at Richmond, Va.,
and laid the foundations of the excellent work since
carried on by Dr. Corey and his assistants. On ac-
count of failino; health Dr. Colver returned to Chicao:o,
where he died, September 25, 1870.
Dr. Colver was a lover of hymns. He loved, too,
to arrange his own thoughts in verse, and often when
his heart was stirred by some great theme he was
meditating for presentation in his pulpit, he would
dash off a hymn to be sung in connection with the
sermon. He wrote the first hymn sung at his instal-
lation, in Boston, September 15, 1839, commencing
While the earth is clad in darkness.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 279
He wrote also a hymn which was sung at the dedica-
tion of Tremont Temple, December 7, 1843. It will
be remembered that the Temple was the old Tremont
Theater. The first three stanzas of the hymn were
as follows :
Great God, before thy reverend name,
Within these ransomed walls we bow;
Too long abused by sin and shame,
To thee we consecrate them now.
Satan has here held empire long,
A blighting curse, a cruel reign,
By mimic scenes, and mirth, and song.
Alluring souls to endless pain.
Fiction no morel Gpd's truth at last
Shall here portray eternal scenes;
The Gospel peal, the battle blast,
Or charm with Calvary's gentler strains.
In the " Christian Melodist," compiled by Dr. Ban-
vard, and published in 1848, are sixteen hymns by
Dr. Colver. The one (198) which is still most in use,
having been transferred to other collections, is the
following :
Come, Lord, in mercy come again,
With thy converting power;
The fields of Zion thirst for rain,
O send a gracious shower I
Our hearts are filled with sore distress,
While sinners all around
Are pressing on to endless death.
And no relief is found.
Dear Savior! come with quick'ning power,
Thy mourning people cry;
Salvation bring in mercy's hour,
Nor let the sinner die.
Once more let converts throng thj'- house,
And shouts of victory raise ;
Then shall our griefs be turned to joy,
And sighs to songs of praise.
280 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Another of Dr. Colver's hymns, hardly less well
known, commences
Weep for the lost! the Savior wept
O'er Salem's hapless doom.
He also contributed five hymns to " Ocean Melo-
dies" (1849), a collection of hymns for seamen com-
piled by Rev. Phineas Stowe.
THOMAS B. RIPLEY.
1795-1876.
Rev. Thomas B. Ripley, a younger brother of
Henry J. Ripley, d.d., long a professor in Newton
Theological Institution, was born in Boston, Mass.,
November 20, 1795, and received his name, Thomas
Baldwin, in honor of the well known pastor of his
parents. When about fifteen years of age he united
with Dr. Baldwin's church, and in the fall of that year,
1810, he entered Brown University. After his gradu-
ation, in 1814, he went to Philadelphia, where he pur-
sued theological studies under Dr. William Staughton.
Returning to Boston in 1815, he was invited in the
fall of that year to supply the pulpit of the Baptist
church in Portland, Maine. He was not then quite
twenty years of age, but his labors were so much ap-
preciated that after a few months he was called to the
pastorate of the church and in the following year,
July 24, 1816, he was ordained as pastor of the church.
Dr. Baldwin preaching the sermon. A very extensive
revival of religion followed, and more than seventy
united with the church. He enjoyed the friendship
and companionship of the sainted Pay son, whose
church was near his own. Here he remained twelve
years, when he accepted the pastorate of the First
Baptist church in Bangor. Leaving Bangor in 1834,
he became for a short time the pastor of the Baptist
AND THEIR HYMNS. 281
church in Woburn, Mass., and later he supplied the
pulpit of the First Baptist church in Providence, R. I.
We next find him in Nashville, Tenn., where he was
engaged in preaching, and giving instruction in a
young ladies' seminary. He remained in Nashville
until 1852, and then returned to New England.
About this time occurred the death of his only son,
a young man of much promise, a graduate of Brown
University, and at that time a student in Newton The-
ological Institution. It was an affliction hard to bear,
but n©t a murmur passed the good man's lips. And
so he came back to Portland, where not long after he
was appointed city missionary. It was a service for
which he had many excellent qualifications. His very
presence in any place was a Christian benediction. He
had a heart full of tenderest sympathy for the sick
among the children of toil and want, and it was a
pleasure for him to minister to them. Almost to the
close of life, when bowed with age, and hardly able to
leave his home on account of his infirmities, he would
go forth on errands of mercy, thinking not of himself,
but only of others. "When death came, May 4, 1876,
he was ready to meet the summons. He had not laid
up for himself earthly treasures. Indeed, his citizen-
ship had long been in heaven.
In 1821, while in Portland, Mr. Ripley published
"A Selection of Hymns for Conference and Prayer
Meetings." In 1831, after his removal to Bangor, he
published a second edition of this book, revised and
enlarged. The names of the authors of the hymns
are not given in either edition. The following hymn,
163 in the second edition, and written by Mr. Ripley,
as we learn from other sources, was '' sung at the bap-
tism of several young persons" during his Portland
pastorate :
Oh thou, who once in Jordan's wave
Wast buried by thy servaut's hand,
Who didst the great example leave,
Look dowu and bless this youthful band.
282 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
On them thy Holy Spirit pour,
While they thy sacred footsteps trace,
Make this to them a heavenly hour;
O fill their hearts with thy rich grace.
Buried with thee, may they arise
To live a life divinely new ;
To serve thee here, till in the skies
Thy unveiled presence they shall view.
And may each one of them at last
Appear before thy radiant throne,
Their golden crowns before thee cast, .
And ever praise the great Three One.
Rev. F. M. Bird, the well known liymnologist, sug-
gests that hymns 24, 113, 136 and 169, in this second
edition, were a}so written by Mr. Ripley j at least,
they are not found elsewhere.
JOHN BLAIN.
1795-1879.
In some of the earlier American Baptist hymn
books " parting " hymns have a f)lace. In the " Bap-
tist Harmony " (1834), with other hymns of this class,
is one (447) by Rev. John Blain, written in 1818:
My Christian friends in bonds of love,
Whose hearts in sweetest union prove;
Your friendship 's like a drawing band,
Yet we must take the parting hand.
Your company 's sweet, your union dear.
Your words delightful to my ear;
Yet when I see that we must part,
You draw like cords around my heart.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 283
How sweet the hours have passed away,
Since we have met to sing and pray;
How loth we are to leave the place
Where Jesus shows his smiling face.
O could I stay with friends so kind,
How v.ould it cheer my drooping mind.
But duty makes me understand
That Ave must take the parting hand.
And since it is God's holy will,
■\Ve must be parted for a while,
In sweet submission, all as one.
We '11 say, our Father's will be done.
My youthful friends in Christian ties,
Who seek for mansions in the skies,
right on, we '11 gain that happy shore,
W^ere parting will be known no more.
How oft I 've seen your flowing tears.
And heard you tell your hopes and fears.
Your hearts with love were seen to flame.
Which makes me hope we '11 meet again.
. Ye mourning souls, lift up your eyes
To glorious mansions in the skies;
O, trust his grace —in Canaan's land
We '11 no more take the parting hand.
And now, my friends, both old and young,
I hope in Christ you'll still go on;
And if on earth we meet no more,
O, may we meet on Canaan's shore.
I hope you '11 all remember me.
If you on earth no more I see;
An interest in your prayers I crave
Thd,t we may meet beyond the grave.
O, glorious dayl O, blessed hope!
My soul leaps forward at the thought
When on that happy, happy land,
We '11 no more take the parting hand.
284 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
But with our blessed, holy Lord,
We '11 shout and slug with one accord;
And there we '11 all with Jesus dwell —
So, loving Christians, fare you well.
A part of this hymn, altered by Rev. H. L. Hastings,
is number 1259 in '' Songs of Pilgrimage."
Rev. John Blain was born in Fishkill, Duchess
County, N. Y., February 14, 1795. He was the
youngest of five children, three of whom were sons,
and became preachers of the gospel. Converted when
fifteen years of age, he did not enter into church re-
lations until 1818. He was then baptized, and united
with the First Baptist church in Albany, N. Y. His
heart yearned to preach the gospel, and he entered
upon a limited course of study in Fairfield, afterward
at Middlebury " Academy, in western New York.
While in the academy he was licensed to preach, and
on leaving the institution he received ordination. In
a ministry of nearly sixty years his pastorates were as
follows : Auburn, N. Y. ; Pawtucket, R. I. ; Ncav York
City, York, Syracuse, N. Y. ; New London, Connecti-
cut; Charlestown, Mass.; Central Falls, R. I.; and
Mansfield, Mass. In addition to his regular pastoral
work he frequently did the work of an evangelist.
During his ministry he baptized more than three
thousand persons. " That he had great power as a
preacher is attested by the important positions which
he occupied. He had both intensity and immensity
of heart. John Blain in the pulpit with tearful eyes
and every feature of his face working with holy emo-
tion, with a voice singularly effective in its penetrat-
rating pathos, and arms extended with embracing
graciousness, as though to draw the sinner to his
breast, was a picture to study." Frugal in all his
habits, he saved that he might give. His contri-
butions to objects of benevolence during his life
amounted to twenty thousand dollars, and by will he
left ten thousand dollars to home and foreign missions.
He died in Mansfield, Mass., December 26, 1879.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 285
SAMUEL W. LYND.
1796-1876.
Samuel W. Lyxd, son of Samuel Lynd, a j^rosper-
ous silk merchant in Philadelphia, Penn., was born in
that city, December 23, 1796. He received a good
classical, though not a collegiate, education. At the
age of twenty-four he was converted, and was bap-
tized by Dr. William Staughton, whose eldest daugh-
ter, Leonora, he married. He studied theology with
Dr. Staughton, but the failure of his voice compelled
him to delay entrance upon the work of the Christian
ministry, and for several years he and Mrs. Lynd, a
most efficient helper, conducted a school for young
ladies in Baltimore. In January, 1824, Mr. Lynd be-
came pastor of the Navy Yard J3aptist church, Wash-
ington, D. C. January 1, 1831, he accepted the pas-
torate of the Sixth Street, now the Ninth Street Bap-
tist church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and he continued in
that relation until December, 1845, when he accepted
a call to the pastorate of the Second Baptist church in
St. Louis, Mo. In 1848, he became president of the
Western Baptist Theological Seminary, at Covington,
Ky., and subsequently of Georgetown College, Ky.
In 1853, he removed to a farm near Lockport, 111., but
a few years afterward he became pastor of the Fourth
Baptist church, Chicago, 111. Subsequently, for a
while, he was pastor of the Mt. Auburn Baptist
church, Cincinnati, Ohio. About 1863-4, he returned
to Lockport, 111., where he died, June 17, 1876.
Dr. Lynd was a man of great personal worth, and
probably did more than any other one man to build up
the Baptist cause in Cincinnati and vicinity. In his
own church he was a power. He found it a little
band of nineteen members, and left it with a member-
ship of about five hundred, having vainly urged it to
colonize, saying to his brethren that if they did not di-
286 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
vide, the devil would divide them, a task which the lat-
ter soon after undertook with considerable success.
Dr. Lynd took a prominent part in the controversy
growing out of the slavery question, also of Campbell-
ism (wrestling with Alexander Campbell in the col-
umns of "The Millennial Harbinger," conducted by
the latter), and standing firmly for missions, when the
Miami Association was rent by the anti-mission ele-
ment. He was a member of the committee which
approved and commended "The Psalmist" to the Bap-
tist churches of the country, and he preached the ser-
mon before the Missionary Union in Philadelphia, in
1844.
To Miller's " New Selection of Psalms, Hymns and
Spiritual Songs" (1835), Dr. Lynd contributed seven
hymns :
" To Jesus now my youthful heart,"
" Another brought through grace, we trust,"
" Once a poor thoughtless child was I,"
" ' "Wine is a mocker,' so the word,"
" Thy servants, Lord, today,"
" Of Jesus Christ I 'm not ashamed,"
and the following, for use at a convention or an
association :
Hail, brethren, while together met,
"Welcome your counsels and your prayers;
May kindred objects love beget.
And love disperse our anxious cares.
May every heart with thanks abound,
And courage take from mutual aims;
May Zion's interests dear be found
To every breast which truth inflames.
Here may the cause of Christ employ
Our willing hearts and faithful hands;
And all our powers engage with joy
To break the tempter's fatal bands.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 287
May holy zeal our souls inspire j
And self 'in noble deeds be lost;
Christ and his cross our bosoms fire,
Glory to God our only boast.
O Lord, thy blessing we implore;
On this alone our hope relies ;
Grant us but this, we ask no more,
i^o richer boon beneath the skies.
JAMES D. KNOWLES.
1798-1838.
Peof. James Davis Knowles was born in Provi-
dence, R. I., July 6, 1798. His father having died
when he was twelve years of age, he was apprenticed
to a printer, and acquired a thorough acquaintance
with the various departments of work in a printing-of-
fice, and also considerable facility in writing for the
press. At the age of twenty-one he became a co-ed-
itor of "The Rhode Island American." In March,
1820, he was baptized by Rev. Dr. Gano, pastor of
the First Baptist church, Providence, and in the au-
tumn following, having decided to enter upon the
work of the Christian ministry, he was licensed by
the church, and entered the Theological Seminary in
Philadelphia, of which Dr. William Staughton and
Rev. Irah Chase were the professors. In January,
1822, the seminary was united with Columbian Col-
lege, Washington, D. C, and Mr. Knowles followed
his instructors thither, and entered the college. Here
he not only pursued the studies of his class with such
success that he carried off the highest honors at his
graduation, in 1824, but he also edited with ability,
during his college course, '^The Columbian Star," a
weekly religious paper. After his graduation he was
288 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
made a tutor in the college, but in the autumn of the
following year, having received a call to the pastorate
of the Second Baptist church in Boston, then vacant
by the death of Dr. Baldwin, he removed to Boston,
where he was ordained, December 28, 1825.
Here he remained seven years, and then, on account
of impaired health, he resigned, and accepted the pro-
fessorship of Pastoral Duties and Sacred Rhetoric in
Newton Theological Institution, to which he had been
previously appointed. The change proved to be a fa-
vorable one, and with restored health he devoted him-
self to the duties of his new position with diligence
and success, and at length took upon himself the edi-
torship of "The Christian Review."
On his return from a visit to New York, early in
May, 1838, he was stricken down by an attack of con-
fluent small-pox, and died May 9, at the age of forty
years. His grave is on the Institution grounds, a lit-
tle in the rear of Sturtevant Hall. In an account of
his death, w^'itten by his wife, it is stated: "The day
before he left home for his last fatal journey, while
passing through the grounds to attend public worship,
he observed the springing vegetation, and, with lifted
hand, repeated with earnest emphasis these lines of
Seattle's :
Shall I be left forgotten in the dust
When Fate relenting lets the flower revive ?
Shall Nature's voice, to man alone unjust,
Bid him, though doomed to perish, hope to live?"
The following is a list of Prof. Knowdes' publica-
tions: "Perils and Safeguards of American Liberty;
Address Pronounced on the Four.th of July, at the
Second Baptist Meeting House in Boston, at the Re-
ligious Celebration of the Anniversary of American
Independence, by the Baptist Churches and Societies
in Boston," 1828. "Memoirs of Mrs. Ann H. Judson,
Late Missionary to Burmah," 1829. "Spirituous Liq-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 289
uors Pernicious and Useless. A Fast Day Sermon De-
livered at Boston," 1829. "Importance of Theolog-
ical Institutions. Address before Newton Theological
Institution," 1832. " Memoir of Roger Williams, the
Founder of the State of Rhode Island," 1834.
As a hymn writer. Prof. Knowles is known by a sin-
gle hymn (Psalmist, 939) :
O God, though countless worlds of light
Thy power and glory show,
Though round thy throne, above all hight,
Immortal seraphs glow, —
Yet oft to men of ancient time
Thy glorious presence came,
And in Moriah's fane sublime
Thou didst record thy name.
And now, where'er thy saints apart
Are met for praise and prayer,
Wherever sighs a contrite heart,
Thou, gracious God, art there.
With grateful joy thy children rear
This temple. Lord, to thee;
Long may they sing thy praises here,
And here thy beauty see.
Here, Savior, deign thy saints to meet;
With peace their hearts to fill ;
And here like Sharon's odors sweet.
May grace divine distil.
Here may thy truth fresh triumphs win ;
Eternal Spirit, here,
In many a heart, now dead in sin,
A living temple rear.
19
290 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ENOCH W. FREEMAN.
1798-1835.
A hymn often sung in prayer-meetings in New-
England thirty and forty years ago, to the tune
" Scots wha hae," commenced
Eouse ye at the Savior's call.
It was written by Rev. Enoch Weston Freeman, a
native of Minot, Me., where he was born, December
16, 1798. His early years were spent on his father's
farm. Hebron Academy was only a few miles away,
and when about eighteen years of age he availed
himself of its advantages, distinguishing himself in
the institution by his amiable deportment and indus-
trious habits. In 1817, he took charge of a school in
Wiscasset. Up to this time he had manifested no
personal interest in religion, but in the winter of
1818, a sermon from the text, " Having their con-
science seared with a hot iron," led to the aban-
donment of his former unbelief, and he became an
earnest inquirer. He at length found what he sought.
Peace then came like a river, and his joy in the Lord
was overflowing. He was baptized by Rev. George
Ricker, and united with the Baptist church in Minot.
Not long after the youiig convert recognized the need
of more ministers, and in answer to what he regarded
as a divine call summoning him to the work of preach-
ing the gospel, he commenced a course of study pre-
paratory to a collegiate course, and in 1823, he became
a student at Waterville College. During his connec-
tion with the college — he was graduated in 1827, —
he greatly endeared himself to his instructors and to
his fellow students. Having received a license to
preach, he exercised his gifts as opportunity offered.
A part of his winter vacation, 1826-7, and also of the
months of May and June, 1827, he spent by invitation
AND THEIR HYMXS. 291
with the Baptist church in St. John, N. B. November
21, 1827, he was ordained as an evangeUst in New
Gloucester, and here he preached a few months with
gratifying results. June 4, 1828, he was recognized
as pastor of the First Baptist church in Lowell, Mass.,
and here, greatly beloved by his people and through-
out the community, he served his Master until his
sudden death, Sept. 22, 1835.
In 1829, Mr. Freeman published at Exeter, N. H., a
small hymn book entitled " A Selection of Hymns,
Including a few Originals, Designed to Aid the Friends
of Zion in their Private and Social Worship." In the
preface he says : " The work of revival which has
been carried forward in this town for more than three
years past, and which is still progressing, seems to call
for a greater number and a more extensive variety of
hymns than is usually found in collections of this
kind. At the suggestion, therefore, of a number of
my friends here [Lowell], the following selection has
been made." In it Mr. Freeman included seven of
his own hymns:
"Behold, O Lord, my suffering soul,"
" Have you found the precious Savior? "
" Hither we come, our dearest Lord,"
" When Christ, th' incarnate Son of God,"
" Aid us, O thou Holy Spirit,"
•'In thy temple, God, Jehovah,"
and the following hymn, to which reference has already
been made, and with which the collection opens :
Rouse ye at the Savior's call.
Sinners, rouse ye, one and all;
Wake, or soon your souls will fall.
Fall in deep despair.
Woe to him who turns away;
Jesus kindly calls to-day,
Come, O sinner, while you may,
Eaise your soul in prayer.
292 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Heard ye not the Savior's cry ?
" Turn, O turn, why will you die I "
And in keenest agony
Mourn too late your doom !
Haste, for time is rushing on;
Soon the fleeting hour is gone;
The lifted arrow flies anon,
To sink you in the tomb.
By the bleeding Savior's love,
By the joys of heaven above.
Let these words your spirits move;
Quick to Jesus fly !
Come, and save your souls from death,
Haste! escape Jehovah's wrath,
Fly! for life 's a fleeting breath.
Soon, O soon, you '11 die.
ROBERT W. CUSHMAN.
1800-1868.
Rev. Robert W. Cushman, d.d., a distinguished
preacher and a well known educator, was born in
Woolwich, Maine, April 10, 1800. In the death of
his parents, in his early years, he met with an irrepa-
rable loss. He received a careful training, however,
and when sixteen years of age he accepted Christ as
his personal Savior. Having in view the work of the
Christian ministry, he entered Columbian College,
Washington, D. C, where he was graduated in 1825.
In August, 1826, he was ordained as pastor of the
Baptist church in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Here he re-
mained three years. Then he removed to Philadel-
phia, where he established the "Cushman Collegiate
Institute," for the education of young ladies. In
1841, he accepted the pastorate of the Bowdoin Square
Baptist church, Boston, a position which he retained
six years, attracting large congregations. He then
AND THEIR HYMXS. 293
removed to Washington, D. C, where he established a
school for young ladies similar to that with which he
was connected in Philadelphia. After a few years he
returned to Boston, and became principal of the Mount
Vernon Ladies' School. At the same time he supplied
the pulpit of the Baptist church in Charlestown. For
awhile, also, he gave instruction in sacred rhetoric at
Newton Theological Institution. Subsequently he re-
tired to Wakefield, Mass., where he spent the closing
years of his life. He died April 7, 1868.
Prof. George H. Whittemore, who listened to Dr.
Cushman during his pastorate at Bowdoin Square, and
greatly admired him, says: "There was a dignity, im-
pressiveness and elegance about his person, bearing,
and diction, which I can never forget, though I can-
not recall the matter as well as the manner of his
efforts. I remember to have heard very high praise
bestowed upon his production 'A Pure Christianity
the World's only Hope.' He was an exceedingly
sensitive person, and some asperity of temper and
speech has at times been ascribed to him, I believe;
but this shadow is dashed into the sketch of one whose
memory I love and venerate to moderate the ideal
and exaggerated glow of his image as I always recall
it."
In the "Baptist Harmony" (1834), are three hymns
by Dr. Cushman,
" Oh why, ye redeemed, should the breath of the tomb,"
" O thou whose wisdom gives a path,"
and the following:
Lo! on a mount that Burma rears
To greet the morn in eastern skies,
A sable son of Shem appears,
And westward turns his longing eyes.
No sacrifice the man prepares
For gods of stone, or gods of gold;
But, near his heart he fondly bears
A book, in many a careful fold.
294 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
That book contains the words of prayer,
And tells of Christ for sinners slain;
But he has no interpreter
To make its mystic pages plain.
But he has heard of holy men
Who yet should come and pour a ray
Upon the soul of the Karen,
And turn his darkness into day.
The tidings spread, " They 're come, they 're comel
They stand on western shores afar! "
With bounding joy he leaves his horne,
And hastes the word of life to share.
Before him lies the lengthening plain ;
Before him rolls the swelling flood;
And on him falls the ceaseless rain ;
And near him tigers thirst for blood.
But tigers' howls affright him not;
The wilderness, the swelling flood,
And falling storms are all forgot ;
He hastes to seek the unknown God.
And shall he, with no Bible given
To cheer his path, go home again ?
Forbid it, lovel forbid it, heaven!
We '11 haste to bless the dark Karen. ,
To this hymn is appended the following note :
"When the deputation from the Karens in the inte-
rior of Burma came to the missionaries to inquire if
they had, and could give to them, ' the word of the
eternal God,' they had in their possession, as an object
of religious adoration, a book, which the missionaries,
on unfolding, found to be an EngHsh Prayer Book."
The first of the three hymns by Dr. Cushman,
found in the " Baptist Harmony," was included in Dr.
S. S. Cutting's "Hymns for the Vestry" (1841), and
Dr. A. D. Gillette's "Hymns for Social Meetings"
(1843).
AND THEIR HYMNS. 295
STAUNTON S. BURDETT.
In 1834, Rev. Staunton S. Burdett, pastor of the
New Hope Baptist church near Lancaster, South Caro-
lina, pubUshed his " Baptist Harmony, being a Selec-
tion of Choice Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Social
Worship." To this collection Mr. Burdett contributed
three hymns of his own (206, 238, 248):
" Sweet day of rest, with pure delight,"
" Saints, obey your Lord's command,"
and the following, entitled " The Mourner Comforted
at the Feet of Jesus":
My heart is pierced with anguish,
And darkness reigns within;
0 must I ever languish
Beneath this load of sin ?
No balsam will relieve me,
No guardian hand receive me,
To calm my anxious fears
And wipe away my tears.
1 search the sacred pages.
My sorrow to beguile,
But still my anguish rages.
And mercy hides her smile;
I lift my plea to heaven,
And still am unforgiven ;
Heaven's ear repels my cry
And I am left to die.
At Jesus' feet I throw me,
There, there I will remain;
If he no mercy show me.
Yet he shall see my pain;
Perhaps my woes may move him;
With sighs and tears I '11 prove him;
With strong, determined grasp
The precious cross I clasp.
296 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
What means this sudden glory,
Sweet as the morning sun ?
Come, saints, and hear my stor}--,
Salvation is begun;
Salvation shall be ended,
For mercy has befriended;
The Lord, the Lord has smil'd,
And owned me as his child.
Mine eyes, forget your crying.
Immortal glories shine!
My heart, forget your sighing,
Jesus, the Lord is mine.
My tongue its psean raises;
Come saints, and join your praises,
Our highest song we '11 bring.
And Jesus crown our King.
Little can now be learned concerning Mr. Burdett's
life. It is thought that he was a native of Connecticut.
He was married in South Carolina^ and was pastor of
the New Hope church five or six years. During the
greater part of this time he was held in the highest
esteem. He was an earnest, eloquent preacher, and
easily won friends. Unfavorable reports concerning
his Christian character at length brought his pastorate
of the New Hope church to an end, and Mr. Burdett
removed with his family to Mississippi — Yallabusha
County, it is believed — where he continued to preach ;
but I have been unable to trace him after leaving
South Carolina. Dr. H. V. Massey, of Matthews, N.
C, who, in 1835, was baptized by Mr. Burdett during
his pastorate of the New Hope church, says in a com-
munication from which I gathered most of the above
facts, " I always thought liim a good man."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 297
CHARLES THURBER.
1803-188G.
Hon. Charles Thurber was born January 2, 1803,
in Brookfield, Mass., where his father, Bev. Laban
Thurber, was pastor of the Baptist church. When
twenty years of age he entered the freshman class in
Brown University, and was graduated in 1827, having
as classmates Hon. John H. Clifford, Judge Mellen
Chamberlain, Ebenezer Thresher, and other men dis-
tinguished in public life. His commencement part
was a poem entitled " The Fall of Mexico." For four
years after his graduation, he was preceptor of Milford
Academy. Then, for eight years, he was master of
the Latin Grammar School at Worcester, Mass. He
now directed his attention to mercantile pursuits, and
after twelve years devoted to business in Worcester
he retired with a comfortable fortune. During his
residence in Worcester he served as County Commis-
sioner four years, and also as a member of the Massa-
chusetts Senate. Upon retiring from business he
spent six years in Europe. After his return to this
country he made his home in Brooklyn, N. Y. In
1853, he was made a trustee of Brown University.
He was a Baptist church member fifty-five years, and
closed his life at Nashua, N. H., November 7, 1886, at
the ripe age of eighty-four years, honored and beloved
by a very wide circle of friends.
Mr. Thurber was a man of literary tastes and
acquirements. Frequently he gave expression to his
thoughts in verse, and he was a favorite poet on com-
mencement occasions, viz.: at Union College, Denison
University, the University of Lewisburg (now Buck-
nell University), Middletown University, the University
of Rochester, Madison University twice, Colby Uni-
versity three times. Brown University many times,
and other literary institutions. He also wrote a large
298 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
number of songs and hymns for festal occasions and
religious gatherings. The following Home Missionary
Hymn, written by Mr. Thurber, is from the " Baptist
Praise Book" (1872):
From yonder Kocky Mountains,
With summits white and cold;
From California's fountains,
That pour down virgin gold;
From every western prairie,
From every mystic mound,
They call on us to carry
The gospel's joyful sound.
Oh! shall we close our bosoms,
While every breath 's a cry ?
While brothers drop like blossoms,
And there forever die ?
Oh I Christian, rest not, sleep not,
But pray and toil and fight,
Till those who 're weeping, weep not,
And darkness turns to light.
Then, when enthroned in glor}^
With Jesus' ransomed fold.
We tell Love's wondrous story.
Upon our harps of gold,
Each effort that we 're making
Will sweeten heaven's employ,
And every cross we 're taking.
Add rapture to its joy.
JOHN NEWTON BROWN.
1803-1868.
Rev. John" Newton Brown, d.d., is now best
known in connection with the New Hampshire Decla-
ration of Faith, which has been very extensively
adopted by Baptist churches in different parts of the
country. Dr. Brown was chairman of the committee
AND THEIR HYMNS. 299
which presented the Declaration, and performed valu-
able service in its preparation. He was born in New
London, Conn., June 29, 1803. When fourteen years
of age he was baptized at Hudson, N. Y. Having had
his thoughts turned toward the work of the ministry,
he entered Hamilton Theological Seminary, and was
graduated in 1823. He was ordained at Buffalo, in
1S2A. A year later he removed to Providence, R. I.,
to assist Rev. Dr. Gano, pastor of the First Baptist
church. In 1827, he became pastor of the Baptist
church in Maiden, Mass. In 1829, he removed to Ex-
eter, N. H., where he had accepted the pastorate of
the Baptist church. In 1838, he became associate
professor of theology and pastoral relations in the
New Hampton Literary and Theological Institution,
at New Hampton, N. H., and discharged the duties of
this position until 1845, when he became pastor of the
Baptist church in Lexington, Va. On account of ill
health he was compelled to withdraw from the pastor-
ate in 1849, and he then became connected with the
American Baptist Publication Society as editorial sec-
retary. He was also editor of ''The Christian Chron-
icle" and "The National Baptist." During his resi-
dence at Exeter he edited his "Encyclopaedia of
Religious Knowledge," which was published in Brat-
tleborough, in 1835, and republished in England. He
published also "Introduction to the History of Baptist
Martyrs," "Life and Times of Simon Menno" (1853),
"History of the Baptist Publication Society" (1856),
" Descriptive Catalogue of the American Baptist Pub-
lication Society" (1861). At the time of his death he
was engaged in the preparation of a history of the
Baptists. He died at Germantown, Penn., May 14,
1868.
In Freeman's "Selection of Hymns" (1829), Dr
Brown has five hymns :
" UMo him, unto him who is able to keep,"
" "Welcome, welcome, dearest brothers,"
300 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
" Friends for whom a Savior died,"
" Have we all here met again ? "
" My friends, the parting hour is come."
There are also three hymns by Dr. Brown in Phin-
eas Stowe's "Ocean Melodies":
" Come sinner! at our Lord's command,"
" And wilt thou stoop. Great God, so low,"
" O Thou! the high and lofty One."
The following hymn by Dr. Brown is found in
"The Psalmist" and other collections:
Go, spirit of the sainted dead.
Go to thy longed-for, happy homej
The tears of man are o'er thee shed;
The voice of angels bids thee come.
If life be not in length of days,
In silvered locks and furrowed brow,
But living to the Savior's praise,
How few have lived so long as thou!
Though earth may boast one gem the less,
May not e'en heaven the richer be?
And myriads on thy footsteps press,
To share thy blest eternity .
JOHN M. HEWES.
1803-1883.
A descendant of one of the actors in the Boston
Tea Party, Mr. Hewes, was born in Franklin, Mass.,
July 5, 1803. In early life he was apprenticed to a
printer in Boston. Here, at length, he established a
printino" house of his own, and in this calling he re-
mained until the close of his long business career.
B-s became a Christian in 1840, and united with the
AND THEIR HYMNS. ' 301
Dudley Baptist church, Roxbury, of which Rev. T. F.
Caldicott, D.D., was then pastor. With the exception
of a few years in which his membership was with the
Tremont Baptist church, he remained a member of
tlie church into whose fellowship he was first received,
until his death, which occurred in Boston, November
17, 1883. His pastor for many years, Rev. Henry M.
King, D.D., says of Mr. Hew^es:
" During all the years since his conversion he pre-
sented a blameless life and a warm interest in the
church, its worship, its activities, and its prosperity.
He was strong in his opposition to wrong and oppres-
sion, and an earnest advocate of the antislavery move-
ment. He was cleo-r and intelligent in his apprehen-
sion of Christian doctrine, and loved the great truths
of the Gospel with an increasing affection. He was
very tender in his personal attachments, and deeply
sympathetic in his nature, setting a high value on the
friendships of life, and living for those whom he loved.
His love for the Savior made melody in his heart, and
he was able to express it in beautiful hymns of his
own composition. His interest in Christian poetry
amounted to a beautiful passion, and he always carried
about with him copies of brief poems that had won
his heart."
Two of Mr. Hewes' hymns are in " The Christian
Melodist " (1848), compiled by Rev. J. Banvard, d.d.,
one commencing
Holy Lord, lend now thine ear (459),
and the following (482) :
Dear Savior, hear our prayer, —
We bow before thy throne;
O may we find acceptance there,
And peace before unknown.
Dear Savior, hear our prayer, —
O turn not thou away;
For in temptation's fearful hour
Thou art our only stay.
302 • BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Dear Savior, hear our prayer, —
No other power but thine
Can fill our souls with heavenly joy,
"With rays of light divine.
Dear Savior, hear our prayer, —
On thee alone we call;
O keep our feet in wisdom's way,
That we may never fall.
SARAH B. JUDSON.
1803-1845. .
In Urwick's Selection, Dublin, 1829, appeared a fine
hymn of four stanzas, without the author's name,
commencing
Proclaim the lofty praise
Of him who once was slain,
But now is risen, through endless days
To live and reign.
He lives and reigns on high,
Who bought us with his blood,
Enthroned above the farthest sky,
Our Savior, God.
This hymn was transferred to "The Psalmist" (1843),
ascribed to Urwick's Collection. By Dr. Hatfield,
the well known hymnologist ("Poets of the Church,"
p. 713), this hymn is ascribed to Mrs. Sarah B. Jud-
son, but on what grounds I am not informed.
Sarah Boardman Judson, the second wife of Adoni-
ram Judson, and the eldest daughter of Ralph and
Abiah Hall, was born in Alstead, N. H., November 4,
1803. Her parents subsequently removed to Dan-
vers, Mass., and then to Salem, Mass., wdiere, in her
seventeenth year, she became a member of the First
AKD THEIR HYMN'S. 803
Baptist church, of which Dr. Lucius Bolles was pastor.
The work of Christian missions was prominent in the
thoughts of the members of that church. Dr. Bolles,
as early as 1812, had organized in Salem a society to
aid Dr. Carey in translating and publishing the Scrip-
tures, and the young convert was impressed with a
desire to follow Judson and his associates, who, a few
years before, had sailed from Salem to engage in mis-
sionary work on heathen shores. The way was at
length opened; and as the wife of George Dana
Boardman, to whom she was married July 4, 1825,
she embarked July 19, following, for Calcutta, where
they arrived December 13. Here, on account of the
Burmese war, they were obliged to remain until
March, 1827. They then proceeded to Amherst,
shortly after to Maulmain, and later to Tavoy. Mean-
while three children were born to them, of whom only
one, George Dana, survived the perils of infancy.
Mr. Boardman died at Tavoy, February 11, 1831.
"When I first stood by the grave of my husband,"
wrote Mrs. Boardman, "I thought I must go home
with George. But these poor, inquiring and Chris-
tian Karens, and the school boys, and the Burmese
Christians, would then be left without any one to
instruct them; and the poor, stupid Tavoyans would
go on in the road to death, with no one to warn them
of their danger. How then, oh, how can I go? We
shall not be separated long. A few more years, and
we shall all meet in yonder blissful world, whither
those we love have gone before us."
April 10, 1834, Mrs. Boardman was married to Dr.
Judson, whose heroic wife, Ann H. Judson, was laid
to rest beneath the hopia tree at Amherst, eight years
before. For eleven years Dr. Judson and Sarah
Boardman toiled together, and then, her health hav-
ing failed, with her husband and their elder children,
she embarked for London, April 26, 1845. During
the first part of the voyage the weather was rough,
804 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
and the vessel, having sprung a leak, put in to the
Isle of France for repairs. Mrs. Judson had improved
so much it was thought that she would be able to
continue the voyage with her children, leaving her
husband to return to his work in Burma ; and it was
under these circumstances that she wrote the follow-
ing memorable lines :
We part on this green islet, love,
Thou for the eastern main,
I for the setting sun, love,
O, when to meet again 1
My heart is sad for thee, love,
For lone thy way will be ;
And oft thy tears will fall, love,
For thy children and for me.
The music of thy daughter's voice
Thou 'It miss for many a year;
And the merry shout of thine elder boys
Thou 'It list in vain to hear.
When we knelt to see our Henry die,
And heard his last, faint moan.
Each wiped the tear from others' eye;
Now each must weep alone.
My tears fall fast for thee, love;
How can I say. Farewell I
But go; thy God be with thee, love,
Thy heart's deep grief to quell.
Yet ray spirit clings to thine, love;
Thy soul remains with me.
And oft we '11 hold communion sweet
O'er the dark and distant sea.
And who can paint our mutual joy,
When, all our wanderings o'er.
We both shall clasp our infants three
At home, on Burma's shiorel
But higher shall our raptures glow.
On yon celestial plain.
When the loved and parted here below
Meet, ne'er to part again.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 305
Then gird thine armor on, love;
?^or faint thou by the way,
Till Buddh shall fall, and Burma's sons
Shall own Messiah's sway.
But the parting was not to take place. A relapse
followed, and July 25, Dr. Judson embarked with his
family on the ship Sophia Walker, which was to sail
direct for the United States. Mrs Judson again
seemed to be recovering, but there came another re-
lapse, and she died on shipboard, in the harbor of St.
Helena, September 1, 1845, in the forty-second year
of her age, and the twenty-first of her missionary life.
She was buried on the island. Dr. Judson says : " In
the course of the day a coffin was procured from the
shore, in which I placed all that remained of her
whom I had so much loved, and after a prayer had
been offered by a dear brother minister from the town,
the Rev. Mr. Bertram, we proceeded in boats to the
shore. There we were met by the colonial chaplain,
and accompanied to the burial ground by the adher-
ents and friends of Mr. Bertram, and a large concourse
of the inhabitants. They had prepared the grave in
a beautiful shady spot, contiguous to the grave of Mrs.
Chater, a missionary from Ceylon, who had died in
similar circumstances on her passage home. There I
saw her safely deposited, and in the language of
prayer, which we had often presented together at the
throne of grace, I blessed God that her body had at-
tained the repose of the grave, and her spirit the
repose of Paradise."
Mrs. Judson early evinced skill in poetical composi-
tion. Among other productions written when she was
thirteen years of age is a " Versification of David's
Lament over Saul and Jonathan," commencino-
'o
The beauty of Israel forever is fled,
And low lie the noble and strong;
Ye daughters of music encircle the dead,
And chant the funeral sons;.
20 ^
306 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
These early lines were amended by the cultivated
taste of later years, and in their altered dress appear
in Mrs. Judson's " Life." A later poem, entitled
" Come Over and Help Us," and written after she had
become interested in Christian missions, voices a plea
from the heathen world, of which the following is the
first stanza,
Ye, on whom the glorious Gospel
Shiues with beams sereuely bright,
Pity the deluded nations ,
"Wrapped in shades of dismal night;
Ye, whose bosoms glow with rapture
At the precious hopes they bear;
Ye, who know a Savior's mercy.
Listen to our earnest prayer!
She was deeply affected by the death of Colman,
and wrote the " Lines " commencing
'T is the voice of deep sorrow from India's shore;
The flower of our churches is withered, is dead;
The gem that shone brightly will sparkle no more,
And the tears of the Christian profusely are shed.
Two youths of Columbia, with hearts glowing warm,
Embarked on the billows far distant to rove,
To bear to the nations all wrapped in thick gloom,
The lamp of the Gospel — the message of love.
But "Wheelock now slumbers beneath the cold wave.
And Colman lies low in the dark, cheerless grave.
Moui-n, daughters of India, mourn!
The rays of that star, clear and bright,
That so sweetly on Arracan shone
Are shrouded in black clouds of night,
For Colman is gone!
These " Lines," which found their way into print,
fell under the eye of George Dana Boardman, and in
this way an acquaintanceship was formed, that rip-
ened into marriage. During her missionary life, Mrs.
Judson found little time for poetical composition, but
her occasional contributions to our poetical literature
bear witness to the rare quality of the gift which
she possessed.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 307
LEVI KNEELAND.
1803-1834.
Rev. Levi Kneeland was a native of Masonville,
N. Y., and was born November 7, 1803. Converted
at the age of fifteen, he united with the Baptist church
in Masonville, and when twenty years of age he was
licensed to preach. In 1824, he entered Hamilton
Literary and Theological Institution, where he re-
mained four years. Having been called to the pastor-
ate of the Baptist church in Packer ville. Conn., he
was ordained in that place, October 8, 1828. Earnest,
devout, wholly consecrated to his work, he labored
for the salvation of souls, and during the six years of
his ministry, he baptized more than three hundred con-
verts. Greatly lamented, he died at Packerville,
August 23, 1834, aged thirty-one years.
In "Select Hymns" (Hartford, 1836) is the follow-
ing hymn by Mr. Kneeland :
Christian worship — how inviting
Is tlie social praying band!
Happy concert thrice deliglitin<^,
Bound to Canaan's holy laud.
See how joyful they assemble
At the consecrated hourl
How they heaven's host resemble
While they God Most High adore!
See them in sweet concert moving,
Each their humble part fulfil!
Bound to love, each other loving,
Thus they do the Savior's will.
Now they bow in adoration
Low before Jehovah's throne,
Giving honor and salvation
To the High and Holy One.
3U8 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
N'ow they rise in hymns symphonious ■
All as one their spirits rise ;
Sweep the golden harps harmonious
Strung by seraphs in the skies.
Now they pour out fervent prayer —
Plead the all-atoning blood;
Father, Son and Spirit thei'e ;
'T is in truth the house of God.
GEORGE B. IDE.
1804-1872.
Rev. George Barto]!^" Ide, d.d., was born in Cov-
entry, Vt., February 17, 1804. His father, Rev. John
Ide, was a well known Baptist minister, who early dis-
covered the promise of his son, and aided him in se-
curing a good academic and collegiate education. He
was converted in 1824. In 1827, he entered Middle-
bury College with advanced standing, and was gradu-
ated in 1830. During his college course he received
a license to preach, and supplied churches in Corn-
wall, Cambridge, Newport, etc. For awhile after his
graduation, he labored as an evangelist in northern
Vermont, e&pecially in Derby, Newport, and Passump-
sic. In November, 1832, he became pastor of the
Baptist church in Brandon, Vt. September 1, 1834,
he accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Bap-
tist church in Albany, N. Y. Here he remained a lit-
tle more than a year only, and then resigned to be-
come pastor of the Federal Street Baptist church
(now Clarendon Street), Boston. After a pastorate of
a little more than two years, he accepted, in April,
1838, a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist
church, Philadelphia, where he remained nearly fif-
teen years. December 5, 1852, he was called to
AND THEIR HYMNS. 309
Springfield, Mass., where he was the beloved pastor of
the First Baptist church, until his death. During this
period of nearly twenty years, he received calls to
other prominent pulpits, but these were declined ; and
such was his influence in Springfield, and throughout
western Massachusetts, that it is doubtful if elsewhere
he could have occupied so commanding a position.
He died in Springfield, of heart disease, April 16, 1872.
Dr. Ide was a vigorous and eloquent preacher, and
from the beginning of his career large audiences
waited upon his ministry. A good illustration of his
glowing style is afforded by his volume of discourses,
entitled ^' Bible Pictures." Another volume, entitled
"Battle Echoes," is a collection of sermons preached
during the stirring events of the civil war. Dr. Ide
was also the author of "Green Hollow," a Sunday-
school story, which had a wide circulation. In " The
Baptist Harp," a collection of hymns for family and
social worship, which was published by the American
Baptist Publication Society in 1849, are nine hymns,
written by Dr. Ide, viz. :
" O when the tear is gushiag,"
" Parched by the noontide lieat,"
" They all have met in heaven at last,"
"Lord, we early come to meet thee,"
^' To the ark away! or perish,"
"Prostrate at Jesus' feet, behold,"
" Son of God, our glorious Head,"
" Through many climes, o'er many lands,"
and the following :
In life's joyous morning, while hope still is bright.
And all thy green pathway is beaming with light,
O come to the Savior, his mercy embrace.
And sweetly surrender thy heart to his grace.
310 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Soon cares and temptations thy steps will attend,
And sorrow's rude tempest may on thee descend,
What arm can sustain thee, what wisdom can guide,
If Christ, the Deliverer, be not at thy side ?
His love, if thou seek him, will gird thee with power,
In manhood's stern conflicts, and trial's dark hour,
With rich consolations thy anguish assuage,
When stung by affliction, or sinking with age.
The peace speaking blood, which for sinners he spilt,
Will shield thee in judgment, and cleanse thee from guilt,
His hand shall defend thee from all earthly foes.
And bring thee triumphant to heaven's repose.
Then fly to his bosom, and in it find rest
From all that can torture thy frail, mortal breast;
No storm there can reach thee, no danger assail,
His might is resistless, his truth cannot fail.
Some of these hymns have been transferred to other
collections. In " Hymns for Social Meetings," com-
piled by Rev. A. D. Gillette, d.d., is a hymn (107) by
Dr. Ide, commencing
Why fix thy love on shadows ? Why
Seek for repose where all must die ?
THOMAS U. WALTER.
1804-1887.
Dr. Thomas U. Walter, an eminent American
architect, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., September
4, 1804. His taste for architecture was early evinced,
and he pursued an elaborate course of instruction, in
order thoroughly to fit himself for the profession in
which he achieved so much distinction. He entered
upon his life work in his native city. In 1831, his
plans for the Philadelphia county buildings were ac-
cepted, and two years later, his design for Girard
AND THEIR HYMNS. 311
College. This substantial structure, which was four-
teen years in building, is not only a monument to the
generous founder of the college, but also to the archi-
tectural skill of Dr. Walter. The latter' s greatest
work, however, was in connection with the extension
of the Capitol at Washington. In 1851, he submitted
plans for the new structure, wdtli its magnificent dome.
The plans, were accepted, and Dr. Walter was ap-
pointed by President Fillmore to take charge of the
work. He also designed the east and west wino-s of
the Patent Office, the extension of the building occu-
pied by the Post-office Department, the new Treasury
Building, and several government buildings in other
places. He was also the architect of the old Chapel
at Waterville College, now Colby University. In
1849, Madison University conferred upon Mr. Walter
the honorary degree of master of arts. In 1855, Buck-
nell University conferred upon him the degree of
doctor of philosophy, and in 1857, Harvard University
conferred upon him the degree of doctor of laws.
In 1829, Dr. Walter became a member of the Spruce
Street Baptist church, Philadelphia, and for many
years he was clerk of the church, and superintendent
of the Sunday-school. On removing to Washington,
he united with the E Street Baptist church. After his
return to Philadelphia he became a member of the
Second Germantown Baptist church, of which subse-
quently he was made a deacon. Later, he united ^\'ith
the Memorial Baptist church in Philadelphia. Of this
church also he was made a deacon.
In the "Baptist Harp," published by the American
Baptist Publication Society, in 1849, is the following
hymn (414) by Dr. Walter, entitled " Go to Jesus."
Desponding soul, O cease thy wo;
Dry lip thy tears, to Jesus go,
In faith's appointed way.
Let not thy unbelieving fears
Still hold thee back — thy Savior hears —
From him no longer stay.
312 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
No works of thine can e'er impart
A balm to heal thy wounded heart,
Or solid comfort give ;
Turn, then, to him who freely gave
His precious blood thy soul to save;
E'en now he bids thee live.
Helpless and lost, to Jesus fly!
His power and love are ever nigh
To those who seek his face;
Thy deepest guilt on him was laid,
He bore thy sins, thy ransom paid;
O haste to share his grace.
Dr. Walter died in Philadelphia, October 30, 1887.
At the time of his death he was president of the
American Institute of Architects.
STEPHEN P. HILL.
1806-1884.
Rev. Stephen P. Hill was born in Salem, Mass.,
April 17, 1806. His parents were Unitarians, and he
received his early training under Unitarian influences;
but a sermon preached by Rev. Joseph Grafton, of
Newton, which he heard when fourteen years of age,
led to his conversion, and he was baptized in June,
1821, by Rev. Dr. Lucius Bolles, pastor of the First
Baptist church in Salem. Two years later he began
to preach, and that he might fit himself for the work
of the Christian ministry, he entered Waterville Col-
lege in 1825. Here he remained two years, and then
became a student in Brown University, where he was
graduated in 1829. His theological course he took at
Newton, graduating in 1832. Having received a call
to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Haver-
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 313
hill, Mass., lie was ordained in Haverhill, October 2,
1832. On account of a pulmonary complaint, he was
compelled, in the winter of 1833-4, to withdraw to a
milder climate. During this time he supplied the pul-
pit of the Baptist church in Georgetown, S. C. He
then accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Bap-
tist church in Baltimore, Md., where he remained
seventeen years, and was instrumental in greatly
strengthening the church. He then removed to
Washington, D. C, and became pastor of the First
Baptist church, where also his labors were crowned
with success. Closing his Washington pastorate in
1861, he continued his residence there, and supplied
feeble churches in and around the city, interesting
himself especially in the welfare of the colored
churches. He died in Washington, September 15,
1884.
Dr. Hill was the author of several prize mono-
graphs. In 1839, he delivered before the literary
societies of Brown University a poem entitled "The
Unlimited Progression of Mind." The same year he
delivered a poem on "The Triumphs of the Gospel,"
before the Knowles Rhetorical Society of Newton
Theological Institution. In 1859, he delivered a
poem on "The Problems of Truth," before the liter-
ary societies of Madison University. He was the
author, also, of a number of minor poems published
in newspapers and periodicals. Much attention he
gave to hymnology In 1836, during his Baltimore
pastorate, he compiled a hymn book entitled " Chris-
tian Melodies," a collection of six hundred and fifty-
five hymns, of which twenty-six were written by him-
self. Hymn 820 in " The Psalmist,"
Come, saints, adore j'our Savior, God,
is a part of hymn 322 in this collection, commencing
Great Kin.sr of kintjs and Lord of lords.
314 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The following hymn by Dr. Hill, entitled " Grati-
tude at the Cross," is taken from the " Christian
Melodies."
My soul! the Lord adore,
Thy dear Redeemer love,
Before his cross, thy sorrows pour,
And fix thy hopes above.
My soul! the Lord adore,
Thy suffering Savior see;
Remember all the griefs he bore,
And bore from love to thee.
In childhood's early morn
He was thy faithful friend;
He loved thee when a wretch forlorn,
And loves thee to the end.
Terrors hung o'er thy path,
Deep gloom was round thee thrown;
"When to redeem thy life from wrath,
He freely gave his own.
Oh! the sharp piercing smart!
When long death's arrows stood,
And quivering in his sacred heart,
They drank his richest blood.
Oh I miracle of love!
That such a life as mine
Should by that death be raised to prove
Enjoyments so divine.
Dear Savior! on thy breast
My tears shall ever roll ;
And thou, with gratitude imprest,
Still bless the Lord, my soul!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 315
CAROLINE T. DAYTON.
1806-1879.
Mrs. Dayton, a daughter of John and Lydia
Erving, was born in Concord, Mass., August 5, 1806.
Her father removed to Hartford, Conn., when she was
but a child, and with the exception of a brief residence
in Worcester, Mass., Hartford continued to be her
home until her death. For many years her member-
ship was with the First Baptist church in Hartford,
but subsequently she became a member of the South
Baptist church. She was an earnest, sincere Christian,
and her life was one of sacrifice, toil and devotion.
Almost her last words were, " I trust in my Savior."
She died in Hartford, May 30, 1879, after a long and
painful illness.
Two hymns, written by Mrs. Dayton before her
marriage,
" Send, O send, the glorious Gospel,"
" This is thine earthly temple, Lord,"
are found in " Select Hymns " (Hartford, 1836). She
was also a frequent contributor to the Christian Sec-
retary, Watchman and Reflector, New York Recorder,
and other religious journals. The following hymn,
written by Mrs. Dayton in 1840, and entitled "Faint,
yet Pursuing," was first published in the Christian
Secretary :
Look above — the skies are clearing
Higher up the Christian way,
And the promised land is nearer,
And the peace of heavenly day.
Darkest clouds may gather o'er thee,
Angry waves and billows roll.
Still a light will shine before thee,
To illume thy trusting soul.
Look away from earthly pleasures,
To those streams that never dry,
Look above to heavenly treasures,
Up to mansions in the sky.
316 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Earth's false treasures will deceive you,
All her tempting charms decay,
Her polluted streams will grieve you,
And her friendship flee away.
Look above, when snares beset thee.
And when dangers thick abound,
There is one who '11 ne'er forget thee.
Who the friend of sinners found.
Higher up, the fields are vernal,
Blooming on in heavenly love,
Joys immortal and eternal
Near the paradise above.
Look above when sorrows pain thee,
In affiiction's darkest way,
There is one who can sustain thee.
Give thee strength unto thy day.
Higher up, the clouds are parted,
And the joyous sun appears,
Balm to heal the broken-hearted.
And a hand to wipe thy tears.
When some silken cord is broken,
When thy dearest comforts die,
Look above, some cheering token
Beams upon thee from on high;
Higher up, the way of glory.
Up the steep of Zion's hill
Bethlehem's star will go before thee,
And thy soul shall fear no ill.
Christian, faint not, ne'er grow weary,
Still pursue the narrow way;
Though it oft be rugged — dreary.
It will end in blessed day.
Look above, to crowns of brightness,
Heavenly mansions for the blest,
Spotless robes of pearly whiteness,
To the faithful pilgrim's rest.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 317
JOHN BOWLING.
1807-1878.
Pavensey, Sussex, England, was the early home of
Dr. Dowling, and here he was born. May 12, 1807.
Having removed to London, he united with the Eagle
Street Baptist church, when he was seventeen years of
age. From childhood, he had evinced a great fond-
ness for books, and so rapid was his advancement in
his studies, that, when nineteen years old he received
an appointment as tutor in the Latin language and ht-
erature at a classical institute in London. Two years
later he became instructor in Hebrew, Greek, Latin
and French in the Buckinghamshire Classical Insti-
tute. At length, in 1829, he established a classical
boarding-school in Oxfordshire, near Oxford, which he
continued until 1832, when, with his family, he turned
his face toward the new world. It was his purpose in
coming to the United States to engage in the work of
the Christian ministry, and November 14, 1832, he
was ordained pastor of the Baptist church in Catskill,
N. Y. In 1834, he became pastor of the Second Bap-
tist church in Newport, R. I. Two years later, he ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of a church worshiping
in Gothic Masonic Hall, New York. He was also for
several years pastor of the Broadway church in Hope
Chapel. Then he went to Providence, R. L, where he
was pastor of the Pine Street Baptist church. In
1844, he became pastor of the Berean Baptist church,
Bedford Street, New York. In 1852, he accepted a
call to Philadelphia, but returned to the Berean
church in 1856. His second pastorate with this
church continued twelve years. He subsequently was
pastor of the South Baptist church in Newark, N. J.,
and the South Baptist church in New York city. He
received the degree of doctor of divinity from Tran-
sylvania University in 1846. His death occurred at
Middletown, N. Y., July 4, 1878.
318 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Dr. Dowling was a man of strong intellect and large
heart, and his preaching was in demonstration of the
Spirit, and of power. His literary activity was great.
While in England he published several school books.
His published works in the United States are "Expo-
sition of the Prophecies" (1840), "Defence of the
Protestant Scriptures" (1843), "History of Roman-
ism" (1845), "Power of Illustration," "Nights and
Mornings," "Judson Offering," and numerous pam-
phlets and minor publications. He also edited Noel's
work on "Baptism," the works of Lorenzo Dow,
Conyer's "Middleton on the Conformity of Popery
and Paganism," "Memoirs of the Missionary Jacob
Thomes," and a translation from the French of Dr.
Cote's work on " Romanism."
In 1849, he published "A New Collection of Hymns,
Designed Especially for use in Conference and Prayer
Meetings, and Family Worship." Seven hymns in
the collection were written by Dr. Dowling himseK,
viz.:
" Come, Lord, dwell in my bosom,"
" The weary dove in search of rest,"
" O, my soul is cast down,"
" A weak and weary dove, with drooping wing,"
" "Welcome, thrice happy hour, in which,"
" Go to the mercy seat,"
and the following hymn (46), entitled the "Church's
Welcome to the Young Convert," which has found a
place in other collections :
Children of Zion! what harp-notes are stealing
So soft o'er our senses, so soothingly sweet ?
'T is the music of angels, their raptures revealing,
That you have been brought to the Holy One's feet.
Children of Zion! we join in their welcome,
'T is sweet to lie low at that blessed retreat.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 819
Children of Zion! no longer in sadness
Kef rain from the feast that your Savior hath given ;
Come, taste of the cup of salvation with gladness,
And think of the banquet still sweeter in heaven.
Children of Zion! our hearts bid you welcome
To the church of the ransomed, the kingdom of heaven.
Children of Zion! we joyfully hail you
Who 've entered the sheepfold through Jesus, the door;
"While pilgrims on earth, though the foe may assail you,
Press forward, and soon will the conflict be o'er.
Children of Zion! O, welcome, thrice welcome!
Till we meet, the foe shall oppress you no more.
NATHAN BROWN.
1807-1886.
This poet-missionary, Rev. Nathan Brown, d.d., was
born in New Ipswich, N. H., June 22, 1807. His
father, Nathan Brown, and his grandfather, Josiah
Brown, were Baptist deacons, and both were greatly
esteemed for their piety and usefuhiess. Dr. Brown
received reUgious impressions at an early age, and
when nine years old he was baptized,, and united with
the Baptist church. Entering Williams College, he
was graduated in 1827, with the highest honors of his
class. After his graduation, he was engaged for a
while in teaching, and in 1831, he became editor of
the Vermont Telegraph. But he had received a
call to missionary service, and after a short term of
study at the Theological Institution at Newton Cen-
ter, Mass., he was ordained at Rutland, Yt., August 15,
1831; and December 22, 1832, he sailed for Burma, in
the ship Corvo. After a long and stormy passage he
arrived at Maulmain, with his wife and child, June 6,
1833. He remained at Maulmain about two years,
and then was appointed to open a new mission at
320 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Assam. He commenced liis work March, 1836, at
Sadiya, in the northeastern part of the Assamese
kmgdom. In 1839, he removed to Jaipur, and in
1841, to Sibsagor. His chief work was the translation
of the Scriptures, and he completed the translation of
the New Testament in 1848. In 1855, worn out by
his long labors, "a wreck in body and mind," he re-
turned to the United States. In 1859, on account of
a difference in opinion as to missionary policy, Dr.
Brown, who had meanwhile recovered his health, dis-
solved his connection with the Missionary Union. For
many years following he was editor of the American
Baptist, and was also engaged in advocating the
claims of the Free Mission Society. In 1872, the
American Baptist Missionary Union voted to take the
work of the Free Mission Society in Japan, and Dr.
Brown returned to the service of the Union, and was
sent to the Japanese mission. He reached Yokohama
February 7, 1873, and at once entered upon his work.
Having acquired the language, he commenced the
translation of the Scriptures into the Japanese lan-
guage, and completed the New Testament in 1879.
His was the first complete New Testament published
in Japanese. He continued his work with untiring
energy and interest, and died at his home in Yoko-
hama, January 1, 1886.
While in Williams College, during the latter part of
1826, or in the early part of 1827, Dr. Brown wrote
"The Missionary's Call." After Dr. Brown's death,
Bishop W. L. Harris, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, sent to the Christian Advocate a note, in
which he referred to this poem. "It was my good
fortune, while in Japan, in 1873," he said, "to make
the acquaintance of this devoted man, and no one
received me more cordially, or manifested a deeper
interest in the missionary work of our own church
than did he. During one of our interviews, I accident-
ally mentioned a piece of poetry on the subject of
AND THEIR HYMNS. 321
missions which had often touched and melted my
heart as I read it, and to my great delight I learned
from him that he was its author. He then gave me a
copy of the poetry, as last revised by him, and believ-
ing that others, as well as myself, will read it with in-
terest, I subjoin a copy for publication." It is this
copy that follows :
My soul is not at rest. There comes a strange
And secret whisper to my spirit, like
A dream of night, that tells me I am on
Enchanted ground. Why live I here ? The vows
Of God are on me, and I may not stop
To i")lay with shadows, or pluck earthly flowers,
Till I my work have done, and rendered up
Account. The voice of my departed Lord:
" Go, teach all nations," from the eastern world
Comes on the night air, and awakes my ear.
And I will go. I may no longer doubt
To give up friends, and home, and idol hopes,
And every tender tie that binds my heart
To thee, my country! Why should I regard
Earth's little store of borrowed sweets ? I sure
Have had enough of bitter in my cup
To show that never was it his design.
Who placed me here, that I should live in ease.
Or drink at pleasure's fountain. Henceforth, then,
It matters not if storm or sunshine be
My earthly lot, bitter or sweet my cup;
I only pray, God fit me for the work;
God make me holy, and my spirit nerve
For the stern hour of strife. Let me but know
There is an Arm unseen that holds me up,
An Eye that kindly watches all my path.
Till I my weary pilgrimage have done;
Let me but know I have a Friend that waits
To welcome me to glory, and I joy
To tread the dark and death-fraught wilderness.
And when I come to stretch me for the last,
In unattended agony beneath
The cocoa's shade, or lift my dying eyes
From Afric's burning sand, it will be sweet
21
322 BAPTIST HYMN V\^RITERS
That I have toiled for other worlds than this.
I know I shall feel happier than to die
On softer bed. And if I should reach heaven —
If one that hath so deeply, darkly sinned —
If one whom ruin and revolt have held
AVith such a fearful grasp — if one for whom
Satan hath struggled as he hath for me —
Should ever reach that blessed shore, O how
This heart will glow with gratitude and love I
And through the ages of eternal years,
Thus saved, my spirit never shall repent
That toil and suffering once were mine below.
In an address at Dr. Brown's funeral, Rev. A. A.
Bennett said that Dr. Brown told him these lines, when
first written, "were sent to the Missionary Magazine
for insertion, he having determined to consider their
acceptance or rejection as a token from God of his
duty either to offer himself as a missionary, or to re-
frain from so doing." They were not accepted, and
so he engaged in teaching.
In a slightly altered form this poem has appeared
as a chant in some hymn books, both in this country
and in England.
During his residence in Burma, Dr. Brown wrote a
number of hymns, mostly translations of well known
hymns in his own tongue, such as
" Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,"
" The day is past and gone,"
" Who are these in bright array,"
" There is a happy land."
Rev. Melvin Jameson, d.d., of Bassein, says: "I doubt
if there will ever be a hymn book published for Bur-
man Christians that will not contain several of Nathan
Brown's hymns, wdiich are great favorites with the
native Christians, as the English originals are with
English-speaking Christians." Dr. Brown also wrote
hymns in the Assamese and Japanese languages.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 323
ABRAM D. GILLETTE.
1807-1882.
Rev. Abeam D. Gillette, d.d., was born in Cam-
bridge, Washington County, N. Y., September 8, 1807.
His father died when he was eleven years of age, and
a few months after he entered the service of Major
Calvin Jillson, a tanner in Hartford, who subsequently
removed to West Granville. While living here, the
tanner's clerk, thirsting for an education, availed him-
self of the advantages of a very flourishing academy.
In early life he had become interested in the religion
of Christ, and when fourteen years of age it was his
purpose, God helping him, to preach the Gospel. It
was not until May, 1827, however, that he was baptized,
and united with the Baptist church. Soon after he
was appointed teacher of a village school, and in the
following year his gifts having been recognized by the
church he received a license to preach. His desire for
a collegiate education led him to Madison University,
Hamilton, N. Y., where for a while he supported him-
self by teaching. • But ere long he was compelled to
relinquish his studies on account of a disease of the
eyes. He then accepted a position as Bible colporteur.
Subsequently he was invited to supj^ly the Baptist
church in Schenectady. Receiving a call to the pas-
torate of this little flock, he was ordained September
29, 1831. During the first year of his labors the
membership of the church was doubled. Later it
became necessary to enlarge the house of worship,
and when he left the church at the close of 1834, the
sixty members had increased to six hundred.
He now became pastor of the Fifth Baptist church
in Philadelphia. With this church he remained until
1838. Shortly after he was called to the pastorate of
the newly organized Eleventh Baptist church in the
same city. As heretofore, large accessions were the
324 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
result of his earnest labors. With this church Dr.
Gillette remained until 1852, baptizing four hundred
and eighty-eight, and receiving by letter five hundred
and seventy-two. It was at Dr. Gillette's house in
Philadelphia that Dr. Judson, during his visit to that
city in 1851, met Miss Emily Chubbuck (Fanny For-
ester), who afterAvard became his wife.
Dr. Gillette left Philadelphia to take the pastorate
of the Broadway Baptist church in New York, now
the Calvary church. With this church he remained,
working wisel}^ and efficiently, until December 22,
1863. January IT, 1864, he entered upon his duties
as .pastor of the First Baptist church in Washington,
D. C. Here, as elsewhere, large congregations greeted
him during his pastorate, which ended April 14, 1869.
Impaired health led to his resignation, and he went
abroad to recruit. Returning; to the United States in
1870, he assumed the pastoral charge of the Geth-
semane Baptist church, Brooklyn, N. Y., in September.
Later he served the Baptist church in Sing Sing. At
the May meetings at Saratoga in 1880, he was stricken
with paralysis, and after a succession of partial recov-
eries and relapses he entered into rest August 24, 1882.
Few men in the denomination have been more be-
loved than Dr. Gillette. " He never grew old," says
Dr. R. S. Mac Arthur. His genial, kindly manner won
for him an entrance to all hearts, and the friends he
made he never lost; and so, with many tokens of the
divine favor, he fulfilled the ministry which he had
received from the Lord Jesus Christ.
During his residence in Philadelphia, Dr. Gillette
arranged and edited the minutes of the Philadelphia
Baptist Association from its organization in 1707, to
1807, — a most valuable contribution to American
Baptist history. In 1843, he published a small hymn
book entitled " Hymns for Social Meetings." Of its
two hundred and one hymns, twelve were written by
AND THEIR HYMNS. 325
Dr. Gillette. One of these is the following missionary
hymn :
Far off beyond the sea, I love
To see the Gospel heralds go,
Bearing the news from heaven above.
Which Jesus brought to earth below.
May skies above them shine serene,
May earth beneath them fruitful be.
May plants of Eden, fresh and green,
Bloom and regale their pious way.
Him may they preach, who wont to stray,
By power oppressed, and mocked by pride,
A pilgrim on the world's highway, —
My Lord, the Lamb, the Crucified.
On heralds, on, and as of old
The Baptist cleared his Master's way,
May you demolish sin's stronghold,
And turn its darkness into day.
May you in preaching wake the strain
Of triumph over sin and death;
Say: Lol the Savior comes to reign;
O, preach him in your dying breath.
WILLIAM HAGUE.
1808-1887.
For many years Rev. William Hague, d.d., was a
prominent figure in the American Baptist pulpit. He
was born in Pelham, Westchester County, New York,
January 4, 1808. In an interesting sketch of Old
Pelham and New Rochelle, in the Magazine of Amer-
ican History, August, 1882, and reprinted in his "'Life
Notes," Dr. Hague refers to a visit he had recently
made to the home of his childhood. Turning toward
326 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the church burial-ground, he sought the grave of his
grandparents. "Long shimbering memories were
awakened, roused first of all by the sight of the mar-
ble that marked the grave of my grandmother, —
Sarah Pell, widow of Captain William Bayley, — whose
funeral service, ministered in the churchyard by her
aged relative, the rector. Rev. Theodosius Bartow, I
had attended, with a large family gathering, in the
month of March, 1819, being then eleven years of
age. The form of the venerable clergyman, in his
official robes, at the grave, his bald head uncovered,
despite the chill of a heavy snowfall, is vividly remem-
bered now as if it had figured in a scene of yester-
day." Here, at Old Pelham, Dr. Hague remained
until 1814, when the family removed to New York
city. There his school-life commenced, including the
preparation for Columbia College. In this way eight
years were passed. Afterward he spent a year on a
farm, followed by a four months' visit to England.
He then entered Hamilton College, and was admitted
to the third term of the sophomore year, for which he
had made the needful preparation. Here he was
graduated in 1826. He then entered Newton Theo-
logical Institution, which had recently been estab-
lished at Newton Center, Mass.
''My conversion," he says in a private note, "dates
back to June, 1823, under the ministry of Rev. Dr.
Elting, pastor of the Dutch Reformed church, Para-
mus, N. J., during the interval between academy and
college life. In this connection, a certain Sunday in
June is recalled, when the text of Dr. Elting's sermon
was John xv. 22; 'If I had not come,' etc. On that
day, before the sunset, the reality of my union with
Christ, in an act of self-surrendering faith, was clear;
thence, too, the reality of my union with the whole
spiritual ecclesia, recognized by him as a unity. Thus
entering college, I joined the Theological Society, and
entered upon Christian work, but was not baptized
AND THEIR HYMNS. 327
until the end of my junior year, after having made
the church question a special Greek Testament study.
On the first Sunday of June, 1825, in the eighteenth
year of my age, I was baptized by Dr. Spencer H.
Cone, pastor of the Oliver Street Baptist church, New-
York."
Dr. Hague was graduated at Newton Theological
Institution in 1829, and October 20, he was ordained
pastor of the Second Baptist church in Utica, N. Y.
Here he remained a little more than a year, when he
accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist
church in Boston. The installation occurred Febru-
ary 3, 1831, Dr. Wayland preaching the sermon. He
closed his labors with this church in June, 1837, and
July 12, following, he was installed as pastor of the
First Baptist church in Providence, R. I. At the sec-
ond centennial of this church, which occurred Novem-
ber 7, 1839, Dr. Hague preached a memorial discourse,
which was published. August 20, 1840, he resigned,
and returned to Boston as the pastor of the Federal
Street Baptist church. Dr. Hague's subsequent pas-
torates were at Jamaica Plain, Mass., Newark, N. J.,
Albany, New York city, N. Y., Chicago, 111., Orange,
N. J., and Wollaston, Mass. From the active pastor-
ate of the Wollaston church he retired several years
before his death, which occurred suddenly in front of
Tremont Temple, Boston, August 1, 1887. Impres-
sive funeral services were held in Tremont Temple on
the following Thursday, and were attended by a large
concourse of people.
Brown University, of which Dr. Hague was a trus-
tee from 1837, until his death, conferred upon him the
degree of doctor of divinity in 1849, and from Har-
vard University he received the same degree in 1863.
His published works, aside from many occasional ser-
mons and addresses, were " The Baptist Church Trans-
planted from the Old World to the New" (1846);
"Guide to Conversation on the Gospel of John";
328 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"Review of Drs. Fuller and Wayland on Slavery";
"Christianity and Statesmanship" (1855); "Home
Life," a series of lectures on family duties and re-
lations (1855), and "Life Notes, or Fifty Years' Outr
look" (1887). .
In Dr. S. S. Cutting's "Hymns for the Vestry and
the Fireside" is a hymn written by Dr. Hague. It is
the only hymn he ever published, and probably the
only hymn he ever wrote. The title is " Divine
Pleadings":
Hark! sinner, hark! God speaks to thee:
How shall I let thee go ?
How shall I thy destruction see,
And all thine anguish know ?
Sinner,how shall I give thee up ?
I 've loved thee as a child;
Yet of thy sins, thou fill'st the cup,
As if with passion wild.
Sinner, how shall I let thee go ? *
My heart doth yearn for thee.
Yet thou dost love transgression so,
Thou wilt not turn to me.
O sinner, stop! pause in thy path, —
Pause! ere it he too late;
And now, while I hold back my wrath.
Escape thy threat'ning fate.
But if thou wilt not, then I must
Porever let thee go;
And that I am both kind and just.
The universe shall know.
.^««.V.^^^\54^.i^5 Q).^
AND THEIR HYMNS. 329
SAMUEL F. SMITH.
1808 .
In the front rank of American hymn writers Rev.
Samuel Francis Smith, d.d., has long had a place. He
was born in Boston, October 21, 1808, and received his
classical training at the Boston Latin School. In 1825,
he entered Harvard College, where he was a classmate
of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Having completed his
collegiate studies with the class of 1829, he entered
upon a course of theological study at Andover Theo-
logical Seminary, and was graduated in 1832. For a
year and a half subsequent to his graduation he was
employed as editor of the Baptist Missionary Maga-
zine. Having accepted a call to the pastorate of the
Baptist church in Waterville, Me., he was ordained
February 12, 1834, and for eight years he was the
beloved pastor of this people. During this time he
also performed the duties of the professorship of mod-
ern languages in Waterville College, now Colby Uni-
versity. In 1842, having received a call to the pas-
torate of the First Baptist church in Newton, Mass.,
he removed to Newton Center, which has since been
his home. In 1854, he resigned his pastorate in order
to devote himself to the editorship of the publications
of the American Baptist Missionary Union, and to
other literary work.
From 1842, to 1848, Dr. Smith edited the Christian
Review. With the assistance of Dr. Baron Stow he
compiled " The Psalmist," a hymn book of great ex-
cellence, published in 1843, and long in use in Baptist
churches. This was followed in 1844, with a book for
conference meetings and family worship, entitled
" The Social Psalmist." In the same year he published
a volume entitled "Lyric Gems." In 1848, appeared
his " Life of Rev. Joseph Grafton." He also edited
several volumes for D. Lothrop & Co., among them
330 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
"Rock of Ages" (1866). In recent years lie has pub-
lished "Missionary Sketches" (1879), "History of
Newton, Mass." (1880), and "Rambles in Mission
Fields" (1884), the last being an account of a visit in
1880, to various mission fields in Asia and Europe. In
1853, Colby University, then Waterville College, con-
ferred upon him the honorary degree of doctor of
divinity.
Dr. Smith has written about one hundred hymns.
Of these many were composed for special occasions,
such as dedications, ordinations, etc. Twenty-seven
are to be found in the " Psalmist," and others, with
many from the " Psalmist," are found in later collec-
tions. While at Andover, he wrote a lyric, which, as
abridged and altered by Mr. Thomas Hastings for his
" Spiritual Songs," has been extensively used, com-
mencing
Today the Savior calls.
The hymn was suggested by a line in Schiller's "Maria
Stuart,"
Scliwarz hangt der Himmel iiber diesem Land.
Another hymn, which he wrote while in the Seminary
at Andover, is his
Yes, my native land, I love thee.
It had no reference to any special occasion, as might
be inferred. The writer, on a Sabbath evening, had
been reading Home's " Letters on Missions," and full
of the enthusiasm which the book awakened, he wrote
the hymn. It was the sincere expression of the au-
thor's feelings, for, as is well known, had not circum-
stances prevented, he would have devoted his life to
service in the foreign field. He has been well repre-
sented there, however, by his son, D. A. W. Smith,
D.D., long connected with the work of the American
Baptist Missionary Union in Burma, and now president
of the Theological Seminary at Rangoon. This hymn,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 331
shortly after it was written, was published in the
" Christian Watchman," and still later by itself, with
music by Benjamin Holt, Esq., of Boston. It was
first sung in Boston at the designation to mission work
in Burma, of Rev. John Taylor Jones, afterward mis-
sionary in Siam. It has been used on many similar
occasions since. Dr. J. Perkins, missionary of the
American Board of Commissions for Foreign Missions,
whose work among the Nestorians of Persia is so well
known, had this hymn printed on the cards which he
presented to his friends before leaving this country.
At the meeting of the American Baptist Missionary
Union at Anbury Park, N. J., in 1886, Dr. Edward
Judson, president of the Union, in an address recited
it most impressively, and added that this hymn was
dear to his honored father.
The hymn (" The Psalmist," 953)
Spirit of peace and holiness,
was written for the installation of Rev. Baron Stow as
pastor of the Baldwin Place Baptist church, Boston,
in November, 1832.
Planted in Christ, the living vine,
was written for the public services at the organization
of a new church in Boscawen, N. H.
The morning light is breaking,
took its place in the hymnology of the church in this
way. Lowell Mason and Thomas Hastings were pre-
paring their " Spiritual Songs," and Dr. Smith placed
this hymn, with other hymns of his composition, in
their hands. It soon came to be a favorite in mis-
sionary meetings and anniversary gatherings, and
since then, in various collections, it has been sung
round the world. Amons; these lanQ;uaQ:es are the
Karen, Burman, Telugu, Siamese, Italian, Portuguese,
Spanish, Swedish and Chinese. Dr. Thoburn, of Cal-
cutta, says that a Mohammedan boy's school, in Luck-
332 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
now, had the first lines of this hymn emblazoned in
gilt letters on a banner which they carried on a festi-
val occasion. Those who were present at the meet-
ings of the American Baptist Missionary Union at
Minneapolis, in 1887, will never forget the scene, as
at the close of one of the sessions, by request of the
president, Dr. Smith, now eighty years of age, came
forward, and read this hymn, which was then sung by
the vast conscretration.
Dr. Smith's well known hymn,
My countr}' , 't is of thee,
also grew out of his intimacy with Lowell Mason.
While Dr. Smith was a student at Andover, Mr. Wil-
liam C. Woodbridge returned from Germany, bringing
with him a large number of German hymn books,
with music, which he put into the hands of Mr. Mason.
Mr. Mason brought them to Mr. Smith, saying, "You
can read these books, but I cannot tell what is in
them." The music of one of the hymns pleased Dr.
Smith, and he dashed off the words of this lijann,
without any expectation that it would ever become a
favorite with anybody, much less a national hymn.
He gave the hymn to Mr. Mason, and it was first sung
at a Fourth of July Sunday-school celebration in Park
Street church, Boston, in 1832. It soon became pop-
ular in children's celebrations, patriotic meetings,
thanksgivings, and having come into general use in
this country, it has traveled round the globe, and is
everywhere known as the American national hymn.
In May, 1887, Dr. Smith visited the Board of Trade
in Chicago, and while sitting in the gallery he was
pointed out to some of the members, and soon became
the center of considerable notice. All at once the
trading on the floor ceased, and from the wheat pit
came the familiar words
My country, 't is of thee.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 333
After two stanzas had been sung, Dr. Smith rose and
bowed. Then a rousing cheer was given by those on
the floor, to which Dr. Smith was now escorted by the
secretary of the Board. The members flocked around
him and grasped his hand. Then they opened a pas-
sao-e throuyrh the crowd, and led him into the wheat
pit, where they took off their hats, and sung the rest
of the hymn.
Softly fades the twilight ray,
another of Dr. Smith's hymns, is a great favorite, and
has found its way into many collections.
As floAvs the rapid river,
was a special favorite with the late Dr. Sharp, of Bos-
ton, who often read it at his Sunday services. The
following hymn ("The Psalmist," 892) is not so well
known as Dr. Smith's other missionary hymns, but it
is worthy of a place in any collection of Christian
song:
Onward speed thy conquering flight;
Angel, onward speed;
Cast abroad thy radiant light,
Bid the shades recede ;
Tread the idols in the dust,
Heathen fanes destroy,
Spread the gospel's holy trust,
Spread the gospel's joy.
Onward speed thy conquering flight;
Angel, onward haste ;
Quickly on each mountain's height
Be thy standard placed;
Let thy blissful tidings float
Far o'er vale and hill,
Till the sweetly echoing note
Every bosom thrill.
Onward speed thy conquering flight;
Angel, onward fly;
Long has been the reign of night;
Bring the morning nigh;
334 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
'Tis to thee the heathen lift
Their imploring wail;
Bear them heaven's holy gift
Ere their courage fail.
Onward speed thy conquering flight;
Angel, onward speed;
Morning bui'sts upon our sight —
'T is the time decreed;
Jesus now his kingdom takes,
Thrones and empires fall,
And the joyous song awakes,
"God is all in all."
LEONARD MARSHALL.
1809 .
This veteran in musical circles in Boston was born
in Hudson, N. H., May 3, 1809. In early life, he
evinced great fondness for music, and availed himself
of every opportunity to obtain musical instruction.
Having obtained a. violincello, he was wont to con-
tinue his practice until two and three o'clock in the
morning, evoking not unfrequently from his mother
the inquiry, "Are you not going to bed tonight, my
son?" In 1835, he made his way to Boston, where
he became a pupil of Prof. John Paddon, of London,
who pronounced his voice a superior tenor, and with
whom he remained for a long time. He was also a
pupil of Charles Zeuner, who was considered the best
and most original harmonist in the United States.
About the year 1844, he was appointed the first tenor
soloist of the Handel and Haydn Society, and for six
years he sung for the society the principal tenor solos.
For twenty-one years, commencing in 1836, he had
charge of the music, and sang the tenor in the quar-
tette at the Twelfth Congregational church, Boston.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 335
Afterward, for ten years, he was engaged at Tremont
Temple, as conductor of the chorus choir. Still later,
he furnished the music at the Bowdoin Square Baptist
church three years, Charles Street Baptist church five
years. Harvard Street Baptist church five years, and
for a lesser period at other churches in Boston. For
many years he conducted musical conventions and
associations, and sang in concerts in all of the New
England states. Much of his time during his resi-
dence in Boston has been devoted to teaching. He is
the author of many popular songs, including "Don't
Give up the Ship," and "The Mountaineer." He has
also edited thirteen church music books. The words
of an Easter hymn, commencing
Jesus Christ, our precious Savior,
were written by Mr. Marshall; also the following
hymn :
Ever gracious, loving Savior,
Come and bless us from on high;
Give to us thy living water,
May we drink and never die.
Blessed Savior,
To thy presence we would fly.
We no refuge have but Jesus,
Who the soul from death can save ;
He from every danger frees us,
And redeems us from the grave;
Blessed Jesus,
Life and peace in thee we have.
Yain are all our human labors
Until thou thine aid bestow;
But thou waitest to be gracious,
All our weakness thou dost know;
Blessed Jesus,
Help and mercy to us show.
336 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ROBERT TURNBULL.
1809-1877.
The Baptists of Connecticut will long have occasion
to remember Rev. Robert Turnbull, d.d. He was born
in Whiteburn, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, September
10, 1809. His home training he received at the Uni-
versity of Glasgow. Subsequently he attended the
theological lectures of Dr. Chalmers, at Edinburgh. It
was while he Avas pursuing his theological studies that
he^ became a Baptist. For a year and a half, on the
completion of his course, he preached in Westman-
cotte, Worcestershire, England. In 1833, when he
was twenty-four years of age, he came to the United
States, and accepted the pastorate of the Second Bap-
tist church in Danbury, Conn. Two years later he
became pastor of the First Baptist church in Detroit,
Mich. Here he remained two years, and then returned
to Connecticut, where he settled as pastor of the South
Baptist church in Hartford. In 1839, he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the Boylston Street, now Har-
vard Street Baptist church, Boston. In July, 1845,
he returned to Hartford, Conn., and took the jDastor-
ate of the First Baptist church, a position which he
held until 1869. His ministry throughout was blest
with revivals. He was an eloquent preacher, an easy,
graceful writer, a friend of missions and of every good
work.
After leaving the pastorate, he continued to preach,
and was useful in promoting church work in different
places. In 1872, he was elected corresponding secre-
tary of the Connecticut Baptist Convention, and up to
the time of his last illness, he devoted himself to the
interest of the smaller churches in the state. He died
at his home in Hartford, November 20, 1877, aged
sixty-eight years.
The honorary degree of doctor of divinity was con-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 337
ferred upon him by Madison University in 1851. His
principal published writings are as follows : " The
Theatre" (1840); " Olympia Morata" (1842); " Vi-
net's Vital Christianity" (1846); "The Genius of
Scotland" (1847); "The Genius of Italy" (1849);
" Theophany, or the Manifestation of God in Christ"
(1851); "Vinet's Miscellanies " (1852) ; "Pulpit Ora-
tors of France and Switzerland " (1853) ; " Christ in
History, or the Central Power " (1856) ; " Life Pic-
tures, or Sketches from a Pastor's Note Book" (1857).
He also edited Sir William Hamilton's "Discussion on
Philosophy." For two years he was associated with
Dr. J. N. Murdock as editor of the Christian Review.
He was also a contributor to the Bibliotheca Sacra,
and various literary magazines.
Dr. Turnbull was also a writer of hymns. The fol-
lowing hymn first appeared in Dr. Cutting's " Hymns
for Vestry and Fireside " (1841), from which it was
transfered to other collections. It was sung at Dr.
TurnbulFs funeral. Originally in the first line " wave-
less" had the place of " sacred."
There is a place of sacred rest,
Far, far beyond the skies,
"Where beauty smiles eternally,
And pleasure never dies;
My Father's house, my heavenly home,
Where " many mansions " stand.
Prepared by hands divine for all
Who seek the better land.
"When tossed upon the waves of life,
With fear on every side,
"When fiercely howls the gathering storm.
And foams the angry tide.
Beyond the storm, beyond the gloom,
Breaks forth the light of morn,
Bright beaming from my Father's house,
To cheer the soul forlorn.
22
338 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Yes, even at that fearful hour,
"When death shall seize its prey.
And from the place that knows us now
Shall hurry us away,
The vision of that heavenly home
Shall cheer the parting soul.
And o'er it, mounting to the skies,
A tide of rapture roll.
In that pure home of tearless joy.
Earth's parted friends shall meet.
With smiles of love that never fade,
And blessedness complete;
, There, there adieus are sounds unknown,
Death frowns not on that scene
But life, and glorious beauty shine,
Untroubled and serene.
Dr. Turnbull was the author of two other hymns,
commencing
Sinners are bending,
and
Come to the place of prayer.
LYDIA BAXTER.
1809-1S74.
Mrs. Lydia Baxter was born in Petersbiirgh,
Rensselaer County, N. Y., September 2, 1809. In
early life, in connection with the labors of a Baptist
home missionary, Rev. Eben Tucker, she became a
Christian, and her conversion and that of a sister,
were followed by the organization of a Baptist church
in her native town. In the fellowship of this church,
and in the Sunday-school connected with it, she was
trained in Christian work, and developed an earnest
Christian life. Her marriaare to Col. John C. Bax-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 339
ter led to her removal to New York city, which was
thenceforward her home. Here her interest in the
religious welfare of those around her was manifested
in many ways. Among others, her husband was led
to Christ through her instrumentality, and her home
became a center of Christian influences. There, for
more than a generation, pastors, Sunday-school work-
ers, missionaries and colporteurs were wont to meet
and talk of the things pertaining to the kingdom of
Christ. During the most of this time Mrs. Baxter
was an invalid, yet. on her bed she wrought for her
Master, and her record is his encomium, "She hath
done what she could." She died June 22, 1874.
A volume of her hymns, entitled "Gems by the
Wayside," was published in 1855, and had a large
sale. Many of her later hymns, which have been
used in connection with the labors of Moody and
Sankey, are more widely known, such as
" On the banks beyond the river,"
" O! shall I wear a starless crown,"
" We are coming, blessed Savior,"
" By the gate they '11 meet us,"
" The bright hills of glory,"
" Take the name of Jesus with you,"
and the following (15 in Gospel Hymns):
There is a gate that stands ajar,
And through its portals gleaming,
A radiance from the cross afar,
The Savior's love revealing.
Oh, depth of mercy! can it be
That gate was left ajar for me ?
For me, for me;
Was left ajar for me ?
That gate ajar stands free for all
Who seek through it salvation ;
The rich and poor, the great and small,
Of every tribe and nation.
340 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
Press onward, then, though foes may frown,
While mercy's gate is open;
Accept the cross, and win the crown,
Love's everlasting token.
Beyond the river's brink we '11 lay
The cross that here is given.
And bear the crown of life away.
And love him more in heaven.
The Sunday School Times tells how Maggie Lind-
say, of Aberdeen, Scotland, felt the influence of this
hymn : " She was brought to Christ on the last night
of 1873, during the great revival in Edinburgh.
Meeting her pastor some days afterward, she told him
the secret of her joyful looks. At parting, they knelt
together, and when the man of God asked, 'For what
shall we pray?' she replied, 'That I may have more
faith, and remain steadfast.' When her governess
returned after several days' absence, Maggie was im-
patient to tell of her new-found joy, and came to her
room with the message that she had good news to tell
her. 'Ah, I know what it is, Maggie, before you tell
me; you have found Jesus; is not that it?' 'Yes,
my feet are on the Rock,' she said, as she went on to
tell the joyous story of Jesus' love to her. She
seemed powerfully impressed by the oft-repeated
hymn,
There is a gate that stands ajar.
"January 27, 1874, she spent her last evening in
Edinburgh, with her governess and sister, and on re-
turning from the meeting the latter said : ' Maggie, I
am to give you a text on leaving us. It is one of the
words of Jesus, Lo, I am with you alway. The
next morning she took the train for Aberdeen. A
fearful railroad collision took place. Maggie was left
for several hours lying on the bank. She was at last
taken up, and removed to a cottage near by. It was
supposed she was reading her much loved hymn,
AND THEIR HYMNS, 341
as the leaf was turned down at the words, ''The gate
ajar for me,' and the j^ages of the book were stained
with her own heart's blood. Lying on that stretcher,
with both limbs broken, a fractured skull, and other
internal injuries, she could yet sing with bleeding lips
the hymn
Oh, depth of mercy! can it be
That gate stands oi^en wide for me ?
'' For me ! for me ! for me ! ' she sang plaintively, to
the uncontrollable emotion of those who were beside
her. Amid all her sufferings she never murmured.
Her chief concern was for the effect which the siy-ht
of her poor scarred face would have on her mother,
who could not reach her before seven in the evening:.
She was twelve hours alone among strangers ; ' alone,
yet not alone,' she said, 'for Jesus is here. He has
been with me alway. He has kept his word.' At
last, unable to utter another word, whenever a hymn
was sung there was a gurgling sound in her throat, as
if she was trying to join in the song of praise."
ABRAM M. POINDEXTER.
1809-1872,
In any reference to their pulpit orators and denoni-
inational leaders, the Baptists of the south giv^e d
prominent place to Abram Maer Poindexter. He was
of Huguenot ancestry, and was born in Bertie County,
North Carolina, September 22, 1809. His father,
Richard Jones Poindexter, was a Baptist minister, and
he gave his son such educational advantages as he
could command. In July, 1831, having yielded his
heart to Christ, he united with the Cashie Baptist
342 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
church. He soon decided to enter the Christian minis-
try, and received a Ucense to preach in February, 1832.
For a while he studied with Rev. A. W. Clopton, in
Charlotte County, Va,, and February 12, 1833, he
entered Columbian College, in Washington, D. C. On
account of ill-health he remained in Washington less
than a year. A short time he then spent in North
Carolina, and there, in June, 1834, he was ordained.
As soon as he felt well enough to preach he attended a
j)rotracted meeting at Catawba church, Halifax County,
Va., and in July, 1835, he accepted a call to the pas-
torate of this church and of the church in Clarksville,
in Mecklenburg County. Luther Rice said of him at
that time that he was the most prominent young
preacher whom he knew. His engagements were
numerous, and wherever he went crowds of delighted
hearers attended upon his ministry. In 1843, Columbian
College conferred upon him the degree of doctor of
divinity. In 1845, he became an agent for Columbian
College. In August, 1848, he was elected correspond-
ing secretary of the Southern Baptist Publication
Society. From June, 1851, to June, 1854, he was
agent for Richmond College. In June, 1854, he be-
came assistant secretary of the Foreign Mission Board
of the Southern Baptist Convention, and he removed
his residence from Halifax to Richmond, where he re-
mained until the early part of the war, and then re-
turned to Halifax. In 1866, Dr. Poindexter was reap-
pointed assistant secretary of the Foreign Mission
Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, but he de-
clined in order to become a second time agent for
Richmond College. In this service he remained from
June, 1866, to June, 1870. In the latter part of 1870,
and early in 1871, he was employed in aiding the
Foreign Mission work. He then accepted the pastor-
ate of the Baptist churches at Louisa Court House and
Lower Goldmine, and, as in earlier years, his preaching
attracted large congregations. He began about this
AND THEIR HYMNS. 343
time a " History of Jesus," and a treatise on " The
Lord's Supper." While engaged in this varied service
he was hiid aside by ilhiess, and died, greatly lamented,
May 7, 1872. A beautiful tribute was paid to his
memory by Dr. J. A. Broadus in an address before the
Virginia Baptist Historical Society, at Staunton, Va.,
November 13, 1886. It will be found in Dr. Broadus'
" Sermons and Addresses," Baltimore, H. M. Wharton
& Co., 1886.
In 1S42, Dr. Poindexter published a sermon on
" Piety the Chief Element of Ministerial Power." In
1850, he published three sermons on " Inspiration,"
and in 1856, a sermon on "The Future State of the
Righteous." He contributed also, from time to time,
many elaborate articles to the Religious Herald.
For the " Baptist Psalmody," compiled by Basil
Manly and Basil Manly, jr., Dr. Poindexter contrib-
uted seven hymns, and spent several weeks in Charles-
ton in aiding in the final revision of the work. The
first lines of his own hymns are as follows :
" Eternal God! Almighty Power,"
" Faith is of endless life the spring,"
" While through this wilderness below,"
"Blest Sabbath! day of holy rest,"
" O our Redeemer, God,"
" His sacred head the Holy One,"
" Head of the church! to thee we bow."
The fifth of these hymns was suggested by Isaiah
lxiii.l7:
O our Redeemer, God,
On thee thy people wait;
We faint beneath thy chastening rod,
Thy house is desolate.
Yet are we not thine own,
Though now in deep distress ?
Then be to us thy mercy shown,
Thy mourning people bless.
344 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Spirit of God, return,
Thy cheering light impart;
O, may thy love within us burn.
And warm each languid heart.
O'er all assembled here
Assert thy gracious power;
And to our friends and kindred dear
Be this salvation's hour.
O Lord, our God, descend I
Our fainting hearts revive:
On thee alone our hopes depend,
For thou canst make us live.
SILAS T. RAND.
1810 .
Rev. Silas T. Rand, d.d., ll.d., was born in Corn-
wallis, Nova Scotia, May 17, 1810. He had his birth
in a log cabin, and was one of a family of twenty-two
children. In his youth, while assisting his father on
the farm, and in his mechanical work as a mason, he
evinced an insatiable thirst for reading, availing him-
self of such slender educational facilities as came
within his reach. When twenty-two years of age he
made a profession of his faith in Christ. In the fol-
lowing year he commenced the study of Latin. To
obtain suitable instruction he made his way to the
Baptist Academy at Wolfville, where for four weeks
he enjoyed the private instruction of the principal of
the academy. Rev. John Pryor. In this time he com-
pleted the Latin Grammar, and read a portion of the
Reader. Continuing his studies privately, he at
length mastered the Latin language and its literature.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 345
His love for this language he has retained throughout his
long life. In his use of it he has written more than
eighty lijmns, some of them original compositions,
and others translations of favorite English hymns.
An interesting account of these hymns, by Rev. W.
S. McKenzie, d.d., will be found in the Baptist Quar-
terly Review for April, 1888. The following is Dr.
Rand's translation of "Rock of Ages":
Eupes Sceculorum, te,
Pro me fissa, condam me I
Aqufe Fons et sanguinis,
Duplex tui lateris,
Scelerum i^ui'gatio
Sit, et expiatio.
Kunquam possim exsequi,
Tua lex quae mandet mi;
Quamvis strenuus semper sim,
Atque semper fleverim,
Hoc nil expiaverit
In te solo salus sit.
Nil in manu tulero;
Tuse cruci liEereo;
Vestes mihi nudo des,
Inopemque subleves;
Fonti foedus advolo;
Nisi laves pereo.
Dum vitalem haurio vim,
Cumque moribundus sim,
Quura per Stellas evolem,
Ante tuum throuum stem,
Eupes Sseculorum, te,
Pro me fissa, condam me.
Dr. Rand sent a copy of this translation to Mr.
Gladstone. In a letter acknowledging its reception,
Mr. Gladstone commended it as more literal than his
own much-admired Latin version of the same hymn,
and also as preserving the metrical accent of the orig-
346 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
inal. Among Dr. Rand's other Latin hymns are trans-
lations of
" The Lord my pasture shall prepare,"
*' Kearer, my God, to thee,"
" Jesus, lover of my soul,"
" Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,"
" Just as I am, without one plea,"
" The spacious firmament on high."
When young Rand found that he could master a
foreign language without a teacher, he entered upon
the study of the Syriac. Afterward he took up the
Hebrew and Greek tongues, and still later the modern
languages, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Into
the Greek he has translated "Rock of Ages," and
"Jesus, lover of my soul."
Having decided to enter the Christian ministry, he
was ordained in October, 1834, and in the autumn of
that year took charge of a small church in Westbrook.
There he remained nearly two years. Subsequently
for several months, he was co-pastor of the Baptist
church at Ilorton. Then he supplied the pulpit of the
Granville Street Baptist church in Halifax for several
months during the illness of its pastor. In the sum-
mer of 1837, he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist
church in Liverpool, N. S., where he remained until
1842, when he removed to Windsor. Here he labored
until 1846, when he accepted the pastorate of the
Baptist church in Charlottetown, P. E. Island. In
1849, he resigned, and became a missionary among the
Micmac Indians, a branch of the Algonquin family.
This language he mastered, and into it he has trans-
lated the Avhole of the New Testament, and a large
part of the Old Testament. He has also prepared a
Micmac Grammar, together with a dictionary contain-
ing thirty thousand words. The latter, by request of
several college presidents, has become by purchase the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 34T
property of the Dominion Government. He has also
acquired a very full knowledge of the Maliseet lan-
guage (which is closely allied to that of the Micmacs),
together with the language of the Mohawks and
Iroquois. Other aboriginal languages have also re-
ceived his attention. All the while Dr. Rand has
been using his knowledge in imparting religious in-
struction, and in ministering in various ways to the
wants of the Indians among whom he has labored.
Dr. Rand received his degree of doctor of divinity
from Acadia college in 1886, and the degree of doc-
tor of laws from Queen's University, Ontario, in the
same year.
Among Dr. Rand's English hymns is the following,
by which he is represented in the new " Canadian
Baptist Hymnal ":
Jesus, my Lord, my God,
Redeemer blest,
Who saved me by thy blood,
And gave me rest ;
I lift my heart to thee,
That I may nearer be.
Lord Jesus, nearer thee,
Still nearer thee.
Through this rough wilderness
My pathway leads;
Oh, help me in distress,
Supply my needs.
I trust alone in thee.
That I may near thee be,
Savior, still nearer thee,
Still nearer thee.
"When deadly foes assail.
And comforts die.
And foes and fears prevail.
To thee I fly;
"Want and infirmity,
But drive me nearer thee.
Blest Savior, nearer thee.
Still nearer thee.
348 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Son of the living God,
Thou Savior dear I
While guided by thy rod
I will not fear;
Though troubles, like the sea,
O'erwhelni me, I will flee
To thee, O Lord, to thee,
I '11 flee to thee.
And when thou shalt descend,
Thy Bride to meet
y As Bridegroom, Savior, Friend,—
Names, O how sweet!
With rapture I shall see
How near thou art to me,
And I so dear to thee.
So near to thee.
Or should thou still delay
Thyself to come.
But summon me away
To my bright home,
Sweet shall that summons be
That brings me nearer thee,
My Savior, nearer thee,
Still nearer thee.
And as I upward fly,
By angels borne,
Still this shall be my cry:
Thrice happy morn,
The hour that sets me free,
And brings me nearer thee,
Blest Savior, nearer thee.
Still nearer thee.
Then to eternity,
Thy name I '11 bless;
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
My Kighteousnessl
Loud as the sounding sea
Shall swell that song to thee,
" Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 349
Dr. Rand has also translated several hymns into the
Micmac and Maliseet languages, and has original
hymns also in these languages. He is also the author
of a poem entitled " The Dying Indian's Dream,"
3d edition, Windsor, N. S., 1881.
MARY ANN COLLIER.
1810-1866.
In "The Psalmist" (1843) is the following hymn
(948) by M. A. Collier, entitled "Welcoming a Pastor":
The sun, that lights yon broad, bhie sky,
May see his radiance dim;
The stars that circle bright and high,
May hush their joyous hymn;
The spring may breathe her balmy airs,
Yet earth no verdure show;
The purest love a mother bears
May lose its wonted glow ;
But still within the Savior's breast
There dwells a quenchless flame;
The earth may sink, the hills depart —
It lives, it burns the same.
O ransomed church, the Son of God
Still loves thy children well ;
For thee the paths of death he trod;
'T is thine his grace to tell.
Savior, thy messenger we greet
Within this hallowed spot;
O, may we here thy presence meet;
Our God, forsake us not.
Miss Collier, the author of this hymn, was a daugh-
ter of Rev. William Collier, who was born in Scituate,
350 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Mass., October 11, 1771, and after pastorates in New-
port, R. I., and New York city, became pastor of the
First Baptist church in Charlestown, Mass. Here he
remained, honored and beloved, sixteen years. In
1812, during his pastorate at Charlestown, he pub-
lished "A New Selection of Hymns," compiled by
himself. The first hymn in this collection,
"What favor, Lord, that I should meet,
was doubtless written by Mr. Collier, and probably
others. Mr. Collier's daughter, Mary Ann Collier,
was born in Charlestown, December 23, 1810. She
died in Alexandria, Va., December 25, 18G6.
WILLIAM L. DENNIS.
1811-1874.
In "The Baptist Harp" (1849), a collection of
hymns published in Philadelphia by the American
Baptist Publication Society, there are two hymns
(113, 379) by W. L. Dennis. The writer of these
hymns. Rev. William L. Dennis, was born in Newport,
R. I., in 1811. His father, Robert Dennis, was a baker
in that place, and, later in life, keeper of the Dutch
Island lighthouse, Narragansett Bay. William was
educated in the Newport schools, and at the academy
in East Greenwich, R. I. Without pursuing his stud-
ies further, he entered upon the work of the Christian
ministry. He was a pastor in New York State, and
later of the New Market Street Baptist church, in
Philadelphia. Subsequently he withdrew from the
ministry, and was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia,
April 11, 1853. He was a brilliant speaker, and
achieved considerable reputation at the bar, as he had
AND THEIR HYMNS. 351
already done in the pulpit. In his later years it was
his custom to spend his summers in his native place.
He came to Newport, July 4, 1874. Here he was
taken suddenly ill, and died five days after his arrival.
Upon the stone that marks his grave in the cemetery
at Newport, are the words :
Fell asleep in Jesus,
. July 9, 1874. '
William L. Dej^nis,
Aged 63 years.
While Mr. Dennis was pastor of the New Market
Street Baptist church, Philadelphia, Dr. Ide compiled
"The Baptist Harp," and doubtless it was at his solici-
tation that Mr. Dennis contributed the two hymns
above mentioned. One of these, entitled "The Wid-
ow's God," commences,
In this lone hour of deep distress.
The other is entitled "'Remember now thy Creator,"
and is as follows :
Eemember thy Creator,
Give ear to wisdom's voice;
Heed not the subtle traitor
That would delay thy choice.
Come, ere the night of sorrow
Shroud every hope lu gloom;
Come to the cross, and borrow
A light to gild the tomb.
Remember thy Creator,
Who gave his Son to save,
And in our fallen nature,
Stoop to the darksome grave;
He died to purchase pardon,
He lives to plead above;
Ere sin thy heart shall harden,
Embrace his offered love.
352 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Kemember thy Creator,
For he remembers thee,
At earliest dawn and later,
On land and on the sea;
Go to the cross, confessing
The sins of youthful days.
And grace, thy soul possessing.
Shall tune thy lips to praise.
PHINEAS STOWE.
1812-1868.
Rev. PniNEAS Stowe was born in Milford, Conn.,
March 30, 1812. When fifteen years of age he
obtained a clerkship in New Haven, Conn., and there,
July 2, 1831, having been baptized by Rev. Elisha
Cushman, he united with the First Baptist church.
When Dr. R. H. Neale became pastor of this church,
he made the acquaintance of young Stowe. He was
attracted to him by the sweetness of his voice in
Christian song, his fervency in prayer and his readiness
to engage in every good work. Not long after, at Dr.
Neale' s earnest solicitation, young Stowe left a lucra-
tive business, and entered upon a course of theologi-
cal study at the Literary and Theological Institution
at New Hampton, N. H. Here he remained four or
five years. He then accepted the pastorate of the
Baptist church at South Danvers, Mass. In 1837, Dr.
Neale became pastor of the First Baptist church in
Boston, and discovering a field for which Mr. Stowe,
as he believed, had peculiar qualifications, he per-
suaded him to come to Boston as a preacher to seamen.
Mr. Stowe entered upon his work with an enthusiasm
that was contagious, and for more than twenty years
he prosecuted it with the most blessed results. He
AND THEIR HYMNS. 353
loved the work, and lie did it with all his might. Dr.
Neale says:
" There was no end to his conversations with indi-
viduals in the streets, on the wharves, and at his own
house. He would take the sailor to his parlor, and
talk, and pray, and weep with him there. He would
follow him with his influence when he went to sea,
telling; him to write to him, or if he could not send
letters, to keep a journal, and bring it home if he
should ever return."
His power with men is well illustrated by an inci-
dent recorded in the Atlantic Monthly after Mr.
Stowe's death. He was visiting a coal mine in Penn-
sylvania :
" When he found himself in the heart of the moun-
tain, surrounded by this immense body of coal, which
he was told extended for miles on every side, he looked
about him for some moments in speechless awe and
wonder, then reverently took off his hat; theology
bowed before geology ; and he called out to the min-
ers, in a sudden, loud voice, that echoed portentously
through the long, dim-lighted cavern, ' Praise the Lord !
Get down on your knees, every one of you, and praise
the Lord for his wonderful providence ! ' This sum-
mons he delivered with such prophetic power of lungs
and spirit, that all the miners except one threw down
their tools, and knelt with him on the spot. ' I thought
at first I wouldn't kneel,' said the exception; 'I never
had knelt for any man, and I did n't believe I ever
should. But he began to pray, and I tell you if my
knees did n't begin to give way under me ; he put in,
and my legs crooked and crooked, till I could stand it
no longer. By George, he prayed me down ! ' "
To aid him in his work among seamen, Mr. Stowe
published, in 1849, a h3nnn book entitled "Ocean Mel-
odies," with the design, as he said, "to counteract the
demoralizing tendency of productions claiming to be
poetry that are scattered broadcast upon our wharves,
23
354 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and to furnish something that will interest seamen,
and at the same time awaken the better feelings of
their nature; hymns that will call up remembrances
of home, and lead them to recognize God's j^ower, and
hear his voice in the storms that sweep over the deep."
He found it difficult, however, to find in collections in
use the hymns which he needed, and he not only solic-
ited hymns adapted to the purpose he had in view,
but wrote a large number of hymns himself. Says
one A)i his intimate friends : " He did not pretend to
be a poet, but it was to him a great joy to rhyme,
and he did this with so much genuine kindness that
his rhymes were felt to be acceptable, even when the
muse halted in her stately tread." Twenty-eight of
Mr. Stowe's hymns are included in "Ocean Melodies,"
among them the following hymn, entitled " The True
Friend":
There is a Friend, who 's always nigh
To those who on his word rely ;
When storms arise, and billows roll,
He will protect the humble soul.
"When dangers in their pathway lie,
And howling tempests rage and sigh,
He then will keep with watchful care
All those who seek his face by prayer.
When sickness rends their mortal frame,
And human aid appears in vain,
He '11 prove a Friend in time of need
To all who will his promise plead.
Come, then, bold seaman, seek this Friend!
He '11 constant prove till time shall end;
And when the voyage of life is o'er
He '11 land you safe on Canaan's shore.
The first edition of "Ocean Melodies" was prepared
by Dr. J. H. Hanaford. To aid him in his temper-
ance work, Mr. Stowe compiled another hymn book,
entitled " Temperance Melodies."
AND THEIR HYMXS. 355
Mr. Stowe's imtiring devotion to his work among
seamen at length caused his mind to be affected, and
the closing days of his life were spent in the McLean
Asylum for the Insane at Somerville, Mass. He died
November 13, 1868, widely and deeply lamented.
''The monuments of his zeal and untiring energy may
be found in different sections of the city of Boston,
and especially in the better characters and the Chris-
tian life of hundreds and thousands of sailors in all
parts of the world."
LORENZO B. ALLEN.
1812-1872.
Rev. Lorenzo B. Allex, d.d., the eldest son of
Rev. William Allen, was born in Jefferson, Me., June
4, 1812. When twelve years of age he left home to
enter upon a course of study preparatory to entering
college, first at Waterville, and afterward at China.
In 1831, he entered Waterville College, now Colby
University. After his graduation in 1835, he took
charge of the Academy in Richmond, Me. In the fol-
lowing year he was licensed to preach, and supplied
the Baptist church in Bowdoinhain. He then became
connected with the theological seminary at Thomas-
ton, Me., both as an instructor and a student. May
27, 1840, he was ordained as pastor of the First Bap-
tist church in Thomaston, afterward South Thomas-
ton. In January, 1844, he accepted a call to the
pastorate of the Second Baptist church in Thomaston,
where he remained until July, 1849. As secretary of
the Maine Baptist Missionary Society, he now, for a
short time, devoted himself wholly to work in behalf
of the mission churches. November 3, 1849, he be-
356 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
came pastor of the Baptist church in Yarmouth, Me,
From this position, November 2, 1856, he asked to be
relieved, in the hope that a change of climate would
be beneficial to his health ; and in the following April
he removed to Burlington, Iowa, where he became
connected with Burlington University, as professor of
the ancient languages. Subsequently he became pres-
ident of the institution. Here he remained until
1865, when he accepted a call from the First Baptist
churcji in Minneapolis. In 1868, he removed to Wasi-
oja, and took charge of Groveland Seminary. Here,
as at Burlington, he gathered around him a class of
theological students. He was also associated with
Rev. V. B. Conklin in the pastorate of the church.
But his labors were too arduous, and he was soon
obliged to relinquish them. He died August 20, 1872,
and is remembered as a man of eminent piety, sound
judgment, and a faithful, devoted servant of Jesus
Christ.
In "The Iris," a collection of hymns with music,
compiled by H. H. Hawley, and published in 1881
(Chicago, C. Swift & Co.), is a hymn by Dr. Allen,
with music by Mr. Hawley :
How sweet is the Sabbath! how hallowed its hours,
To the sorrowing soul that is panting for heaven;
How it wakes the dull spirit, enlivens its powers,
When to heavenly worship its moments are given.
How soft the repose that it sheds o'er the earth,
In the hush of its tumult, the calm of its strife,
Like the quiet of heaven, 't is God gives it birth,
And the heart beats responsive to an angelic life.
Then hail, blessed Sabbath, in rich mercy given
To revive us, and cheer all along the way down,
Even through the dark valley till Ave pass into heaven.
Where the Savior will give us the harp and the crown.
AND THEIR IIYMXS. 357
SEWALL S. CUTTING.
1813-1882.
Eey. Sewall Sylvester Cutting, d.d., was born
in Windsor, Vt., January 19, 1813. In his boyhood
his parents removed to Westport, N. Y., and there,
when fourteen years of age, he was baptized, and
united with the Baptist church. Two years later he
commenced the study of Law, but in the following
year his purposes were changed, and he decided to
enter the Christian ministry. His collegiate prepara-
tory studies he completed at South Reading, Mass.,
and in 1831, he entered Waterville College, at Water-
ville, Maine. Here he remained two years. He
finished his course at the University of Vermont,
where he was graduated with the highest honors of
his class, in 1835. Without receiving a theological
training, he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist
church in West Boylston, Mass., where he was or-
dained March 31, 1836. In the following year he
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church
in Southbridge, Mass., where he remained eight years.
He then, in 1845, accepted the editorship of the Bap-
tist Advocate, a New York religious journal, and
changed its name to the New York Recorder. For
five years he held this position with honor to himself
and usefulness to the denomination. In 1850, he was
elected corresponding secretary of the American and
Foreign Bible Society, and accepting the office pro-
visionally, he participated in the discussion between
the friends of that society and the friends of the
American Bible Union. In 1851, he became one of
the editorial staff of the Watchman and Reflector.
He was the editor of the Christian Review, from 1849,
to 1852. In 1853, he renewed his connection with
the New York Recorder. In 1855, the Recorder was
consolidated with the Baptist Register, and the new
358 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
paper received the name of the Examiner. Dr. Cut-
ting then accepted an appointment as professor of
Rhetoric and History in the University at Rochester.
This position he resigned in 1868, in order to accept
the secretaryship of the American Baptist Educa-
tional Commission. Perhaps he performed no more
important service for the denomination to which he
belonged than in awakening among Baptists, espec-
ially in the northern states, a deeper interest in their
educq,tional institutions. In 1876, he was elected cor-
responding secretary of the American Baptist Home
Mission Society, a position which he held three years.
Subsequently, by appointment of the board, he was
engaged in special matters pertaining to the society's
investments. He then went to Europe for needed
rest, and remained abroad more than a year. Jan-
uary 16, 1882, in Brooklyn, N. Y., he was stricken
down with paralysis, and February 7, following, he
died. He was a clear thinker, a vigorous writer, and
possessed administrative abilities of a high order. At
all times and in all places he was true to his convic-
tions, and nothing could swerve him from what he
regarded as the path of duty.
His princij)al published writings are " Historical Vin-
dications, or the Province and Uses of Baptist History"
(1858), and an address on "Baptists and Religious
Liberty" (1876). He also compiled "Hymns for the
Vestry and the Fireside" (1841), a choice collection,
" preserving truth and fervor of sentiment, and at the
same time excluding such hymns as are offensive to
good taste." One familiar with the hymn books then
in use can understand the compiler's words, "A wide
field has been traversed in the work of selection, and
many of the most beautiful hymns in the compilation,
gathered from foreign climes, will meet the greater
portion of the Christian community in this country as
strangers." The collection contained three hundred
AND THEIR HYMNS. 359
and ninety hymns. Of these three were written by
Dr. Cutting himself :
" Spirit! no restless wing,"
" Father! we bless the gentle care,"
" Green the hillside, ever fair."
One of his earliest hymns, written it is thought during
his first year in college, or earlier, as it appeared in
Winchell's "Watts," in 1832, is
Gracious Savior! we adore thee.
A beautiful hymn by Dr. Cutting is included in the
" Calvary Selection of Spiritual Songs," commencing,
O Savior, I am blind !
But the best known of his hymns is the following :
God of the world, near and afar
Thy glories shine in earth and star;
We see thy love in opening flower.
In distant orb thy wondrous power.
God of our lives, the throbing heart
Doth at thy beck its action start,
Throbs on, obedient to thy will,
Or ceases at thy fatal chill.
God of the harvest, sun and shower
Own the high mandate of thy power;
Plenty her rich profusion strews
When thou dost bid, or Want her woes.
God of eternal life, thy love
Doth every stain of sin remove ;
To thine exalted Son shall come
Earth's wandering tribes to find their home.
God of all goodness, to the skies
Our hearts in grateful anthems rise;
And to thy service shall be given
The rest of life, the whole of heaven.
360 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
This hymn first appeared in " Select Hymns," by
Linsley and Davis (Hartford, 1841). It has six stanzas,
with the first stanza as follows:
Creator, God ! thy glories blaze
Where'er above, around we gaze;
Thy smile gives beauty to the flower,
Thy grandeur to the tempest power.
The fourth stanza is as follows :
God of all providence, thy care
\ Heeds what the blooming lilies wear,
O'er nobler man that care presides
When joy dost bless, or woe betides.
The order in which the several stanzas occur has
been slightly changed in some collections. That
which Dr. Cutting preferred, according to Dr. S. L.
Caldwell (who included this hymn in the " Service of
Song "), is that given above.
ALBERT G. PALMER.
1813 .
Rev. Albeet G. Palmer, d.d., was born in North
Stonington, Conn., May 11, 1813. His early life was
spent on his father's farm. When nine years of age
he experienced religion, and this shaped his entire
life. In 1829, he united with the Baptist church in
his native town, and soon after he began to preach.
He also entered upon a course of classical and theo-
logical study at Kingston and Pawtucket, R. I., and
Andover, Mass. He was ordained at North Stoning-
ton in 1834. His first pastorate was at Westerl}^, R.
I., beginning in 1837, and closing in 1843, a period of
successful labor, during which the membership of the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 361
church was increased from thirty to three hundred.
In 1843, he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist
church in Stonington. Here he remained nine years,
when he accepted a call to become pastor of the First
Baptist church in Syracuse, N. Y. In 1855, he re-
ceived and accepted a call to Bridgeport, Conn. He
labored there three years, and then accepted the pas-
torate of the Baptist church in Wakefield, R. I. In
1861, he removed to Stonington, Conn., in response
to an earnest call from the church of which he had
already been pastor, and here he still remains, exert-
ing a wide influence, and held in deserved honor for
his own and for his works' sake. Madison University
conferred upon him the degree of doctor of divinity
in 1880.
Dr. Palmer has been a frequent contributor to the
Christian Secretary, and other religious journals. He
has also published " The Early Baptists of Connecticut"
(1844), and a '-Historical Discourse" (1872), preached
before the Stonington Union Association. He is also
the author of many fine poems and memorial sonnets.
A volume of selections from his poetical writings, ed-
ited by his daughter, Miss Sara A. Palmer, and enti-
tled "Psalms of Faith and Songs of Life," was pub-
lished in 1884. The poet John G. Whittier says of
this volume : " The religious pieces are especially val-
uable. The airs of heaven seem flowino; over them."
In "Select Hymns" (Linsley and Davis, 1836) there is a
hymn (316) by Dr. Palmer, commencing
If there 's a time completely blest.
The following hymn, " The Dying Christian to his
Soul," is a translation by Dr. Palmer from the Latin
of Musculus:
How sinks my heart ia death's cold, deadly strife!
Nothing of earth's sweet light to me remains,
Yet Christ, my everlasting life and light,
My fearing, trembling, sinking soul sustains.
362 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
But why, my soul! O wherefore should'st thou fear
To rise to the bright mansions of the blest ?
Behold, thy angel guide himself is near
To lead thee to yon seats of peace and rest.
O leave this wretched, moldering house of clay,
Shattered and crumbling down to earth and dust;
God's faithful hand will, at the appointed day,
A glorious form, restore the sacred trust.
Ah! thou hast sinned! alas! thou hast, I know;
But Christ hast purged, by his own precious blood,
The sins of all believers, white as snow,
In blood-washed robes, presenting them to God!
But death is terrible! It is, I own;
But when thy immortality is nigh.
And when thy Savior calls thee from his throne,
Wilt thou, O trembling soul, still fear to die ?
Since Christ for thee has triumphed over death.
And sin and Satan put beneath thy feet,
Tear not to yield to him thy parting breath,
But spread thy joyful wings thy Lord to meet.
MASON BRAYMAN.
1813 .
Gen. Mason Brayman was born in Buffalo, N. Y.,
May 23, 1813. His parents settled in the town of
Hamburgh, Erie County, in 1811, and at the begin-
ning of the war of 1812-15, removed to Buffalo,
where they remained until the declaration of peace,
and then returned to Hamburgh. The son, when sev-
enteen years of age, entered the office of the Buffalo
Journal as an apprentice. Before his apprenticeship
expired he commenced the study of law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1836. In the summer of 1837,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 363
he removed to Monroe, Mich., where he was engaged
m the practice of his profession, and also in editorial
labors, nntil 1839. He then went to Wooster, Ohio,
and subsequently to Louisville, Ky. After serving as
editor of the Daily Advertiser three years, he removed
to Springfield, 111., where he became a law partner of
Hon. Jesse B. Thomas, and performed important legal
services for the state. In 1853, he removed to Chi-
cago, as the attorney of the Illinois Central Railroad.
Subsequently he was appointed land agent of the
Cairo and Fulton Railroad.
At the opening of the civil war Mr. Brayman en-
listed in the Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, was
soon commissioned major, and appointed assistant ad-
jutant-general on the staff of Gen. McClernand. He
was at the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry and Fort
Donelson. At Pittsburgh Landing he commanded a
brigade, and for meritorious conduct was made a brig-
adier-general. Subsequently, on account of impaired
health, he retired from service in the field, and was
placed in command of Camp Denison, at Columbus,
Ohio, and of a military district. He was also made
president of a commission to decide some important
cotton cases at New Orleans. At the close of the
war he was made a major-general by brevet. For
awhile after leaving the service he was editor of the
Whig, at Quincy, 111. Then he returned to Spring-
field; and subsequently, on account of his health, he
removed to Green Lake, Wis. In 1876, he was ap-
pointed governor of Idaho, by President Grant. His
present residence is Ripon, Wis.
General Brayman united with the Baptist church in
Wooster, Ohio, in 1839. The Daily Advertiser at
Louisville, Ky., of which he became editor, was partly
owned by Rev. William C. Buck. At the same office
was published the Baptist Banner and Western Pio-
neer, of which Mr. Buck and Rev. John M. Peck
were the editors. Mr. Buck was then engaged in
364 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
compiling his ''Baptist Hymn Book" (1842), and Mr.
Peck in revising "Dupuy's Hymn Book." To the
latter Gen. Brayman contributed a hymn of live stan-
zas, commencing
Hark! the rising anthem stealing
O'er the land, from sea to sea.
For the " Baptist Hymn Book," at Mr. Buck's re-
quest, Gen. Brayman wrote the following hymn,
recently slightly revised by the author :
Unto our God on Judah's hills
Be songs of holy joy once more;
Let Canaan's rocks and sparkling rills
The King of heaven and earth adore.
For he will set the captive free,
Will rend the proud oppressor's chain.
And from the isles of every sea
Bring Israel to his fold again.
The holy city's tottering spires
And crumbling walls again shall rise;
Love shall relight her altar fires,
And clouds of incense sweep the skies.
There, 'neath the figtree and the vine
Shall Judah's daughters peaceful rest,
And gray-haired fathers safe recline
On sacred Calvary's hoary breast.
Those tuneful harps that hung so long
Upon the weeping willow's stem,
Shall swell again old Zion's song
"Within thy gates, Jerusalem I
General Brayman is also author of a hymn.
Hark! 't is the one creative word,
sung at the dedication of the First Baptist church in
Oshkosh, Wis., and also of a " Voyagers ' Sabbath
Hymn," written in May, 1860, while on the passage
up the Mississippi River from Arkansas,
'T is sweet to know, when morning's beam.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 365
These hymns, with about forty other poetical compo-
sitions, Gen, Brayman is about to pubHsh (1887) in a
small volume, for private circulation.
General Brayman, after his removal to Illinois, be-
came an active helper in local and general religious
and educational work. With the Baptist pioneers of
that state he was intimately acquainted, and they were
often guests at his home. In 1855, he was elected
president of the American Baptist Publication Society.
He was one of the founders of the Chicago Historical
Society, a trustee of the University of Chicago and
of the Illinois Industrial University. Indeed, through-
out his career he has been prominently identified with
public interests, and has discharged his duties ably
and faithfully.
HENRY S. WASHBURN.
1813 .
Hon. Henry S. Washburn was bom in Providence,
R. I., June 10, 1813. His boyhood was passed at
Kingston, Mass., the home of his paternal ancestors.
After receiving a common school education he w^as
placed at the age of thirteen years in a bookstore in
Boston. Here, with opportunities to gratify his taste
for reading, the desire for a liberal education influenced
him, and he went to Worcester to prepare for college
at the Worcester Academy. In 1836, he entered
Brown University, but on account of ill health he was
obliged to leave college. For seven years he had
charge of the publishing department of the New
England Sabbath School Union. Subsequently he was
engaged in manufacturing pursuits in Worcester and
Boston, and afterward he became president of the Un-
366 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ion Mutual Life Insurance Company. Meanwhile many
positions of trust and power came to him. He was a
member of the city government of Worcester. For
four years he was president of the Worcester County
Manufacturers and Mechanics Association. For nine
years he was a member of the Boston School Board.
He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Rep-
resentatives in 1871, and 1872, and of the Senate in
1873. He resigned the presidency of the Union Mu-
tual Life Insurance Company in 1876 and went abroad
in its behalf. Durino; his absence he investio-ated the
life insurance companies in Great Britain, France,
and Germany. He returned to the United States in
1879. He has now retired mostly from active business
pursuits.
Mr. AVashburn is the author of many hymns and
occasional poems. One of these, referring to the
death of Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, at St. Helena, and en-
titled " The Burial of Mrs. Judson," commencing
Mournfully, tenderly
Bear onward the dead,
was written shortly after the arrival of Dr. Judson in
this country in 1845, and was set to music by Heath
and other composers. Mr. Washburn is also the
author of " The Vacant Chair," a popular song com-
menciiiQ-
o
We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair.
This was occasioned by the death at Ball's Blnff, in
1861, of Lieutenant J. William Grant, Company D,
Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, and was set to
music by Root, of Chicago. The hymn
Let every heart rejoice and sing,
which has found its way into various collections, was
written by Mr. Washburn for a children's celebration
in Faneuil HaU, Boston, July 4, 1842. It was set to
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 367
music by Garcia. Subsequently it was re-written by
Mr. Washburn, and adapted to general use in the form
in which it now appears. The hymn,
Father, gathered round the bier
Aid thy weeping children here,
which has found its way into some collections, was
written for the funeral of Rev. William Smith, pastor
of the First Baptist church, Chelsea, Mass., in 1841.
Mr. Washburn wrote a hymn for the dedication of
the Tremont Temple, Boston, when in 1842, it was
changed from a theatre to a place of worship :
O thou who canst create anew.
And change the dross to purest gold.
This house, which once its votaries drew
To scenes of vice when vice grew bold, etc.
He wrote also a hymn for the re-dedication of the
building after the fire in 1880 :
Restored once more from out the flames,
As Time rolls on, through good and ill,
Fair Temple! to all noble aims,
"We come to consecrate thee still.
Another hymn.
When wandering through the deserts wild,
was written by Mr. Washburn for the annual meeting
of the Fatherless and Widows Society, in Boston, in
1843. The following hymn (Psalmist, 1843) was
written for the dedication of the Harvard Street Bap-
tist church, Boston, in 1841.
Almighty God, thy constant care
Hath been our sure support and stay,
And hither gladly we repair,
Our early sacrifice to pay.
Accept our vows; in humble trust
This house we consecrate to thee;
O may thy promise to the just
Forever, Lord, our portion be.
368 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
And may that stream which maketh glad
The city of our God below,
Revive the drooping, cheer the sad,
As still its healing waters flow.
So let thy people here enjoy
The blessings which thy grace hath given,
That they may hail, with purer joy,
The uuseeu perfect bliss of heaven.
ARCHIBALD KENYON.
1813 .
Rev. Archibald Kexyon" was born in Athol, Wcar-
ren County, N. Y., July 31, 1813. His early school
advantages were very limited, and he was compelled
to make up the lack by personal efforts. In Novem-
ber, 1831, he became interested in the subject of re-
ligion, and July 8, 1832, he was baptized, and united
with the Wait's Corner, or White Creek Baptist
church. In the winter of 1833, he removed his mem-
bership to the Hague Baptist church, by which he
was licensed to preach March 18. At this time he
received much encouragement and advice from Rev.
Nathaniel Colver. For awhile he studied at Wood-
worth Academy, Sandy Hill, and then at the Academy
at East Bennington. April 15, 1835, he was ordained
at Adamsville, N. Y., where he was preaching half of
the time, alternating with Lakeville. Subsequently
he was pastor at South Salem. The year 1838, he
spent in evangelistic work in Vermont and elsewhere.
He then accepted a call to the pastorate of the West
Baptist church in Providence, R. I. In 1843, he
removed to Vernon, Oneida County, N. Y. After
a year he went to Clinton, near Utica, where he
remained three years and a half. At Cleveland, Ohio,
he organized an anti-slavery Baptist church. Five
AND THEIR HYMNS. 369
years he spent in preaching on the Reserve. He
became connected with the Free Mission movement,
and edited the Free Mission Visitor. In 1852, he
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Tabernacle
Baptist church, Chicago. In 1857, he organized and
became pastor of the Berean Baptist church. From
Chicago he removed to Iowa City, Iowa. Subse-
quently returning to Illinois, he had pastorates at
New Rutland, Union, Wis., Peoria, Chatsworth, East
Lynn and Hooperton, 111., and Thompsonville, Wis.
Mr. Kenyon is the author of a large number of
hymns, some of which have been set to music by Rev.
Robert Lowry, d.d., and are found in the "Royal Dia-
dem," "Pure Gold," "River of Life," "Songs of
Love," "Our Glad Hosanna," "Glad Refrain," etc.
He has also written many Christian ballads and tem-
perance songs. The following hymn by Mr. Kenyon
is from "Our Glad Hosanna":
Jesus, hear me when I pray,
Keep and help me all the day;
Save from fear and care and sin,
Make me pure and strong within.
"Weak I am, and weak must be,
Lost unless I 'm saved by thee;
Jesus, now thy grace impart,
Keep my trembling, wandering heart.
Power and grace are thine, I know,
Richest love thou canst bestow;
Save my soul from Satan's wiles.
Cheer my pathway with thy smiles.
Only now a pilgrim, I ,
Look for mansions in the sky.
There to dwell with angels bright,
Clothed in robes of heavenly light.
One of Mr. Kenyon' s latest compositions is a mis-
sionary hymn,
Harkl the cry is wafted onward.
Borne by every breeze and wave.
370 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
GURDON ROBINS.
1813-1883.
Two hymns in the "Psalmist" (Boston, 1843), one
(171) commencing
When thickly beat the storms of life,
and the other (1172),
There is a land mine eye hath seen,
were rescued from oblivion by the editors, and both
are marked "anon." They were written by Gurdon
Robins, second son of Rev. Gurdon and Julia (Savage)
Robins, and a brother of Rev. Henry E. Robins, d.d.,
ex-president of Colby University. He was born in
Hartford, Conn., November 7, 1813. Educated in the
schools of his native city, he was during his life a dili-
gent student of the best literature. His children
fondly recall the many hours spent with their father
in his library, as he aided them in their general read-
ing, or rendered important service in their school
preparations. At one period of his life he contributed
not a little in prose and verse to the newspaper press.
His own estimate of his literary productions was very
modest, and he rarely preserved anything that he
wrote. The hymns in the "Psalmist" were written,
it is thought, between the years 1838, and 1843.
During the greater part of his life Mr. Robins was
engaged in the book trade. In the civil war he
served as quarter-master of the Sixteenth Connecticut
Volunteer Infantry, with the rank of first lieutenant.
During his period of service, he fell into the enemy's
hands, and imprisonment undermined his constitution
and shortened his days. After his return home, at the
close of the war, he was for five years city clerk of
Hartford. His passion for reading was noticeable in
his last weary sickness. Frequently, when assisted
AND THEIR HYMNS. 371
from his reclining chair to his bed, with his glasses in
one hand and his book in the other, he seemed
to feel that he could not be separated from his chosen
companions. With the utmost patience and fortitude
he bore his severe bodily sufferings during his captiv-
ity, and with the same patience and fortitude he met
the last enemy in his chamber of death. He died at
his home in Hartford, May 23, 1883, aged sixty-nine
years. The record of his faithfulness and love is
cherished in many hearts as a sweet memory, worthy
of all praise. He was prepared for "the better land,"
of which he so sweetly sung in the second hymn men-
tioned above :
There is a land mine eye hath seen,
In visions of enraptured thought,
So bright that all which spreads between
Is with its radiant glory fraught:
A land upon whose blissful shore
There rests no shadow, falls no stain;
There those who meet shall part no more,
And those long parted meet again.
Its skies are not like earthly skies,
With varying hues of shade and light;
It hath no need of suns to rise,
To dissipate the gloom of night.
There sweeps no desolating wind
Across that calm, serene abode;
The wanderer there a home may find.
Within the Paradise of God.
This hymn has been transferred to other collections,
among them the " Baptist Praise Book " (1065),
"Baptist Hymn and Tune Book" (971), "Baptist
Hymnal" (668), "Methodist Hymnal" (1041), and
"Songs of Pilgrimage " (1151). Mr. Robins is also the
author of another hymn (" Baptist Hymn and Tune
Book," 973), commencing,
Ko night shall be in heaven, no gathering gloom.
372 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN B. HAGUE.
1813 .
In the "Psalmist" (1843) is the following hymn,
founded on the passage " The harvest is past, the sum-
mer is ended":
Hark, sinner, while God from on high doth entreat thee,
And warnings, with accents of mercy doth blend;
Give ear to his voice, lest in judgment he meet thee:
" The harvest is passing, the summer will end."
How oft of thy danger and guilt he hath told thee I
How oft still the message of mercy doth sendl
Haste, haste, while he waits in his arms to enfold thee;
" The harvest is passing, the summer will end."
Despised, rejected, at length he may leave thee;
"What anguish and horror thy bosom will rend!
Then haste thee, O sinner, while he will receive thee;
" The harvest is passing, the summer will end."
Ere long, and Jehovah will come in his power;
Our God will arise with his foes to contend;
Haste, haste thee, O sinner, prepare for that hour;
" The harvest is passing, the summer will end."
The Savior will call thee in judgment before him;
O, bow to his scepter, and make him thy Friend;
N'ow yield him thy heart; make haste to adore him;
Thy harvest is jiassing, thy summer will end.
This hymn was written by Rev. John B. Hague,
and with six other hymns by the same writer ap-
peared in a small collection of hymns compiled by Mr.
Hague, and published at Eastport, Me., in 1842, under
the title "Hymns for Social and Private Worship."
The first lines of the other hymns by Mr. Hague in
this collection are as follows :
" Ho! every one that thirsteth,"
" Escape for thy life! O, haste thee away,"
" O thoughtless and gay one, where, where dost thou stray,"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 373
" O sinner, canst thou yet defer,"
" Oh, sinful soul, what hast thou done,"
" O Spirit of the Lord."
Mr. Hague was born in New Rochelle, N. Y.,
in 1813. He was graduated at Hamilton College in
1832. His theological course he took at Newton The-
ological Institution, where he was graduated in 1835.
Having received a call to the pastorate of the Baptist
church in Eastport, Me., he was ordained at Eastport,
September 20, 1835. Here he remained ten years.
Since 1845, he has devoted himself to teaching, and
has had young ladies' schools at Jamaica Plain, and
Newton Center, Mass., Hudson, N. Y., and Hacken-
sack, N. J. For some time Mr. Hague has been a lay
member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
SIDNEY DYER.
1814 .
The name of Rev. Sidney Dyer is a familiar one in
very many Baptist households. Dr. Dyer was born at
White Creek, Washington County, N. Y., February
11, 1814. When seventeen years of age he entered
the military service, and participated in the Black
Hawk war. At twenty-two he commenced a course
of study for the Christian ministry, under the direc-
tion of Rev. Charles G. Sommers, d.d., pastor of the
South Baptist church. New York. In 1842, he was
ordained, and preached awhile at Brownsville. Later
he was employed as a missionary among the Choctaw
Indians. In 1852, he accepted a call to the pastorate
of the First Baptist church in Indianapolis, Ind. In
.1859, he received an appointment as district secre-
tary of the American Baptist Publication Society, at
Philadelphia, and continued in this position until No-
374 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
vember 30, 1885. Hq now resides in DeLand, Fla.
The honorary degree of a.m. he received from the
Indiana State University, and that of PH.D. from
Bucknell University, at Lewisburgh, Penn.
Dr. Dyer has been a successful author. Eight vol-
umes, written by him, all designed to illustrate for
young readers the wisdom and goodness of God in his
works, have been published by the American Baptist
Publication Society. He has also published two vol-
umes in verse, "Voices of Nature" (1849), and
"Songs and Ballads" (1857). A large number of
songs written by him, and published as sheet music,
have had a large sale. He has also written two can-
tatas, "Ruth," and "The Winter Evening Entertain-
ment," both published by Oliver Ditson & Co., Boston.
He is also the author of a large number of hymns in
various Sunday-school music books, and also in church
collections. In 1851, he published "The Southwest-
ern Psalmist," afterward known as "Dyer's Psalmist,"
a collection of four hundred and sixty-seven hymns,
of which sixteen were written by Dr. Dyer. This
collection has been extensively used in that part of
the country for which it was prepared.
The following is one of Dr. Dyer's many hymns :
When, faint and weary, toiling.
The sweat-drops on my brow,
I long to cease from labor,
To drop the burden now,
There comes a gentle chiding
To quell each murmuring sigh,
" Work while the day is shining,
There 's resting by-and-by."
'T is not to hear thy groaning,
Thy task is heavy made,
Nor adding to thy sorrow,
That succor is delayed;
When, bending 'neath the burden,
You toil, and sweat, and cry,
"Be patient," is the answer,
" There 's resting by-and-by."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 375
The way is rough and thorny ,
The way is dark and drear,
My step is growing weary,
The night is drawing near;
Behold tliis verdant wayside,
How cool the shadows lie I
"Nay, pause not in thy journey,
There 's resting by-and-by."
Ah! when the crown is waiting,
And room enough in heaven,
Why urge a further warfare
When dreadful wounds are given ?
O, give me now the trophy I
Why not, my Savior, why ?
" Still bear the cross a season.
There 's resting by-and-by."
This life to toil is given.
And he improves it best
Who seeks by cheerful labor
To enter into rest.
Then, pilgrim, woi'n and weary,
Press on, the goal is nigh;
The prize is straight before thee ,
There 's resting by-and-by.
Nor ask, when overburdened,
You long for friendly aid,
*' Why idle stands my brother,
No yoke upon him laid ? "
The Master bids him tarry,
And dare you ask him why ?
" Go labor in my vineyard.
There 's resting by-and-by."
Wan reaper in the harvest,
Let this thy strength sustain.
Each sheaf that fills the garner
Brings you eternal gain !
Then bear the cross with patience,
To fields of labor hie,
'T is sweet to work for Jesus,
There 's resting by-aad-by.
376 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
At the Valley Forge Centennial in 1878, Dr. Dyer
contributed an ode, commencing
Our noble sires, of all bereft
Save their brave hearts and trust in God,
Came here with bleeding feet that left
In crimson stains a hallowed sod.
He also wrote a hymn for the Jubilee of the Ameri-
can Baptist Home Mission Society in New York, in
1882, for which he received a prize.
JACOB R. SCOTT.
1815-1861.
Rev. Jacob Richardson^ Scott was born in Boston,
Mass., March 1, 1815. In early life he showed a fond-
ness for study, and having prepared for college at
South Reading, Mass., he entered Brown University
in 1832, and was graduated in 1836. Several years
were spent in teaching, and having decided to study
for the ministry, he entered Newton Theological Insti-
tution in 1839, and was graduated in 1842. In Sep-
tember following he was ordained pastor of the Mar-
ket Street Baptist church in Petersburgh, Va., where
he remained until 1844. From 1844, to 1847, he was
pastor of the Baptist church in Hampton, Va. During
this pastorate he was twice elected chaplain of the
University of Virginia, His health having become
injured he returned to the North and took a some-
what prolonged rest. In October 1849, he became
pastor of the First Baptist church in Portland, Me.
When he resigned in April, 1853, he was under ap-
pointment of the American Baptist Missionary Union
to go as a missionary to France, but providential cir-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 377
cumstances detained him in this country. In 1853, he
became pastor" of the First Baptist church in Fall
River, Mass. In 1854, he accepted a call to the pas-
torate of the First Baptist church in Rochester, N. Y.
Here he remained until 1857. His last settlement,
1858-1860, was at Yonkers, N. Y. His health,
which for some time had been exceedingly precarious,
no longer warranted his continuance in the pastoral
office, and reluctantly he resigned. Having removed
to Maiden, Mass., he accepted the office of superinten-
dent of schools, but his work was done. He died
December 10, 1861. Rev. W. H. Shailer, d.d., bears
this testimony concerning Mr. Scott:
" I knew him as his pastor for several years, traveled
with him as a daily and constant companion for
months, and was his intimate friend till his labors and
life closed, and in all my acquaintance with ministers
and men, I have known but few so unselfish in pur-
pose, so true in friendship, so pure in life, so elevated
in habits of thought and in aims as he. He was an
enthusiastic admirer of nature and of art, was pecul-
iarly susceptible to the emotions of the beautiful,
the good and sublime, was well versed in history and
general literature, and possessed social qualities of a
high order."
Mr. Scott, whose graduating exercise at Brown Uni-
versity was a poem entitled "Paul at Athens," may
have continued the exercise of his poetical gifts, but
he is represented in our hymn books by the following
dedication hymn only ("Psalmist," 944) :
To thee this temple we devote,
Our Father and our God;
Accept it thine, and seal it now
Thy Spirit's blest abode.
Here may the prayer of faith ascend,
The voice of praise arise;
Oj may each lowly service prove
Accepted sacrifice.
378 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Here may the sinner learn his guilt,
And weep before his Lord;
Here, pardoned, sing a Savior's love,
And here his vows record.
Here may affliction dry the tear,
And learn to trust in God,
Convinced it is a Father smites,
And love that guides the rod.
Peace be within these sacred walls;
Prosperity be here ;
Long smile upon thy people, Lox'd,
And ever more be near.
J. M. D. GATES.
1815-1887.
Rev. J. M. D. Gates was born in Orange County,
N. C., June 5, 1815. His ancestors came to Virginia
from England in the early settlement of the colonies.
In the nineteenth year of his age he left his native
place for Tennessee, locating first at Maryville, and
nearly four years later at McMinnville. Here, March
11, 1838, he was baptized by Rev. Noah Gates, and
united with the Baptist church. Near the close of
this year he was married to Miss Ann P. Lyon. With
her he engaged in school teaching in Alabama
and Mississippi until the death of Mrs. Gates, which
occurred October 16, 1841. He then returned to
McMinnville, where in 1842, he was licensed to preach
by the McMinnville church. February 4, 1844, he
was appointed a missionary by the executive board
of Liberty Association. His ordination followed,
October 13. In 1846, he located at Marion, now
Cateston, Gannon Gounty, and early in 1847, he was
AND THEIR HYMNS. 379
elected pastor of the Marion church. Here he was
married in September, 1848, to Miss M. J. Taylor, and
this continued to be his home until his death, August
1, 1887.
For many years Mr. Gates was active in literary
labors, writing frequently for religious papers, and
from 1874, to 1881, he was the editor and publisher of
the Baptist Messenger. He also wrote and published
several books, viz : " Marriage and the Married Life,"
" The Voice of Truth," " Reply to Ariel." He also
compiled three hymn books which were published, viz :
"The Companion" (1846), "The Baptist Companion "
(185-), and " The Sacred Harp " (1867). In the latter
Mr. Cates included twelve hymns written by himself.
Of these the following is number 137 :
The sacred day of rest
Has sweetly passed away;
In love and peace, in prayer and praise,
We 've kept the holy day.
How pure, and how divine,
The streams of joy that flow
From Zion's sacred hills, to bless
"With life and peace below.
How precious to the soul,
Such bliss to feel, and know
'T is but a taste of rest above,
Where joys celestial flow.
O may our thoughts still dwell
On scenes of pure delight;
May angels guard us while we sleep,
And bring the morning light.
And when life's fleeting sun
Shall set and cease to be;
O may our souls with Jesus rest,
Through all eternity.
Rev. D. B. Vance says of Mr. Cates: "He was in
many respects a great man. As a preacher he de-
380 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
served the appellation of ' the great commoner.' The
Bible was the man of his comisel."
Four of Mr. Gates' hymns in the "Sacred Harp" had
appeared either in the "Companion," or " The Baptist
Companion," but some of Mr. Cates' hymns in the
earlier collections were not included in the " Sacred
Harp." He had six hymns in the " Companion " and
five in the " Baptist Companion."
JESSE CLEMENT.
1815-1883.
Jesse Clement was born June 12, 1815, in Dracut,
near Lowell, Mass. He was educated at the Academy
in New Hampton, N. H., and after completing his
course of study, he taught there two years. In 1842,
he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where for fourteen years
he was editor of the Western Literary Messenger, and
connected with the Commercial Advertiser. He also
wrote a great deal, both prose and poetry, for secular
and reUgious papers and magazines, and published
"Noble Deeds of American Women," and "Life of
Adoniram Judson." He next removed to Dubuque,
Iowa, and founded the Daily Times. In 1868, he
went to Chicago, and soon became connected with the
Inter-Ocean, and afterward edited several volumes of
the "United States Biographical Dictionary." He
was an ardent Baptist, and served as deacon of
churches in Buffalo, Dubuque and Chicago. He was
also an earnest worker in all Christian oro;anizations.
He died very suddenly, Christmas morning, 1883, at
Butler, Missouri.
Mr. Clement was frequently called upon to write
odes and hymns, not only for secular and educational
AND THEIR HYMNS. 381
gatherings, but also for Sunday-school, church, and
Y. M. C. A. dedicatory and anniversary services. In
"Songs of Delight" (1875) there are seven hymns by
Mr. Clement. The following hymn was written by
him for the dedication, in 1871, of the University
Place church, Chicago, of which he was a constituent
member and a deacon for fifteen years:
Thou whose dwelling-place so lofty
Ne'er was seen by mortal eye:
Like a breeze from heaven, softly,
God, our Father! draw thou nigh;
Let thy presence
This new temple glorify.
Thou whose blood was shed for mortals
Freely as the waters flow.
Enter thou these sacred portals,
And thy love on all bestow;
Bleeding Savior,
Here thy wounds to sinners show.
Shining One, this altar brighten
With thy radiance all divine ;
Every burdened spirit lighten.
In its darkest chambers shine ;
Dove, white pinioned,
Hover near with smiles benign.
Triune God! we come before thee,
That our hearts, from sin set free,
Here may worship, here adore thee.
And our eyes thy glory see ;
May we ever
In this temple meet with thee.
382 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
EDMUND TURNEY.
1816-1872.
Rev. Edmund Turney, d.d., Wcas bora in Easton,
Conn., May 6, 1816. He was graduated at Madison
University, Hamilton, N. Y., in 1838, and at the the-
ological seminary at Hamilton, in 1840. In the spring
of 1841, he was ordained as pastor of the South Bap-
tist church, Hartford, Conn. Two y^ears later he ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church in
Granville, Ohio. Here he remained five years, exert-
ing a wide influence in the community and the state.
He then became pastor of the Broad Street Baptist
church in Utica, N. Y. In 1850, he was appointed
professor of biblical criticism in Hamilton Theologi-
cal Seminary. From 1853, to 1858, he was a profes-
sor in Fairmount Theological Seminary, Cincinnati,
Ohio. Subsequently he had charge of a charitable
institution in New York. In 1865, in Washington, D.
C, he began the first organized effort for the educa-
tion of colored teachers and preachers. He believed
that God had prepared him for this work, and riot-
withstanding many hindrances he prosecuted it with
untiring energy and fidelity, until he received the
summons that called him from his work to his reward.
He died in Washington, September 28, 1872.
Dr. Turney was a conscientious, devout scholar, and
possessed the martyr-spirit. Professor Huntington, of
Columbian College, Washington, D. C, says of him:
"Turning aside from 'positions more pleasant, and, in
the world's estimation, more honorable, — positions
which by his talents and his learning he was fitted to
adorn — he consented to toil in a hard and obscure
field, where he well knew that no dignified repose was
to be enjoyed, and no worldly laurels were to be
gathered."
In 1862, Dr. Turney j^ublished "Baptismal Harmo-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 383
nies; or Baptismal Hymns, with Appropriate Original
Music." The collection comprised thirty-one hymns,
all written by Dr. Turney, and all but three designed
for use at baptismal services. One of these three is
the following, for use at the Lord's Supper:
Oh, love divine! oh, matchless grace I
Which in this sacred rite
Shines forth so full, so free, in rays
Of purest living light.
Oh, wondrous death! oh, precious bloodl
For us so freely spilt,
To cleanse our sin-polluted souls
From every stain of guilt.
Oh, covenant of life and peace,
By blood and suffering sealed!
All the rich gifts of Gospel grace
Are here to faith revealed.
Jesus, we bow our souls to thee.
Our Life, our Hope, our All,
While we, with thankful, contrite hearts,
Thy dying love recall.
Oh. may thy pure and perfect laws
Be written on our minds;
Nor earth, nor self, nor sin obscure
The ever radiant lines.
This hymn has been transferred to "The Methodist
H3nnnal," and other collections. Of the baptismal
hymns,
How lovely the emblem of faith
had previously been published in the "Southern
Psalmist" (1858). In the "Gospel Hymn and Tune
Book" (1879) there is a hymn by Dr. Turney,
commencing.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou who gav'st thyself for me.
384 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
S. DRYDEN PHELPS.
1816 .
The well known author of
Savior! thy dying love,
was born in Suffield, Conn., May 15, 1816. His con-
version occurred when he was eighteen years of age,
and in 1838, while a member of the Connecticut Lit-
erary Institution where he was fitted for college, he
united with the Second Baptist church in Suffield.
He entered Brown University in 1840, and was grad-
uated in 1844. After studying at Yale Theological
Seminary, he supplied the Baptist church in Bristol,
and later the First Baptist church in New Haven. Of
the latter church he became pastor, January 21, 1846,
and with it he remained twenty-eight years. In this
time one thousand two hundred and seventeen united
with the church, six hundred and fifteen by baptism.
In 1874, Dr. Phelps became pastor of the Jefferson
Street Baptist church, Providence, R. I. Here he
remained until 1876, when he became editor and pro-
prietor of the Christian Secretary, Hartford, Conn., a
position which he most honorably filled until 1888,
and in which he performed a useful service to the
Baptist cause throughout the state. In 1854, Madi-
son University conferred upon him the degree of doc-
tor of divinity. In 1879, he was elected a trustee of
Brown University.
Dr. Phelps' published works are as follows: "Prog-
ress of Freedom; a Poem" (1838); "The Eventful
Day in the Rhode Island Rebellion; a Poem" (1842);
"Eloquence of Nature and Other Poems" (1842);
"Sunlight and Heartlight; or Fidehtv, and Other
Poems" (1856); "Holy Land. With GHmpses of
Europe and Egypt. A Year's Tour" (1862); "The
Poet's Song. Poems for the Heart and the Home"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 385
(1867); "Rest Days in a Journey to Bible Lands, and
other Journies Abroad. Sermons Preached in the
Four Quarters of the Globe" (1887); ''Special Ser-
mons. Preached Chiefly in the First Baptist Church,
New Haven, Conn." (1887). T4ie volume on the
"Holy Land" has passed through nine editions.
Dr. Phelps' hymns date from his college days. He
left Brown University in 1841, to teach a few months
in the Institution at Sufheld, and while there he was
invited to deliver an address, and also to write two
hymns for a juvenile temperance celebration, July 4,
One of these hymns.
Father, from thy throne above,
soon found its way into a hymn book used for several
years in the Methodist Episcopal churches in this
country. The other,
"When over our land hung oppression's dark pall,
was included in a collection for use at temperance
meetings, published in the following year at Provi-
dence, R. I.
In 1857, appeared an edition of the "Plymouth Col-
lection," for use in Baptist churches. It was edited
by Rev. J. Stanford Holme, d.d., and at his request
Dr. Phelps contributed to it two hymns, one on bap-
tism and one on home missions. The first,
Christ, who came my soul to save,
was afterward transferred to the "Service of Song"
(1871), the "Baptist Praise Book" (1872). and the
"Baptist Hymn and Tune Book" (1873). The home
mission hymn begins
Sons of day! arise from slumbers.
In 1858, the "Sacred Lyre," compiled by Rev. J.
25
386 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Aldrich, was published. It contained four of Dr.
Pliel23s' hymns, the one last mentioned, and
" Sweet is the hour of prayer,"
" Sweet Sujiday-school! I love the place,"
" Come friends, and let our hearts awake."
In 1864, the American Baptist Publication Society
issued the "Devotional Hymn and Tune Book." In
it appeared two new hymns by Dr. Phelps,
"Did Jesus weep for me,"
" This rite our blest Redeemer gave."
In the '■'Baptist Praise Book" appeared several of
the hymns already mentioned, and in later editions
the most widely known of all Dr. Phelps' hymns,
Savior! thy dying love.
This hymn, written in 1862, was first published in the
Watchman and Reflector, and was copied into various
other religious papers. Not long after Rev. Robert
Lowry requested Dr. Phelps to furnish some hymns
for a collection he was preparing. Among other
hymns which Dr. Phelps placed in his hands was this
one, and it appeared in "Pure Gold," with the excel-
lent music which Dr. Lowry composed for it, and with
which it will always be associated. It also appeared
in "Gospel Hymns," No. 1, and later in numerous
collections in this land and in lands across the sea. It
has been a most helpful hymn to many hearts. A
minister in Glasgow says: "A large family joined rriy
church lately. The mother told me she had first of
all happened to drop into our chapel, while a stranger
in Glasgow, when she was quite overcome, as if her
heart were lifted up, with the people singing
Something for thee."
Professor W. F. Sherwin, a few years ago, was
holding a Sunday-school Institute in Maine, and dur-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 387
ing the singing of the third verse of this hymn a
young lawyer was so much affected that it was the
means of changing all his plans for life; and conse-
crating himself to Christ's service, he devoted himself
with his whole heart to evangelistic work. Says Dr.
Phelps: "I have had requests for autograph copies of
this hymn, and many testimonies concerning its help-
fulness to others. I have heard it suna!" in various
and distant parts of our land, on ocean steamers and
in other countries. A friend recently showed me a
hymn book in the Swedish language, containing it."
At the celebration of the author's seventieth birthday,
with other letters, the following words of sincere
congratulation from Rev. Robert Lowry, d.d., dated
Plainfield, N. J., May 13, 1886, were read : " It is
worth living seventy years even if nothing comes of
it but one such hymn as
Savior! thy dying love
Thou gavest nie;
Nor should I aught withhold,
Dear Lord, from thee.
Happy is the man who can produce one song which
the world will keep on singing after its author shall
have passed away. May the tuneful harp preserve
its strings for many a long year yet, and the last song
reach us only when it is time for the singer to take
his place in the heavenly choir."
In these words, I am sure, Dr. Lowry has given
expression to the thoughts of very many of Dr.
Phelps' friends.
This hymn has recently been revised by its author,
and it is inserted here in its amended form :
Savior! thy dying love
Thou gavest me ;
Nor should I aught withhold,
Dear Lord, from thee.
388 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In love my soul would bow,
My heart fulfil its vow,
Some offering bring thee now,
Something for thee.
O'er the blest mercy-seat
Pleading for me.
Upward in faith I look,
Jesus, to thee.
Help me the cross to bear,
Thy wondrous love declare.
Some song to raise, or prayer,
Something for thee.
Give me a faithful heart —
Likeness to thee,
That each departing day
Henceforth may see
Some work of love begun.
Some deed of kindness done,
Some wanderer sought and won,
Something for thee.
All that I am and have —
Thy gifts so free —
Ever, in joy or grief.
My Lord, for thee;
And when thy face I see.
My ransomed soul shall be.
Through all eternity,
Something for thee.
Another of Dr. Phelps' hymns, written in 1860, has
been widely used in Sunday-schools and by evangelis-
tic workers at home and abroad. It commences,
Once I heard a sound at my heart's dark door.
Dr. Lowry, in composing the music for it, added a
refrain, and it appeared first in "Pure Gold."
Another hymn.
While on life's stormy sea,
written by Dr. Phelps in 1862, is found in several
hymnals, although in all cases the author's name is
■nni nffnnViPfl tn it. Anotlicr of liis hvmns.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 389
Come trembling soul, be not afraid,
was written after visiting a sick man, who, feeling
his need of Christ, found it difficult to believe.
This hymn, also, has found its way into published
collections.
Dr. Phelps has written a large number of hymns
suggested by events in the life of Christ, and many of
them have been pubHshed in the Christian Secretary,
from which they have been transferred to other relig-
ious journals.
GEORGE W. ANDERSON.
1816 .
Rev. George W. Anderson, d.d., was born in Phil-
adelphia, May 15, 1816. When a child he entered
upon a religious life, and March 20, 1826, he was bap-
tized by Rev. T. T. "VYoolsey, and united with the
Central Baptist church in his native city. Having
completed his preparatory studies he entered Madison
University, from which he was graduated in 1814. In
the autumn of that year he entered Hamilton Theo-
logical Seminary, and was graduated in 1846. He
then assumed the editorial management of a Baptist
paper, the Christian Chronicle, published in the inter-
est of the newly established university at Lewisburgh,
Penn. Three years later he was elected professor of
the Latin lano-uasre and literature in the same univer-
O CD
sity. In 1854, he was ordained, and became pastor of
the Northeast Baptist church, Dutchess County, N. Y.
Four years later he accepted the pastorate of the
Lower Merion Baptist church, Montgomery County,
Penn. In 1864, he was appointed literary editor of
the American Baptist Publication Society, a position
390 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
which he still holds, and in which he has rendered val-
uable service to American Baptists, For many years
he has been a dilis-ent student of our denominational
history both in this country and in Europe. He also
takes a deep interest in our educational and denomina-
tional work. In 1869, the University at Lewisburgh,
now Bucknell University, conferred upon him the
degree of doctor of divinity.
Dr. Anderson has been a frequent contributor to the
National Baptist and other papers. He is also the
author of " The Way to Christ and the Walk in
Christ" (1853); "A Plea for Principles; or the Bap-
tists and the Ordinances" (1859); "First Scripture
Question Book" (1862); "The Good News" (1863);
"The Baptists in the United States" (1875); "The
Missionary Outlook" (1884); and "Footprints of
Baptism in Europe " (1885). The following hymn
(502), written by Dr. Anderson, appeared in " The
Baptist Harp " (1849), and is included in several later
collections :
Onward, herald of the gospel,
Bear thy tidings through the land;
Preach the word, as heaven's apostle,
Sent by Christ's divine command.
Jesus, once the gospel preaching.
Through his native Judah went,
Salem's sons in mercy teaching,
Calling Israel to repent.
Israel, all his deep love slighting,
Spurning all his tenderness,
Still he followed, still inviting,
Weeping where he could not bless.
Follow then, thy Lord's example;
Toil in hope, nor faint, nor fear,
For thy needs his grace is ample,
At thy side he 's ever near.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 391
Work, until the day is ended,
Till thy sun sinks in the west;
Then, with joy and triumph blended,
Christ shall brinor thee to his rest.
In the same collection is another hymn (326) bj Dr.
iommencing
Now let us raise one last sweet sons.
Anderson, commencing;
JAMES SPENCER.
1816 .
Rev. James Spencer has three hymns in the " Ca-
nadian Baptist Hymnal" (1888). Two of these were
written for seamen's services. The following hymn
was written in 1869, on the occasion of the departure
of Rev. William George to enter upon missionary ser-
vice in Burma:
Constrained by love, go and proclaim
To distant heathen, veiled in night,
The potency of that blessed name,
Which turned our darkness into light.
Go, then, and seek that wandering flock
Whose laud no living waters give;
And point to that once smitten Rock,
And bid them drink thereof, and live.
Go to that parched and arid field,
And with good seed implant the ground;
The dreary desert fruit shall yield,
And with the reaper's song redound.
Go, take to them the living bread,
AVhich God to us has freely given ;
So shall their hungry souls be fed
With manna that came down from heaven.
392 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Go, bid the lame with gladness bound,
And teach their silent tongues to sing;
And let the distant vales resound
With praise to Zion's glorious King.
Mr. Spencer was born October 13, 1816, at Mire
River, twelve miles from the old city of Louisburg,
Island of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. During the
early part of his life he was engaged in mercantile
pursuits. When thirty years of age he became ac-
quainted with experimental Christianity, and as a
result of his study of the Scriptures, he became a Bap-
tist. Soon afterward he was impressed with the duty
of preaching to others the gospel he had received.
In 1853, he was ordained at Chester, N. S., and there
he remained, engaged in pastoral work, two years.
Then he was pastor seven years of the Baptist church
in Lower Granville, during which time ninety persons
were baptized. Four years he was pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Digby, and preached also to other small
churches in the vicinity. Since 1864, he has effi-
ciently labored in St. John, N. B., as seamen's chap-
lain, preaching to those who go down to the sea in
ships, as well as others, the truth as it is in Jesus.
a
H. H. HAWLEY.
1817 .
In many modern collections occurs the following
hymn :
There is a hope, a blessed hope,
More precious and more bright
Than all the joyless mockery
The world esteems delight.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 393
There is a star, a lovely star,
That lights the darkest gloom,
And sheds a peaceful radiance o'er
The prospects of the tomb.
There is a voice, a cheering voice,
That lifts the soul above.
Dispels the painful anxious doubt,
And whispers " God is love."
That voice, aloud from Calvary's height,
Proclaims the soul forgiven ;
That star is revelation's light;
That hope the hope of heaven.
This hymn with alterations in the second and fourth
stanzas, first appeared anonymously in " Hymns of
Zion," compiled by Abel C. Thomas, and published in
Philadelphia in 1839. It was written by Mr. Hawley
in 1835. He says : " I never knew how it got into
print, but I surmise that Rev. A. F. Rockwell, in whose
wife's album I had written the hymn, sent it to a Bap-
tist paper in New York, for which he acted as agent,
that he sent it w^ithout my name, probably with no
signature. I presume Mr. Rockwell's album cannot
now be found, but I have the manuscript book in
which that hymn was copied under date of 1835."
Mr. Hawley is the author of " The Iris, Songs of
Jesus for Sunday Schools and Devotional Meetings "
(1881). The music is for the most part by Mr. Haw-
ley. Concerning this work, he says : "Finding some
fugitive gem of sacred poetry not set to music, I
wished to sing it, or set to that which I thought poorly
expressed its sentiments, I wished to improve it." Six
of the hymns in this work are by Mr. Hawley :
" My soul shall wait upon the Lord,"
" What shall we do with Jesus,"
" I love at the dawn of the Sabbath day,"
" We have come from hill and valley,"
" See that glorious signal flying,"
" Once more to thy temple."
394 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Mr. Hawle}^ was born in Lewis County, New York,
April 10, 1817. He received his education at the
Academy in Utica, then under the charge of David
Prentiss, ll.d., an instructor of marked abiUties.
When seventeen years of age, and for three years
following, Mr. Hawley was the instructor in the
primary department of the academy. In 1835, he
united with the Baptist church in Trenton Village,
whither his parents had removed. Here he established
a Sunday-school, and was active in Christian w^ork. In
1837, at the request of Dr. Edward Bright, abandon-
ing his purpose to become a teacher, he entered the
counting-room of Bennett & Bright, booksellers and
publishers in Utica, and four years later, on Dr.
Bright' s retirement, Mr. Hawley was admitted to the
firm, then known as Bennett, Backus & Hawley.
Seven years afterward the publishing department
passed into Mr. Hawley' s hands. Subsequently he
formed a connection with a publishing house in Hart-
ford, Conn., and for a while he made Hartford his
home, retaining his connection with the bookstore in
Utica. In 1856, he removed to Burlington, Iowa,
where he conducted a book and music store, and also
an insurance business. To the latter he at length
devoted the whole of his attention, and in 1864, he
became agent for the west and northwest of the
Underwriters' Agency of New York. His health
after a while became impaired, and in 1872, he went
with his family to southwestern Wisconsin, where in
the fields and woods his health was in a measure
restored. He now resides in Chicago, 111.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 395
EDWIN BURNHAM.
1817-1887.
Rev. Edwin Burnham was born in Essex, Mass.,
May 10, 1817. He had only a common school educa-
tion, and beyond that was entirely a self-educated
man. When nineteen years of age he was ordained
at Springfield, N. H., as a minister of the Christian
Baptist denomination. His first charge was at Kenne-
bunk, Me., where he was settled the year following
his ordination. Subsequently he was pastor of a
Christian Baptist church in Boston, and later in Exe-
ter, N. H., and Newburyport, Mass. In 1865, he
united with the Second Baptist church in Holyoke,
Mass., where he was re-ordained December 22. For
about a year he served this church as pastor. In
1869, he entered upon evangelistic work, to which he
gave the remainder of his life, and in which he was
greatly blessed. He had a commanding presence, a
fine voice, and his words in presenting the claims of
the gospel could not fail to arouse the hearts and con-
sciences of his hearers. He died at his home in New-
buryport, Mass., January 29, 1887.
Mr. Burnham, in 1867, pubhshed "Revival Hymns,
Original and Selected." The following hymn, writ-
ten by Mr. Burnham in 1848, is number 435 in Rev.
H. L. Hastinscs' "Sonsrs of Pilg-rimao^e":
O O o O
Thine oath, and promise, mighty God,
Kecorded in thy word,
Become our hope's foundation broad,
And confidence afford.
Like Abraham, the friend of God,
Thy faithfulness we prove;
We tread in paths the fathers trod,
Blest with thy light and love.
396 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Largely our consolation flows,
"While we expect the day
That ends- our griefs and pains and woes,
And drives our fears away.
Let floods of mighty vengeance roll,
And compass earth around;
Let thunders sound from pole to pole,
And earthquakes vast astound;
Let nature all convulse and shake,
And angry nations rage ;
Thy name our hiding-place we make;
To save thou dost engage.
EMILY C. JUDSON.
1817-1854.
In Dyer's " Psalmist " there is a hymn by Emily E.
Chubbuck, commencing
Mother, has the dove that nestled.
Miss Chnbbuck, also known by her nom, de jilume
" Fanny Forester," was born in Eaton, a small town in
Central New York, August 22, 1817. Her parents
were poor, and at an early age she assisted in support-
ing the family by her work in a woolen factory.
Afterward she taught the village school, and when
she was twenty years of age she was a welcome con-
tributor to the poetical column of the village news-
paper. Having attracted the attention of the Misses
Sheldon, who kept a well known young ladies' school in
Utica, she was made welcome to advantages of which
she gladly availed herself. In the hope of -continuing
the assistance she had rendered her parents, she com-
menced to write the stories for children which, later,
were published under the title of " Alderbrook."
^^-^^^^-^^^^^^^t^^t^^^^^Z'-'
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 397
Then N. P. Willis made her welcome to the colmnns
of the Evening Mirror, and so, after a long struggle
with poverty and other adverse circumstances, she had
made her way to a position of honor and influence in
the literary world.
Converted when eight years of age, she early had a
conviction that at some time she would be a missionary.
In January, 1846, she met Dr. Adoniram Judson at
the home of Rev. A. D. Gillette, d.d., in Philadelphia,
and they were married June 2, of that year. In a
few weeks they embarked for Burma. Off St. Helena
Mrs. Judson wrote the following beautiful tribute to
the memory of Sarah Boardman Judson:
Blow softly, gales! a tender sigh
Is flung upon your wing;
Lose not the treasure, as ye fly,
Bear it where love and beauty lie,
Silent and withering.
Flow gently, waves! a tear is laid
Upon your heaving breast ;
Leave it within yon dark rock's shade,
Or weave it in an iris braid,
To crown the Christian's rest.
Bloom, ocean isle! lone ocean isle!
Thou keep'st a jewel rare;
Let rugged rock and dark deflle
Above the slumbering stranger smile,
And deck her couch with care.
Weep, ye bereaved! a dearer head
Ke'er left the pillowing breast;
The good, the pure, the lovely fled
When, mingling with the shadowy dead,
She meekly went to rest.
Mourn, Burma, mourn! a bow, which spanned
Thy cloud, has passed away;
A flower has withered on thy sand,
A pitying spirit left thy strand,
A saint has ceased to pray.
398 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Angels, rejoice! another string
Has caught the strains above;
Rejoice, rejoice! a new-fledged wing
Around the throne is hovering,
In sweet, glad, wondering love.
Blow, blow, ye gales! wild billows roll!
Unfurl the canvas wide!
Ou! where she labored lies our goal;
Weak, timid, frail, yet would my soul
Fain be to hers allied.
Dr. and Mrs. Judson arrived at Maulmain, Novem-
ber 30, 1846, and Dr. Judson re-entered upon his mis-
sionary labors. He found in Mrs. Judson an efficient
helper. She devoted herself at first to the work of
learning the language, and of preparing a biography
of Sarah Boardman Judson.
The following are the first lines of a poem which
was addressed by Mrs. Judson to a missionary friend
in Burma, on the death of an infant :
A mound is in the graveyard,
A short and narrow bed,
'No grass is growing on it.
And no marble at its head ;
Ye may go and weep beside it,
Ye may kneel and kiss the sod,
But ye '11 find no balm for sorrow.
In the cold and silent clod.
December 24, 1847, a daughter, Emily Frances, was
born at Maulmain. It was to this daughter that Mrs.
Judson addressed the beautiful lines entitled " My
Bird," commencing
Ere last year's moon had left the sky,
A birdling sought my Indian nest.
And folded, O, so lovingly,
Her tiny wings upon my breast.
Mrs. Judson' s health began to decline soon after, and
in November, 1849, Dr. Judson was attacked by the
disease which in a few months resulted in his death.
AXD THEIR HYMNS. 399
It was after Dr. Judson left Maulmain to embark on
the voyage from which he never returned, that Mrs.
Judson wrote the tender hues to her mother, com-
mencinc?
The wild southwest monsoon has risen,
On broad gray wings of gloom,
While here from out my dreary prison
I look as from a tomb — alas I
My heart another tomb.
Dr. Judson sailed from Maulmain, April 3, and died
at sea, April 12. Ten days later, and before the sad
tidings had reached Maulmain, Mrs. Judson gave birth
to a second child, Charles, wdio died the same day on
which he was born. It was this sorrow that occasioned
the lines on " Angel Charlie," commencing
He came — a beauteous vision —
Then vanished from my sight.
His wing one moment cleaving
The blackness of my night;
My glad ear caught its rustle.
Then, sweeping by, he stole
The dewdrop that his coming
Had cherished in my soul.
Mrs. Judson, who subsequently returned, with, her
daughter, to this country, died at Hamilton, N. Y.,
June 1, 1854.
WILLIAM C. RICHARDS.
1818 .
Rev. William C. Richaeds, ph.d., was born in
London, England, November 24, 1818. His father
removed to the LTnited States in 1831, and accepted
the pastorate of the Baptist church in Hudson, N. Y.
The son united with his father's church in 1833; and
400 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
in the following year he entered Hamilton Literary
and Theological Institution, where he was graduated
in 1840. For about ten years he was engaged in lit-
erary and educational work in the south. In 1852, he
returned to the north, purposing to enter the minis-
try. He was ordained in July, 1855, and for awhile
was associate pastor of the First Baptist church in
Providence, R. I. A new interest was soon started,
afterward known as the Brown Street Baptist church.
Of this church Mr. Richards accepted the pastorate,
and with it he remained until 18G2, wdien on account
of failing health he resigned, and not long after began
to give, for the most part under the auspices of the
Y. M. C. A., popular lectures on physical science,
which he has continued to the present time, with the
exception of three years, from 1865, to the close of
1868, when he was pastor of the Baptist church in
Pittsfield, Mass., and professor of chemistry for two
years in the Berkshire Medical College. Since 1876,
his residence has been in Chicago, 111.
Dr. Richards' literary labors have been varied and
long continued. For many years he has been a con-
tributor to literary and religious journals and maga-
zines. Many years ago he published "-Harry's Vaca-
tion," a work on every-day science for the young.
He prepared also the "Memoir of Gov. Geo. N.
Briggs" (1856). Frequently he has given expression
to his thoughts in verse, and he has published several
anniversary and commencement poems, among them
"Electron; a Telegraphic Epic." In recent years he
has published several beautifully illustrated volumes
of sacred verse, among them "The Lord is my Shep-
herd," of which Mr. Spurgeon says, "I have laid it up
among my treasures of art and song"; and "The
Mountain Anthem," or the "Beatitudes in Rhythmic
Echoes." He has also written about sixteen poems
on rhythmical words of our Lord, which, with others,
he purposes to publish in a volume under the title
AND THEIR HYMNS. 401
"Verba Cliristi." Of hymns he has written a large
number, some for special occasions, baptisms, com-
munions, etc. One of these, entitled "Before the
Supper," is here given:
O happy service that invites
My willing feet to go
Up to the temple of delights
"Where heaven begins below.
From palaces of earthly kings,
Where daintiest feasts are spread,
Fain would I fly on love's swift wings,
. To feed on heavenly bread.
No Eschol clusters, large and fine,
Could turn my steps aside,
From that dear feast where holy wine
Is Calvary's mystic tide.
For bread and wine the Christ reveal
To my believing eyes;
In their clear sighs the power I feel
Of his great sacrifice.
O happy service that invites
My joyful feet to go
Up to the temple of delights
Where heaven is felt below.
J. H. HANAFORD.
1819 .
J. H. Hanafoed, M.D., was born in New Hamp-
ton, N. H., January 27, 1819. His education he
received at the well known academy in his native
town. For awhile he devoted himself to teaching,
but his health at length becoming impaired, he
decided to study medicine, and went to New York for
26
402 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
this purpose. After graduation, he commenced the
practice of medicine in Nantucket, Mass., where he
remained six years. The climate not proving favora-
ble, he removed to Beverly, Mass., and subsequently
to Reading, Mass., where he still resides.
Dr. Hanaford has given much attention to liter-
ary work. He is the author of a number of books,
"Mother and Child," etc., and is now (1887) assisting
in the preparation of a history of his native town.
In 1848, he published a collection of hymns for sea-
men, entitled "Ocean Melodies," and furnished for it
nineteen hymns of his own composition. The second
edition of this collection, with additions, was brought
out by Rev. Phineas Stowe. The following hymn by
Dr. Hanaford is from "Ocean Melodies":
Great God, at thy command,
We launch upon the deep;
O guide us in our devious way,
Our souls in safety keep.
When dangers round us crowd,
And toils our course attend,
Be thou our help, our sure defence,
Our everlasting Friend.
Should stormy winds arise,
And tempests madly beat,
O grant us grace to trust in thee,
And near the mercy-seat.
And though in distant climes,
O'er Imaging seas we ride,
"VVe trust in thee, thou gracious God,
Our Savior and our Guide.
And should our fragile bark
To ocean's depths be hurled,
O may we reach a sheltering port,
A fairer, brighter world.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 403
MARIA FRANCES ANDERSON.
1819 .
Mrs. Maria Frances Anderson, a daughter of
Thomas F. Hill, of Exeter, England, was born in Paris,
France, January 30, 1819. In 1845, she was baptized
at Pittsburgh, Penn., by Rev. William Shadrach, d.d.,
and united with the Grant Street Baptist church, of
which Dr. Shadrach was at that time pastor. In April,
1847, she was married to Rev. George W. Anderson,
D.D., of Philadelphia.
Mrs. Anderson is the author of a Sunday-school
book "Jessie Carey" (1853), and "The Baptists in
Sweden" (1861). A home mission hymn, Avritten by
Mrs. Anderson in 1849, is in many of our best collec-
tions. Dr. George B. Ide, then pastor of the First
Baptist church in Philadelphia, had seen some of Mrs.
Anderson's poetical productions in the Christian
Chronicle, and as he "v\dshed to have a home mission
hymn in the " Baptist Harp" which he was then com-
piling, he asked her if she would write one in the
same measure as Bishop Heber's
From Greenland's icy mountains.
Mrs. Anderson acceded to his request, and her hymn
was suno; for the first time at a home mission meetino-
in the First Baptist church, Philadelphia. Dr. B. M.
Hill, corresponding secretary of the American Baptist
Home Mission Society, who was present, and read the
hymn, introduced it with the remark, " We will now
sing a home mission hymn written by a lady of this
city, and just published in the 'Baptist Harp.' " The
hymn, as it appeared in this collection, is as follows :
Our country's voice is pleading,
Ye men of God, arise!
His providence is leading,
The land before you lies.
404 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Day gleams are o'er it brightening
And promise clothes the soil;
Wide fields for harvests whitening,
Invite the reaj^ers' toil.
Go where the waves are breaking
On California's shore,
Chrisfs precious gospel taking,
More rich than golden ore;
On Alleghany's mountains,
Through all the western vale,
Beside Missouri's fountains,
Kehearse the wonderous tale.
Where prairie flowers are blooming,
Plant Sharon's fairer rose;
The farthest wilds illuming,
AVith light that ever glows;
To each lone forest ranger.
The Word of Life unseal;
To every exile stranger,
It's saving truths reveal.
The love of Christ unfolding,
Speed on from east to west.
Till all, his cross beholding.
In him are fully blest.
Great Author of salvation.
Haste, haste the glorious day.
When we, a ransomed nation.
Thy sceptre shall obey.
In the " Calvary Selection " (892) and the " Baptist
Hymnal " (594) this hymn has three stanzas, the third
given above being omitted. In the " Baptist Harp "
Mrs. Anderson has another hymn (112) commencing,
Yes, she is gone, yet do not thou
The goodness of the Lord distrust.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 405
FREDERIC DENISON.
1819 .
Rev. Frederic Denison is a native of Stoning-
ton, Conn., where he was born September 28, 1819.
He was graduated at Brown University in 1847, and
was ordained in the same year as pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Westerly, R. I. This church he served
in two pastorates fifteen years. He was afterward
pastor of the Central Baptist church in Norwich,
Conn., and of the Baptist church in Central Falls, R.
I. During the civil war he was chaplain of the First
Rhode Island Cavalry, and the Third Rhode Island
Heavy Artillery, serving three years. After the war,
he had pastorates in Westerl}-, R. I., New Haven,
Conn., Woonsocket, and Providence, R. I. In recent
years he has devoted himself to literary work.
Among the writings he has published are the follow-
ing: "The Sabbath Institution" (1855); "Notes of
the Baptists and their Principles, in Norwich, Conn."
(1857); "The Supper Institution" (1860); "The
Evangelist, or Life and Labors of Rev. Jabez S.
Swan" (1873); "Sabres and Spurs, or History of the
First Rhode Island Cavalry" (1876); "Westerly, and
its Witnesses for Two Hundred and Fifty Years"
(1878); and "Shot and Shell, or History of the Third
Rhode Island Heavy Artillery" (1879). He has also
published several sermons, orations, and memorial
addresses, and has been a frequent contributor to the
secular and religious press.
Mr. Denison is also the author of an ode, on the
unveiling, in 1885, of the painting of the arrival of
Roger Williams with the first charter of Rhode
Island; an ode on the centennial of the capture of
General Prescott; an ode at the French Memorial in
1882; an ode at the unveiling of the soldiers' and
sailors' monument, in South Kingston, R. I., in 1886;
406 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
an ode at the dedication of the memorial of Col. John
S. Slocum, in Providence, R. I., in 1886; a poem on
the Baptist pioneers of Groton, Conn., in 1887; also
many other occasional poems. One of his hymns,
Forward, brave men to the battle,
is in "The Gospel Hymn Book." He has also hymns
in '^ Welcome Tidings" and "Glorious Tidings," and
among them the following:
Bethesda is open, the angel has come,
The Spirit is calling for thee ;
The waters are troubled, behold, there is room;
Salvation through Jesus is free.
Come, press to the waters while mercy is here.
Accept of a cleansing complete ;
O hear the entreaty, — dismissing your fear,
Lo! judgment and mercy now meet.
The house of Bethesda for sinners was built,
The pool is a fountain of love;
The waters are troubled for cancelling guilt,
And still for our healing they move.
Then come to the fountain, ye needy and lost,
Come now while the Savior is nigh;
This grace has been purchased at infinite cost;
And they that reject it must die.
JAMES TUPPER.
1819-1868.
Mr. Tupper was born in Charleston, S. C, Decem-
ber 9, 1819. In early life he received permanent
religious impressions, and when sixteen years of age
he united with the First Baptist church in his native
city. A few years later he received a license to
preach, but as it was his purpose to engage in the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 407
profession of law he was not ordained. When twenty-
one years of age he was admitted to the bar. His
progress in his profession was rapid. He was early
elected a member of the state legislature, from
which he received an appointment as master in equity,
and held the position through life. For a while also,
he was auditor of the state, filling the office alike with
honor to himself and to those whom he served. In
all his trusts he was faithful, and in everything he
adorned his religion. Prominent in Sunday-school work,
he was never so happy as in leading the young along
the paths of wisdom and virtue. His life was one of
earnest, consecrated effort, and having served his gen-
eration with all fidelity he fell asleep at Summerville,
S. C, August 28, 1868.
Mr. Tupper was the author of hymn 155 in " The
Baptist Psalmody," from which it has been transferred
to other collections. The hymn is as follows :
Dark was the hour, when Jesus bore
The sorrows of Gethsemane;
Strong was the grief, which caused to flow
His bloody sweat of agony.
He came with fallen man to dwell,
And suffer in his guilty stead ;
He came, and now God's anger fell
Unmixed upon his sinless head.
O, hear the fainting Sufferer pray,
As all the powers of nature sink, —
" O, Father, take this cup away,
The bitter cup, alone, I drink."
" Yet not my will," he humbly cries
" Thine, Father, be as ever done."
Amazing wonder! heaven denies
The prayer of its own Holy One.
It could not pass, for he alone
Was strong to suffer and to save;
By him, in blood, our sins were borne,
And death he conquered in the grave.
408 BAPTIST HYMN WEITERS
KAZLITT ARVINE.
1819-1851.
Bev. Kazlitt Aevine is well known as the author
of a " Cyclopasdia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes,"
and a "Cyclopaedia of Anecdotes of Literature and
the Fine Arts." He was born in Centreville, Alle-
gany County, N. Y., December 18, 1819. Having
pursued preparatory studies, he entered "Wesleyan
University, at Middletown, Conn., where he was grad-
uated in 1841. In 1842, he entered Newton Theolog-
ical Institution. In the catalogue for 1842-3, his
name appears as Silas W. Palmer. While he was at
Newton his name was changed to Kazlitt Arvine by
an act of the Massachusetts legislature. Mr. Arvine
was a very zealous abolitionist, and during his
theological course he became secretary of the "Pro-
visional Committee," which afterward gave way to
the Free Mission Society. He was very popular as a
preacher, and supplied the pulpit of the First Baptist
church, Boston, in the summer of 1843, while pastor
Neale was in Europe. He was graduated . at Newton
in 1845, and November 6, 1845, he was ordained as
pastor of the Baptist church in Woonsocket, R. I.
Rev. N. Colver, of Boston, preached the sermon, "and
John G. Whittier wrote for the occasion a hymn of
seven stanzas, commencing
A strength thy service cannot tire,
A faith which doubt can never dim,
A heart of love, a lip of fire,
O Freedom's God! be thou to him.
Mr. Arvine remained in Woonsocket two years.
He then became pastor of what was known as the
Providence church in New York. A tendency to con-
sumption had already developed, and on account of
failint*- strength he was obliged to resign in a few
AND THEIR HYMNS. 409
months. His health having been in part restored, he
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church
in West Boylston, Mass. But he soon again began to
decline, and he died at East Brookfield, Mass., July
15, 1851, greatly beloved by the people whom he
served.
Mr. Arvine in early life achieved some reputation
as a poet, and later he published a volume of poems.
The following hymn, written by him, was sung at his
ordination :
Tar and wide, in mercy great,
Lord, make known thy Word, which flings
O'er our sad and darkened state,
Joy and sunshine from its wings;
Grace for guilt, it bids us crave,
Hope for fear, and peace for strife;
And, through Jesus' trusting grace,
Opens up our way to life.
Lord, increase and bless, we pray,
Those who teach thy gospel's plan;
Oh, vouchsafe them, day by day,
Power with God, and power with man;
"While they 're echoing thy will,
'Mid the wrecks of sin and death.
Spirit, come, the slain to fill
With thy resurrection breath.
Round her leaders, bring thy church
All to conflict, armed with prayer;
Then ere long, shall victory perch
On the banner-cross they bear;
Then shall Zion's light go forth
Brighter than the noonday sun;
Christ shall come and reign on earth,
Making all its kingdoms one.
In Dr. John Bowling's " Conference Hymns "
(1849), Mr. Arvine has a hymn entitled "The Victor
Vanquished," commencing
" Thou must go with me," said the Terror-king.
410 BAPTIST HlTklN WRITERS
LUCY S. (HILL) DOUGHERTY.
1822-1847.
"WTien floating on life's troubled sea,
By storms and tempests driven,
Hope, with her radiant finger, points
To brighter scenes in heaven.
She bids the storms of life to cease.
The troubled breast be calm;
And in the wounded heart she poui's
Religion's liealing balm.
Her hallowed influence cheers life's hours
Of sadness and of gloom;
She guides us through this vale of tears
To joys beyond the tomb.
And when our fleeting days are o'er,
And life's last hour draws near,
With still unwearied wing she hastes
To wipe the falling tear.
She bids the anguished heart rejoice;
Though earthly ties are riven.
We still may hope to meet again
In 3'onder peaceful heaven.
This hymn was published anonymously in the
Christian Watchman, October 31, 1839. Rev. S. F.
Smith, D.D., subsequently included it in " The Psalm-
ist" (1843), of which he was one of the compilers.
In the first edition it was marked " anon," but the
authorship of the hymn was afterward made known
to Dr. Baron Stow, Dr. Smith's associate in the prep-
aration of the " Psalmist," and the pastor of the
writer of the hymn, and in all subsequent editions the
name L. S. Hill has been added. The hymn has been
transferred to many later collections.
Lucy Simonds Hill was born in Boston, Mass., June
17, 1822. From a child she was thoughtful and
conscientious, obedient to her parents, kind-hearted,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 411
truthful and studious. In 1839, having been led to
accept Christ as her Savior, she was baptized by Rev.
Baron Stow, and united with the Baldwin Place
Baptist churcli in Boston. In her religious life she
received counsel and assistance from her mother and
elder sister, Abby S. Another sister, Harriet E., who
was two years younger, should also be mentioned, for
a sketch of one could hardly be written without a
reference to the other. Both were detained from
entering the grammar school till beyond the usual age
for admission. But these years of home service were
not passed unimproved, the elder sister, a diligent
scholar, directing their studies, though with meagre
facilities in the way of books. The two sisters at
length entered the Bowdoin school, and from it they
were graduated at the same age as their more favored
classmates, Harriet having the valedictory, a poem
which was published in the Advertiser by the school
committee. After leaving school, Lucy added to her
acquirements a knowledge of Latin and French, pur-
suino; these studies at home without a tutor. She also
took lessons in vocal and instrumental music, and
continued the study of English composition and math-
ematics, ^\ith the purpose of becoming a teacher of
these branches. The death of her sister Harriet in
1841, and that of her father in 1842, were sore
bereavements. Near the close of 1842, by the advice
of friends, she accepted a position as teacher in a
private family on a plantation in Mississippi, and
reached her destination February 12, 1845. Accept-
ably she filled this position for a while, but finally,
with the approval of her family and friends, she was
married to Captain WilHam D. Dougherty, of St. Louis.
The union was a happy one, but was soon terminated
by the death of Mrs. Dougherty, which occurred May
21, 1847. Her husband died about two years later.
Beside the hymn given above, Mrs. Dougherty
wrote numerous other hymns and poems, many of
412 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
which were jDiiblished in the newspapers and magazines
of the day, among them
" There are moments, peaceful moments,"
*' Evening's hallowed minstrelsy,"
" There is a land of pleasure,"
" They come when fearful thoughts oppress,"
" I thank thee. Father, source of bliss."
The following lines were written in 1840, by Mrs.
Dougherty's sister Harriet, who shared her poetic gift:
When morn's first scented breeze
Shatters the night-gems on the lily's breast.
Go, thou whose brow ne'er wore the wreath of ease:
Nature for thee has rest.
When high through heaven's blue field
Apollo wheels his car in circling flight.
Go, thou whose smiles to shades of grief ne'er yield:
For thee bright beams the light.
When twilight claims the hour,
The shadowy hour of breezy minstrelsy,
■ Go, thou whos§ heart is sad, and feel the power
Of Nature's sympathy.
When night, on ebon wing,
Hangs out her jewels in the dusky heaven.
Go, child of gloom, to thee shall Nature bring
The balm to misery given.
Nature has sympathy
For every child that walks the fields of earth,
The hour of sadness, and the hour of glee,
For grief, and joyous mirth.
The eldest sister, Abby, possessed the same gift, and
a hymn was published hy her in the Watchman and
Reflector, commencing
When weary with the toils of life
Or filled with anguish, grief, or pain,
'T is sweet to think that death is near
If we can say " To die is gain."
This hymn was composed after hearing a sermon
from the text " To die is gain."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 413
DANIEL C. EDDY.
1823 .
Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, d.d., was born in Salem,
Mass., May 21, 1823, and when nineteen years of age
he united with the First Baptist church in that city.
On the completion of his literary and theological stud-
ies, he accepted a call to the pastorate of the First
Baptist church in Lowell, Mass., and was ordained in
January, 1846. He remained in Lowell ten years,
and during this time he baptized six hundred and thir-
ty-seven converts, and one tliousand and five new
members were added to the church. In 1854, he was
elected a member of the legislature of Massachusetts,
and at the organization of the house of representa-
tives he was chosen speaker. This honorable position
he filled so acceptably that at the close of the session
he received a unanimous vote of thanks for his
promptness, ability, and urbanity. In 1856, he ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the Harvard Street
Baptist church, Boston, and here, as in Lowell, large
audiences were attracted by his preaching, and large
additions were made to the membership of the church.
In 1862, he became pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist
church, in Philadelphia, and after two years of service
he returned to Boston, as pastor of the Baldwin Place
Baptist church, which subsequently gave up its old
place of worship, and erected a new church edifice on
Warren Avenue. From Boston, in 1871, Dr. Eddy
was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church
in Fall River, Mass. In 1873, he again returned to
Boston, and was engaged in the erection of a new
church at the south end ; but the enterprise, for vari-
ous reasons, was at length abandoned, and in 1877,
Dr. Eddy became pastor of the Baptist church in
Hyde Park, Mass. In 1881, he accepted a call to the
pastorate of the First Baptist church, east district,
414 BAPTIST HYMN' WRITERS
Brooklyn, N. Y.., where he still (1888) remains. The
church has erected a new house of worship, and is
prospering under Dr. Eddy's leadership.
The degree of master of arts Avas conferred upon
Dr. Eddy by Harvard College in 1855. Madison Uni-
versity, in 1856, conferred upon him the degree of
doctor of divinity.
Throughout his ministry Dr. Eddy has devoted
himself to authorship. Several of his books have had
a very large circulation, especially his " Lectures to
Young Men," "Young Women's Friend," ''Heroines
of the Missionary Enterprise," "Angel Whispers," and
"The Burman Apostle." His story books, and books
of travel for the young, have been equally successful.
He has also been a frequent contributor to the denom-
inational press. Dr. Eddy has given much attention
to hymnology, and is the author of several occasional
hymns, among them,
God of the nations! from thy throne,
and another of four stanzas, each stanza commencing
with a line from the doxology.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The following dedication hymn by Dr. Eddy has a
place in the "Baptist Praise Book" (1874) :
Maker of land and rolling sea,
We dedicate this house to thee;
And what our willing hands have done,
We give to God and to the Son.
Come fill this house with heavenly grace,
While sinners throng the heavenly place,
And saints below with saints above,
Unite to sing redeeming love.
Hei-e let the cross be lifted high
Before a world condemned to die:
Here flow the blood of sacrifice,
To hush the Law's avenging cries.
AKD THEIR HYMNS. 415
Here let the mourning soul find rest
Upon the Savior's loving breast;
And with the sense of sins forgiven,
Each heart aspire to God and heaven.
Long may this sacred temple be %
A monument of praise to thee;
And when to this no more we come,
Be heaven our high, eternal home.
Dr. Eddy has nearly ready for publication a hymn
book entitled " The Memorial Hymnal."
J. WHEATON SMITH.
1823 .
Rev. J. Wheaton Smith, d.d., was born in Provi-
dence, R. I., June 26, 1823. When he was ten years
of age his parents removed to Calais, Me., and there,
two years later, he was baptized by Rev. James
Huckins, and united with the Calais Baptist church, of
which his father was a deacon. In 1844, he entered
Brown University, and was graduated in 1848, receiv-
ing the Jackson premium for the best essay on moral
philosophy. Entering Newton Theological Institution,
he was graduated in 1851. March 30, of that year, and
while a student at Newton, he was ordained pastor of
the Worthen Street Baptist church, Lowell, Mass. In
1853, he became pastor of the Spruce Street Baptist
church, Philadelphia. Here he remained until 1870,
when with a colony from that church he organized
the Beth Eden Baptist church, corner of Broad and
Spruce Streets. Here he remained as pastor until
1880, when impaired health induced him to tender his
resignation. Since that time, while making Philadel-
phia his home, he has supplied churches in Montreal
416 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and elsewhere, and has continued his usefulness in the
management of important secular and religious trusts.
He received, in 1862, the degree of doctor of divinity
from the University of Lewisburgh, now Bucknell
University.
Dr. Smith has been a frequent contributor to the
religious press. He is also the author of the " Life of
John P. Crozer" (1868). In "The Devotional Hymn
and Tune Book " he has the following hymn :
'Tis sweet in the trials of conflict and sin,
Temptation witliout and temptation within,
To know through the journey of life as I roam,
I am bound for the mansions of glory at home.
'T is sweet in the gloom of earth's sorrow or fears,
My eyes overflowing with penitent tears,
To know, though the billows around me may foam,
I am bound for the mansions of glory at home.
I ask not to hasten from duty or care,
The troubles of life let me patiently bear,
If only I know as I look through the gloom,
I am bound for the mansions of glory at home.
When all earthly conflicts and trials are o'er,
When sin and temptation beset me no more,
Still trusting in Jesus, I '11 welcome the tomb,
For I 'm bound for the mansions of glory at home.
EDWIN T. WINKLER.
1823-1883.
Rev. Edwik Theodore Winkler, d.d., was born
in Savannah, Ga., November 13, 1823. Having pur-
sued preparatory studies in Chatham Academy, Savan-
nah, he entered Brown University, Providence, R. I.,
where he was graduated in 1843, It was his purpose
AND THEIR HYMNS. 417
to engage in the work of the Christian ministry, and
he commenced a course of theological study in New-
ton Theological Institution. He remained at Newton
two years, and then returned to the south, where he
became assistant editor of the Christian Index, and
supplied the pulpit of the Baptist church in Columbia,
Ga., for six months. In 1846, he was ordained as pas-
tor of the Baptist church in Gillisonville, S. C, where
he remained three years. In 1852, he removed to
Charleston, S. C, and became editor of the Southern
Baptist, and corresponding secretary of the Southern
Baptist Publication Society. In 1854, he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in
Charleston, and with the exception of service as chap-
lain in the confederate army during the civil war, he
remained in this position until 1872, when he became
pastor of the Baptist church in Marion, Ala. In 1874,
in addition to his pastorate, he assumed the editorship
of the Alabama Baptist, and these two positions he
held until his death, which occurred at Marion, Novem-
ber 10, 1883.
Dr. Winkler was a man of broad and generous cul-
ture. He was also an accomplished speaker, and was
often invited to preach on special occasions, and to
address literary societies. In 1871, he preached a
memorable sermon on the education of the colored
ministry before the American Baptist Home Mission
Society, and in 1876, he delivered a centennial dis-
course at Newton Theological Institution. In 1858,
Furman University conferred upon him the degree of
doctor of divinity.
Dr. Winkler was the author of an essay on "The
Spirit of Missions, the Spirit of Christ," and another
on "The Sphere of the Ministry." In 1855, at the
request of the Southern Baptist Publication Society,
he compiled "The Sacred Lute, a Collection of Popu-
lar Hymns." In this book he aimed to bring together
the best of the spiritual songs which the Baptists of
27
418 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the south were wont to sing in social meetings and
religious awakenings. The collection contained seven
hymns by the compiler, and four hundred and sixteen
hymns in all. A new and enlarged edition, but with
so many changes that it was entitled to be regarded
as a new book, was issued in 1860. This edition con-
tained eight hymns by Dr. Winkler. The first lines
are
" Lord, Lord, my heart rejoicing,"
" O sinner, idly dreaming,"
" Aloft to heaven our hope ascends,"
" Long did the scenes of Jerusalem languish,"
" To earth descend, O Holy Dove,"
" Behold the- light in heaven,"
" Now in this consecrated place,"
" Our land with mercies crowned."
Some of these hymns have been transferred to other
collections. They are not all of equal excellence.
Perhaps the best hymn is the following :
O sinner, idly dreaming
The hours of life away,
While fainter grows the beaming
Of mercy's precious day.
Soon — spent their little number —
The night of death may break.
And thou bewail thy slumber;
O spell-bound sinner, wake I
As the fleet eagle, darting
With all his might of wing,
As the swift arrow, starting
From the resounding string,
So moments of probation
Their quick departure take;
If thou wouldst win salvation,
O spell-bound sinner, wakel
AND THEIR HYMNS. 419
Time flies to reach the ending
Of all thy hopeful years,
To meet the Judge, descending
Along the darkened spheres ;
O, if that dreadful morrow
Thy dream of life shall break,
Vain, vain will be thy sorrow;
Then, spell-bound sinner, wake I
Today the soft sky o'er thee
Still shines with gracious blue,
Today the work before thee
Thou mayst with ardor do;
Thou mayst receive God's Spirit,
And for thy Savior's sake.
Eternal life inherit;
O spell-bound sinner, wake!
THOMAS L. BAILEY.
1824 .
Eev. Thomas L. Bailey is the author of a large
number of hymns which have appeared in various
Sunday-school hymn books, " Welcome Tidings,"
^' The Garner," etc, etc. One of his hymns,
Come, talk to me of Jesus,
is in "The Gospel Hymn and Tune Book" (1879),
pubHshed by the American Baptist Publication Society.
The following hymn, by Mr. Bailey, is from " The
Garner " :
No night in heaven, eternal day;
No gloom is there, no need to pray;
No life to lose, no hopes to raise.
But all, yes all, is endless praise.
No night in heaven, no dark'ning sky;
No clouds arise, no tempests fly,
No thunders roll, no lightnings blaze,
But all, yes all, is endless praise.
420 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
No night in heaven, and yet no sun;
No moon is there her course to run ;
No changing scenes to mark the days,
Where all, yes all, is endless praise.
No night in heaven, God's light alone
In glory shines around his throne
There to the Lamb, in joyous lays,
The hosts of heaven give endless praise.
Mr. Bailey was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March
2, 1824. liis parents were members of the Society
of Friends. Soon after his marriage in 1856, he made
his home in Chester County, where he was actively
engaged in Sunday-school work. In 1869, he united
with the Baptist church at West Chester. In the
following year he was licensed to preach, and having
been called to the pastorate of the Baptist church in
Marlton, N. J., he was ordained in that place in 1871.
Several times he has been obliged to relinquish his
pastoral labors on account of impaired health ; and at
the present time (1887) he is withdrawn from the
service of the ministry, with the exception of occa-
sional preaching. He resides at Atlantic City, N. J,
RICHARD S. JAMES.
1824 .
Rev. Richard S. James, d.d., was born in Phila-
delphia, Penn., June 18, 1824. He was educated at
Brown University and Columbian College, and began
to preach when he was eighteen years of age. In
1859, he was ordained, and for nine years he was
pastor at Camden and Marlton, N. J. Subsequently
he was pastor of the Baptist church at West Newton,
Mass., and of the Market Street Baptist church in
AND THEIR HYMNS. • 421
Zanesville, Ohio. He then accepted a professorship in
Hillsdale College, Mich. Afterward he was principal
of Oak Grove Academy, at Medina, Mich. In 1880,
he became president of Judson University, at Judsonia,
Ark. On account of a burdensome debt the univer-
sity vv^as at length closed, and Dr. James accepted the
presidency of Buckner College, at Witcherville, Sebas-
tian County, Ark., an institution established by the
Baptists of western Arkansas and Indian Territory,
and named in honor of Dr. Buckner, who for thirty-
five years was a devoted missionary of the Southern
Board to the Indians.
Dr. James is the author of several hymns. One,
commencing
How sadly flow the waters
From China's clouded hills,
was written by Dr. James in his senior year at Colum-
bian College for the farewell services held on the
departure of Rev. J. L. Shuck, Rev. T. W. Tobey, and
Dr. James' oldest brother, Dr. J. Sexton James, as
missionaries of the Southern Board to China. An-
other hymn.
Hark! what melodious sounds are they,
was written on receiving tidings of the death of his
brother and wife in the China seas, as sorrow was
turned into joyous anticipation of the ultimate tri-
umph of the gospel, notwithstanding such depletions
in our missionary work. The following hymn by Dr.
James is from " The Devotional Hymn and Tune
Book" (1864).
Hastening on to death's dark river,
Daily nearer to the shore,
When, our warfare ceased forever,
"We shall meet the foe no more.
Soon we '11 see that blissful region ,
Where the Prince of Peace doth reign.
Blessed thought! no hostile legion
Enters there with grief or pain.
422. BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Clothed with bodies pure and glorious,
God's free grace we there shall own,
In the Savior's strength victorious,
Cast before him every crown.
NATHANIEL BUTLER.
1824 .
Rev. Nathaniel Butler, d.d., son of Rev. John
Butler, a well known preacher and revivalist, was born
in Waterville, Me., October 19, 1824. He was fitted
for college at the academy in Yarmouth. The first
three years of his collegiate course he spent at George-
town College, Ky., but he was graduated at Water-
ville College, now Colby University, in 1842. October
28, 1845, he was ordained pastor of the Baptist church
in Turner, Maine. Here he remained until 1850,
when he accepted an appointment as agent for the
American Baptist Missionary Union for Maine and
eastern Massachusetts. A few months later he ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church in
Eastport, Maine. Here he remained nine years. His
subsequent pastorates were as follows : From 1860, to
1863, at Auburn, Me.; from 1864, to 1869, at Camden,
Me. ; from 1869, to 1872, at Albion, 111. ; from 1872,
to 1873, at Leavenworth, Kan. ; from 1873, to 1876,
at Bangor, Me. ; from 1876, to 1877, at Dexter, Me. ;
1877, to 1878, at North Vassalborough, Me. ; and
from 1880, to 1881, at Hallowell, Me. Then for several
years, he was connected with the monumental depart-
ment of the Bodwell Granite Company. In 1887,
he went west, and engaged in evangelistic labor.
Dr. Butler was private secretary of Vice-president
Hamlin from 1861, to 1865. He represented Vassal-
borough and Windsoi' in the Maine legislature of 1880.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 423
In 1856, he was elected a trustee of Colby University,
and in 1873, he received from that institution the
degree of doctor of divinity.
In 1877, he published a "Memorial of Nathaniel
Milton Wood, with Sermons." He has also written
not a little in prose and verse for the religious and
secular press. The following hymn, written in 1849,
is from the " Christian Melodist " (254):
How sweet, when worn with cares of life,
From all its busy scenes to flee;
To leave awhile its toil and strife,
And hold communion, Lord, with thee.
When the tired spirit seeks its rest,
'Tis there a sure repose I meet;
'T is there my weary soul is blest.
Kneeling before thy mercy-seat.
"When sin o'ercasts with clouds my sky.
And Jesus hides his face from me,
Then to thy mercy-seat I fly,
And bow in humble prayer to thee.
There all the clouds of earth depart.
And heaven itself I almost see ;
The Savior whispers to my heart
And shows his smiling face to me.
There Jesus' voice of love I hear;
There glory sheds its light around,
Eye never looked on things so fair;
Earth never heard so sweet a sound
Thou Lamb of God ! O, let me dwell
Forever at thy sacred feet,
To hear the voice I love so well,
And ne'er forsake the mercy-seat.
424 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHN M. EVANS.
1825 .
John" M. Evans was born November 30, 1825, in
Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn. In November, 1841,
he was baptized in Philadelphia by Rev. J. H. Ken-
nard, d.d., and united with the Tenth Baptist church,
of which Dr. Kennard was pastor. He at once be-
came identified with the music in both the church and
Sunday-school, In 1854, on the opening of the new
edifice of the Tenth church, he assumed the charge
of the music, and was appointed superintendent of
the Sunday-school. This was the first Sunday-school
in Philadelphia to make music a prominent feature in
its exercises. In 1864, Mr. Evans connected himself
with the Tabernacle Baptist church, and for fourteen
years had the entire charge of the music in the church
and Sunday-school. In 1883, he became a member of
the Memorial Baptist church, and at the organization
of the Temple Baptist church at Tioga, in 1885, he
identified himself with that new interest.
Mr. Evans is the author of several hymns, and also
of several well known tunes. The following hymn
is number 303 in the "Devotional Hymn and Tune
Book" (1864), and was written by Mr. Evans about
the year 1860:
Amid the joyous scenes of earth,
When hope's bright visions round us play,
There still remains an hour most dear:
The mera'ry of that happy day,
Happy day, happy day,
"When Jesus washed my sins away, etc.
Should all the joys of earth grow dim,
And melt like fancy's dreams away,
There linger deep within the heart
Fond raem'ries of that happy day,
Happy day, etc.
.^^ ^
'M^yC
■lamA,^^:^.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 425
When sorrow's clouds around us lower,
Amid the gloom a cheering ray
Comes gently stealing o'er the soul;
It is the mem'ry of that day,
Happy day, etc.
When death's dark shadows gather round,
When nature's noblest pow'rs decay,
A spirit's whispering voice recalls
The blessed mem'ries of that day,
Ilappy day, etc.
Mr. Evans' best known musical composition is that
which was written to accompany the familiar hymn
by Phoebe Gary, commencing
One sweetly solemn thought.
See "Devotional Hymn and Tune Book"( 1864), and
some later works.
BASIL MANLY.
1825 .
Among the Baptists of the south the name of Manly
is very intimately associated with Christian song.
Rev. Basil Manly, d.d., ll.d., a son of Dr. Basil
Manly, of South Carolina, was born in Edgefield
County, S. C, December 19, 1825. He fitted for col-
lege in a preparatory school at Charleston, and then
entered the University of Alabama, at Tuscaloosa,
where he was graduated in 1843. He then entered
Newton Theological Institution, from which he re-
moved to Princeton Theological Seminary, where he
was graduated in 1847. Having been ordained at
Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 1848, he commenced his ministry
as pastor of three country churches, two in Sumter
County, Ala., and one in Noxubee County, Miss.
426 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Under the strain of the manifold labors which these
three pastorates, widely separated, imposed upon him,
his health became impaired, and at length he with-
drew from the active labors of the ministry until Sep-
tember, 1850. He then accepted a call to the pastor-
ate of the First Baptist church in Richmond, Va. In
1854, his health again failed, and having resigned as
pastor, he established the Richmond Female Institute,
of which he became the principal. When the South-
ern Baptist Theological Seminary was organized at
Greenville, S. C, in 1859, Dr Manly received an
appointment as professor of biblical interpretation.
During the war the seminary was suspended, and the
professor preached for several churches near Green-
ville. When the seminary was re-opened, he resumed
the duties of his professorship, and devoted himself to
the interests of the seminary until 1871, when he
accepted the presidency of Georgetown College, Ky.
This position he filled until 1879, when he was elected
professor of Old Testament interpretation and biblical
introduction in the Southern Baptist Theological Sem-
inary, which had been removed from Greenville, S. C,
to Louisville, Kentucky. There he still remains. Dr.
Manly' s attainments as a biblical scholar are widely
acknowledged. The University of Alabama conferred
on him, in 1859, the degree of doctor of divinity.
The descree of doctor of law^s he received from the
Agricultural College at Auburn, Ala., in 1874.
Beside pamphlets and occasional sermons, Dr.
Manly has published " A Call to the Ministry " (1867),
and ^' The Bible Doctrine of Inspiration Explained
and Vindicated " (1888), a work of great excellence.
In 1849, while withdrawn from the labors of the
pastorate, he compiled, with the aid of his honored
father, the " Baptist Psalmody," which was published
in Charleston in the succeeding year, and has had an
extensive circulation in the southern states. To this
collection, Avhich is one of great excellence, Dr. Manly
contributed nine hymns :
AND THEIR HYMNS. 427
" Holy, holy, holy Lord,"
"Jesus, my Lord, I own thee G®d,"
" God with us, O glorious name,"
" Our God invites the wanderers home,"
"Lord, I deserve thy deepest wrath,"
" Before the pool a sufferer lay,"
" In doubt's dim twilight here I stray,"
" God of the seas, whose ruling voice,"
" There is a light which shines from heaven."
Dr. Manly has also written twenty or thirty additional
hjmins, some of which, as well as of those whose first
lines are given above, have found their way into vari-
ous collections. The following hymn was written by
Dr. Manly at the request of Dr. Boyce, for the first
commencement of the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary at Greenville, S. C, in 1860, and has been
sung at every commencement of the seminary since :
Soldiers of Christ, in truth arrayed,
A world in ruins needs your aid,
A world by sin destroyed and dead,
A world for which the Savior bled.
His gospel to the lost proclaim,
Good news to all in Jesus' name;
Let light upon the darkness break,
That sinners from their death may wake.
Morning and evening sow the seed,
God's grace the effort shall succeed.
Seedtimes of tears have oft been found
With sheaves of joy and plenty crowned.
"We meet to part, but part to meet.
When earthly labors are complete,
To join in yet more blest employ
In an eternal world of joy.
428 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ROBERT LOWRY.
1826 .
The author of
Shall we gather at the river
was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March 12, 1826. At
the age of seventeen years he became a disciple of
Christ, and although his parents were members of the
Associate Presbyterian church, his study of the Scrip-
tures led him to cast in his lot with the Baptists, and
having been baptized by Rev. Geo. B. Ide, d.d., he
united with the First Baptist church in Philadelphia.
At once he devoted himself to Christian work, espe-
cially in connection with Sunday-schools. The desire
to consecrate his life to Christ's cause, gradually took
possession of him, and at length his pastor drew from
him the confession that his thoughts had been directed
to the work of the Christian ministry. Encouraged
by Dr. Ide to prepare himself for this work, he entered
Lewisburgh, now Bucknell University, where he was
graduated with valedictory honors in 1854. The same
year he was ordained and became pastor of the First
Baptist church in West Chester, Penn,, where he re-
mained for five years. In 1858, he accepted a call to
the pastorate of the Bloomingdale Baptist church,
New York. In 1861, he became pastor of the Hanson
Place Baptist church, Brooklyn. Here he remained
until 1869, when he accepted the professorship of belles-
lettres in his alma mater, together with the pastorate
of the Lewisburgh Baptist church. This double ser-
vice he performed six years, and then removed to
Plainfield, N. J. Here a new church was organized,
and Dr. Lowry — the honorary degree of doctor of
divinity having been conferred upon him by Lewis-
burgh University — was called to the pastorate of
what aas since been known as the Park Avenue Bap-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 429
tist church. In 1880, Dr. Lowry took a rest of four
years, and visited Europe. In 1885, he felt that he
must have a longer respite, and after nine years of
labor with a people to whom he was tenderly attached,
he resigned. An effort was made to have him recon-
sider his action, and continue his ministry in Plainfield ;
but he was firm in the conviction that in taking this
step he was in the path of duty, and for a time he
traveled in the south and west, and subsequently in
Mexico. At length, re-invigorated in health, he re-
turned to Plainfield, where he still resides, devoting
himself to the work which he loves so well, and in
which he has achieved abundant success.
For, successful as Dr. Lowry has been as a pastor
and j^reacher, multitudes know him better as a writer
of hymns and composer of sacred music. On the death
of William B. Bradbury, the music publishing business
which he had built up in New York was continued by
Biglow & Main. The new firm made a proposal to
Dr. Lowry to prepare a book for use in Sunday-schools.
At first Dr. Lowry shrank from the undertaking,
fearing that it would interfere with his ministerial
duties. He was at length, however, induced to enter
upon the preparation of the proposed book. The work
then begun has been continued to the present time.
Dr. Lowry's fondness for music was exhibited in his
earliest years. As a child, he amused himself with the
various musical instruments that came into his hands.
A love of melody was thus developed. When the
obligations of musical editorship were laid upon him,
he gave himself to the study of the best musical text-
books, and the highest forms of musical composition.
The music books he has edited are as follows :
" Gospel Melodies " (1868) ; " Bright Jewels " (1869) ;
"Pure Gold" (1871); "Royal Diadem" (1873);
"Temple Anthems" (1873); " Hymn Service " (1871,
1872, 1873); "Tidal Wave" (1874); "Brightest
and Best" (1875); " Welcome Tidings " and "Foun-
430 BAPTIST HYMN^ WRITERS
tain of Son^" (1877); "Chautauqua Carols"
(1878); "Gospel Hymn and Tune Book" (1879);
"Good as Gold" (1880); "Our Glad Hosanna "
(1882); "Joyful Lays" (1884); "Glad Refrain"
(1886); also "Cantatas for Christmas" (1881-1886);
"Cantatas for Easter" (1882-1887). These works
have had a very wide circulation. Of " Bright Jew-
els" a half-million copies were sold in four years, and of
"Pure Gold" more than a million copies have been
sold. Some of the other books edited by Dr. Lowry
have been received with almost equal favor, and all
have been heartily welcomed.
In these various works are many hymns composed
by Dr. Lowry, among those best known, beside
Shall we gather at the river,
are
" Shall we know each other there,"
" One more day's work for Jesus,"
" Weeping will not save me,"
" The Eifted Kock,"
" Where is my boy to-night,"
" Jesus is my Savior," etc.
The hymn
Shall we gather at the river
was written one afternoon in July, 1864, when Dr.
Lowry was pastor of the Hanson Place Baptist church,
Brooklyn, N. Y. The weather was oppressively hot,
and the author was lying on a lounge in a state of phys-
ical exhaustion. He was almost incapable of bodily
exertion, and his imagination began to take to itself
wings. Visions of the future passed before him with
startling vividness. The imagery of the Apocalypse
took the form of tableaux. Brightest of all were the
throne, the heavenly river, and the gathering of the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 431
saints. While he was thus breathing heavily in the
sultry atmosphere of that July day, his soul seemed to
take new life from that celestial outlook. He began to
wonder why the hymn-writers had said so much
about "the river of death," and so little about " the
pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding
out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." As he
mused, the words began to construct themselves.
They came first as a question of Christian inquiry,
" Shall we gather ? " Then they broke out in chorus,
as an answer of Christian faith, " Yes, w^e ' 11 gather."
On this question and answer the hymn developed. itself.
The music came with the hymn. The author never
has been able to tell which had priority of birth. They
are twins. When song had formulated itself, the
author sprang up, sat down at his organ, played the
tune through, and sang the first stanza and the chorus.
Then he wrote it out. In that same year Dr. Lowry
was asked for some contributions to a song-book, which
the American Tract Society was about to publish. He
gave the editor some manuscripts, and subsequently
added "Shall we gather." In the following spring,
the Brooklyn Sunday School Union asked permission
to use it for the May anniversary. Forty thousand
children sang it on parade, and in their churches.
Then it went everywhere. It was sung in conventions,
in churches, in Sunday-schools, and at the bedside of
the dying. It crossed the ocean, and became known
in Great Britain and on the continent. At some of
the most distant missionary stations in Asia it was
translated and sung. It found its way to the Sand-
wich Islands, and soon encircled the globe. It is prob-
ably the one hymn by which its author is best known.
Many incidents connected with this hymn might be
related. A young man had been stricken down with
fever, in the military hospital in Alexandria, during
the late war in Egypt. A lady visitor hearing him
moan piteously for his mother, sat down by his side,
432 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and laid her hand on his burning brow. As the sun
was just setting, she began to sing,
Shall we gather at the river,
and • as she sang one weary head after another was
raised in a listening attitude. When she stopped, one
said, " 0 lady, sing that again!" and she repeated the
hymn. Then turning to the lad, she said, "Will you
be there?" Then a bright light shone in his eye, and
a faint utterance fell from his lips, ''Yes, I shall be
there soon, " and in a short time his spirit passed
away.
A meeting not long ago was held in the Mission Hall
in Salmon's Lane, Limehouse, London, to greet Lady
Colin Campbell, who has shown in various ways her
sympathy with the poor of the East End. The exer-
cises consisted of cheers of welcome, prayer, singing
and remarks by Walter Austin, the founder of the
mission. The Pall Mall Gazette say3 : "But what
every one was waiting for was to hear Lady Colin
sins^
Shall we gather at the river,
which she did with a refinement of tone and f eelins*
that seemed to pass into the worn faces looking up
into hers."
As a prelude to the Robert Raikes centennial in
London, in 1880, the Sunday-school Union gave a
reception to the delegates. Distinguished men from
all parts of the world addressed the meeting. After
the last of the appointed speakers had left the plat-
form, the chairman, Sir Charles Reed, m.p., rose and
said : " I am told that the author of
Shall we gather at the river
is in the room. We should all like to hear him."
Making his way from the rear seats. Dr. Lowry ad-
vanced to the platform, where he was welcomed by
tlie chairman, and introduced to the audience. The
AND THEIR HYMNS. 433
reception was so enthusiastic that for some minutes it
was impossible for him to speak. The Presbyterian,
reporting this episode, says : " It was a suitable recog-
nition due to such a man, and a spontaneous testimony
to the value of a song which doubtless the delegates
present had made a household word."
Rev. Dr. D. Morrison, of Ontario, Canada, has made
a Latin version of the hymn. The first stanza is as
follows :
Fluvione coUigemus
Qua siat seraphim sancti,
Fluvio amoena cujus
Fons est throno Domini ?
Beside his own hymns Dr. Lowry has given vitality
and popularity to many productions of other writers
by the music with which they are sung, such as
" I need thee every hour,"
" The mistakes of my life have been many,"
" How can I keep from singing,"
" All the way my Savior leads me,"
" Shall we know each other there,"
" Savior, thy dying love,"
"One more day's work for Jesus,"
" "When the Comforter comes,"
" We 're marching to Zion,"
and a host of others.
The following hymn, written by Dr. Lowry in 1867,
is entitled "None but Jesus":
"Weeping will not save me.
Though my face were bathed in tears
That could not allay my fears.
Could not wash the stain of years;
"Weeping will not save me.
Chorus. — Jesus wept and died for me,
Jesus suffered on the tree,
Jesus waits to make me free;
He alone can save me.
28
434 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Workiug will not save me.
Purest deeds that I can do,
Holiest thoughts aud feelings too,
Cannot form my soul anew ;
Working will not save me.
"Waiting will not save me.
Helpless, guilty, lost, I lie,
In my ear is mercy's cry ;
If I wait I can but die;
Waiting will not save me.
Faith in Christ will save me.
Let me trust thy weeping Son,
Trust the work that he has done,
To his arms, Lord, help me run;
Faith in Christ will save me.
WILLIAM F. SHERWIN.
1826-1888.
Although remembered chiefly as a musical com-
poser and conductor, William Fisk Sherwin has also a
place among hymn writers. He was born in Buck-
land, Mass., March 14, 1826. On account of the
long-continued illness of his parents, the family was
reduced to extreme poverty, so that, although he
early manifested decided musical abilities, it was im-
possible for him in his boyhood to obtain other instruc-
tion in music than that furnished by the old-fashioned
sing-ing; school. Of this he made the most, and so
rapid was his progress that at the age of fifteen
he was the leader of a large chorus choir. When
eighteen years old he went west, and taught a district
school. After his return he again devoted himself to
music, and by his classes he aided in the support of the
family. Accordingly he visited Boston in order to
AND THEIR HYMNS. 435
receive instruction from such masters as Lowell Mason
and George J. Webb. At twenty-five years of age, he
was well known in New Eno;lancl musical conventions.
For a while he was a choir leader and conductor of
a musical society in North Adams, Mass. Afterward
he was jDrofessor of music in a female seminary in
Hudson, N. Y. About the year 18-54, he was invited
to take charge of the music in the Pearl Street Baptist
church in Albany, N. Y., then under the pastoral
charge of Rev. William Hague, d.d. He was also
called to a professorship in the Albany Female Acad-
emy. Both positions he retained ten years, when, on
account of failing health, he resigned, and removed to
New York.
Brought up as a Congregationalist, he had always
believed that immersion was New Testament baptism,
and it is not strange that during his residence in
Albany, under the preaching of Dr. Hague, he became
a staunch Baptist.
In New York, after the restoration of his health,
Professor Sherwin devoted himself to his chosen pro-
fession. He became especially well known as a most
effective and popular Sunday-school worker. He had
a part, also, in the preparation of many musical books
for choirs and Sunday-schools, and for use in the
temperance movement. In his later years he was
the chief musical conductor at Chautauqua, and at
other large summer assemblies. He was also the
chorus director and lecturer in the New Ens'land
Conservatory of Music, Boston. He devoted, too,
considerable time to musical and Sundaj^-school con-
ventions. He died April 14, 1888, at his home in
Dorchester, Mass.
Professor Sherwin' s hymns are numbered by scores.
Perhaps the most widely known are
" Lo, the clay of God is breaking,"
"Sound the battle cry,"
" I need thee, O my God,"
436 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
" Why is thy faith, O child of God, so small,"
" O sinner, the Savior is calling,"
"Grander than ocean's story,"
Many of his anniversary and Christmas hymns have
had a wide circulation in this country and in England.
In 1884, out of one hundred hymns written for the
semi-centennial of the American Baptist Home Mission
Society, a committee selected a hymn by Professor
Sherwin as one of the three best ; and in 1885, a
committee of the Methodist General Conference
awarded him the first prize for " the best hymn and
tune together, both original." The following stanzas
by Professor Sherwin, form the introduction to a vol-
ume of scripture selections designed as a helper " in
time of need":
" In time of need " —
So dost thou come with helpfulness, O Lord,
To those who trust thee and believe th}^ word;
"With i^race so like a mother's tenderness.
Enfolding all with thy great lovingness
In time of need.
In time of need,
iN'o stinted measure doth the Father give
To those who daily strive near him to live;
" According to his riches " doth he succor bring,
And " of his fulness" giveth like a king,
In time of need.
Our time of need
Is day by day, and even hour by hour;
Each heart's pulsation tells us of his power
Who counts our moments, orders every breath,
And guards each footstep, lest it lead to death.
How great our need!
'T is time of need
When blessings countless as the stars at night
Flood all our pathway with a heavenly light;
Lest we grow vain — too self-reliant be —
And, in our selfishness, forget to see
And feel our need.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 437
Oh! time of need
When anxious cares o'erwhelm the sinking heai't,
And storm-clouds darkly lower, and joys depart!
When friends forsake us, or the loved ones go
Beyond where death's dark, chilling waters flow,
How sore our need!
No time of need
Can come to any soul with power so great,
No sorrow leave the heart so desolate.
But earnest prayer may bring, from realms above,
The strength and comfort of eternal love
To meet the need.
God knows our need!
Look up, O storm-tossed soul, look up!
E'en though thy lips press sorrow's bitter cup
Receive the promise in the holy AVord,
And cast thine every burden on the Lord
In time of need.
J. N. FOLWELL.
1827 .
Rev. J. N. Folwell was born in Philadelphia,
Penn., June 1, 1827, of Quaker parents. In his four-
teenth year he was graduated from one of the district
schools in his native city, and entering a mercantile
establishment in Philadelphia, by a peculiar provi-
dence he was made the junior salesman two weeks
later. In his nineteenth year he met with a change
of heart through the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
and March, 1847, he was baptized by Rev. J. fi.
Kennard, d.d., and united with the Tenth Baptist
church. Ten months later, through the influence of
his pastor, and by the agency of Rev. Eugenio Kin-
caid, D.D., he was led to withdraw from a business life,
438 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
and to enter upon a course of study preparatory for
the Christian ministry. He was one of the first stu-
dents in the institution now known as Bucknell Uni-
versity, but on account of illness was obliged to leave
the institution in his junior year. From Madison
University, at Hamilton, N. Y., he received the hon-
orary degree of master of arts.
November 25, 1850, he was ordained as pastor of
the old Cohansey Baptist church at Roadstown, N.
J. Subsequently he became pastor of the Manayunk
Baptist church, Philadelphia, whose church edifice he
was instrumental in building, and later of the 55th
Street Baptist church. New York, where he performed,
a similar service. He then became pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Ithaca, N. Y., where, beside other sea-
sons of revival, God gave him a wonderful work of
grace in a ballroom in the northern part of the town,
which led to the organization of what is now the flour-
ishing Tabernacle Baptist church of that city. Still
later, he accepted the pastorate of the Second Baptist
church in Brooklyn, east district, whose church edifice
he aided in building, and with which he labored about
eleven years, until disabled by typhoid fever. When
convalescent, at the request of Dr. Parmly, he went
to Bayonne City, N. J., a place of fifteen thousand
people, but without a Baptist church. Here in three
years and a half a Baptist church of fifty-five mem-
bers was gathered, a brick meeting-house erected, and
a mission Sunday-school established. Mr. Folwell is
now pastor of the Baptist church in Lancaster, Penn.
He has always believed in hard work, and such work,
now as ever, has its reward.
Mr. Folwell is the author of several hymns, some of
which have appeared in the Watchman, and other
religious journals. Two of these have found their
way into Dr. Lowry's hymn books. One, entitled
"The Child's Prayer," has a place in "Bright Jew-
els," and the other is included in "Our Glad Hosanna.'*
AND THEIR HYMNS. 439
A more recent hymn written by Mr. Folwell is enti-
tled "Prayer for the Holy Spirit."
Holy Spirit, at this hour
Let us feel thy quickening power;
Come upon us as we meet
At the heav'nly mercy-seat.
Shed abroad thy love divine,
From all sin our hearts refine,
Make our lives from day to day
Jesus' love to men display.
Give us zeal the lost to seek,
And the gospel to them speak;
Make the fruits of grace abound
In our life the year around.
Fix our eye on Christ alone,
To our souls his joy make known.
All thy work in us complete,
For his presence make us meet.
Seal us for the life above,
O thou blest, eternal Dove I
Clothed in white, cause us to be,
And in peace God's face to see.
GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN.
1828 .
This is one of the sainted names in our American
Baptist households. George Dana Boardman, the well
known missionary, after a few years of heroic toil
in Burma, died in the jungles back of Tavoy, and Dr.
Judson wrote: "One of the brightest luminaries of
Burma is extinguished ; dear brother Boardman has
gone to his eternal rest. I have heard no particulars,
except that he died on returning from his expedition
440 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
to the Karen villages, within one day's march of
Tavoy. He fell gloriously at the head of his troops,
in the army of victory ; thirty-eight wild Karens hav-
ing been brought to the camp of King Jesus since the
beginning of the year, beside the thirty-two that were
brought in during the two preceding years." Mr.
Boardman's son, George Dana Boardman, born at
Tavoy, August 18, 1828, was taken to his dying
father's bedside, but as his mother wrote, "He was too
young to know there was cause for grief." Continuing
her husband's labors, Mrs. Boardman declined the earn-
est appeals of friends in America that for her own sake,
and for the sake of her little boy, she would return to
her native land; but several years later, after her
marriage to Dr. Judson, her duty to her child, then six
years of age, was recognized, and George was sent to
the United States to be educated. For the young boy
the journey was one of many hardshijDS. Near Singa-
pore he barely escaped capture by Malay pirates ;
bub nine months after leaving Burma he safely reached
his destination, and was among friends who gave him
a tender welcome.
August 23, 1836, Dr. Judson wrote to his step-son:
" Perhaps we shall live to see you come out a minister
of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We some-
times pray that if it be the will of God, it may be so."
A few years later, the boy, for whom such petitions
continued to ascend heavenward, was baptized at
Thomaston, Me., by Rev. William Lamson. In 1846,
he entered Brown University, but in his sophomore
year he left college, and the two subsequent years
A\ere spent at the west in reading law, and in mercan-
tile pursuits. He then returned to Providence, re-en-
tered college, and was graduated from Brown Univer-
sity in 1852, and from Newton Theological Institution
in 1855.
His first settlement was at Barnwell Court House,
South Carolina, where he was ordained in December,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 441
1855. After a brief pastorate he accepted a call from
the Second Baptist church in Rochester, N. Y. Here
he had a successful ministry, until May, 1864, when
he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist
church in Philadelphia, Penn. As the pastor of this
old church, he still remains, held in deserved honor
not only by his own people, but by Christians of
every name.
On successive Wednesday evenings, from October,
1864, to April, 1882, Dr. Boardman — he received the
degree of doctor of divinity from Brown University in
1866 — delivered before his church in Philadelphia six
hundred and fifty-three lectures containing an expo-
sition of the entire New Testament. In 1886, he
entered upon a similar course of lectures on the Old
Testament. In 1878, he delivered in the hall of the
Young Men's Christian Association, Philadelphia, before
large audiences, fourteen lectures on "The Creative
Week." These lectures were published the same
year by D. Appleton & Co., New York, under the title
"Studies in the Creative Week." In the foUowino-
o
year he published "Studies in the Model Prayer," and
also "Epiphanies of the Risen Lord." A volume on
the Sermon on the Mount, entitled "The Mountain
Instruction," was published in 1880. Dr. Boardman
has also published numerous sermons, addresses and
review articles.
He has also held important positions on missionary
and educational boards. From 1880, to 1884, he was
president of the American Baptist Missionary Union.
He is a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, and
in 1888, represented the university at the one thou-
sandth anniversary of the University at Bologna,
Spain. II3 is also a member of the American Philo-
sophical Society.
Dr. Boardman evidently inherited the fine poetic
gift which his mother possessed; but so far as I can
learn, the following evening hymn, written in 1854,
442 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
while he was a student at Newton, and first pubhshed
in the old New York Recorder, is the only hymn by
Dr. Boardman that has found its way into print:
Hast'ning on his march resplendent,
O'er the verge sublimely pendent,
Grandly to his couch descending.
Disappears the orb of day.
In the twilight's mellow lustre,
Bound our altar we will cluster;
God of heaven! to thee ascending,
Softly swells our vesper lay.
Through another day defended,
^y thy grace to us extended,
We acknowledge, and, adoring,
Lift our hearts in grateful praise.
Every evil thought repressing.
Humbly all our sins confessing.
Holy Father! we, imploring.
Crave of thee forgiving grace.
In this hour of contemplation.
We renew our consecration.
Till at length, through grace triumphant,
We attain the heavenly prize.
Then, when comes the consummation,
Rapt in holy adoration,
Shall our souls, on wings exultant.
Soar aloft in upper skies.
This hymn, set to music by M. F. H. Smith, has
been assigned a place in a hymn book compiled by
Rev. D. C. Eddy, d.d., entitled "The Memorial
Hymnal, a Collection of Hymns and Tunes for the
Use of Baptist Families and Churches."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 443
CARLOS SWIFT.
1829 .
Rev. Carlos Swift was born in Fabius, Onondaga
County, N. Y., January 12, 1829. He was educated
at Pompey Academy, Union College and Madison
University. November 6, 1851, in Trenton, near
Utica, he was ordained to the work of the Christian
ministry. His principal pastorates have been at Clin-
ton four years, Waterville four years, and Madison
five years, all in New York; Mount Carroll three
years. Normal two years, and Aurora one year, all in
Hlinois; Comanche, Iowa, two years; and in Chicago,
111., seven years. He still resides in Chicago, but
since 18G4, ill health has greatly interfered with his
ministerial labors.
Two hymns written by Mr. Swift are included in
"The Iris, Songs of Jesus for Sunday Schools and
Devotional Meetings," compiled by H. H. Hawley.
One of these is a Christmas hymn. The other is enti-
tled "Rejoicing in Hope," and is as follows:
lu that far distant land where the angels of light
Are resplendent with glory no mortal hath known,
Where the praise of the Lord is their holy delight,
As with melodies sweet they encircle the throne ;
I 've a Savior whose glory outshines all beside.
From whose bosom the fulness of love overflows,
Who once visited earth, and in bitterness died
To redeem my dark soul from its sin and its woes.
In that far distant home where the angels of peace
Are united in love, and where harmony reigns,
Where the Father of all in his intinite grace
Sweetly smiles on the children his bounty sustains ;
I 've a mansion of bliss which my Savior has given,
Who with blood sealed my pardon and made me his own,
To partake of his fulness of glory in heaven,
And to sit at his side on his beautiful throne.
'444 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
J. BYINGTON SMITH.
1830 .
Rev. J. Btington" Smith, d.d., was born in Schroon,
N. Y., May 1, 1830. When sixteen years of age he
united with the Baptist church in Elbridge, N. Y.
His collegiate studies he pursued at the University of
Rochester, where he was graduated in 1852. From
the Rochester Theological Seminary he was graduated
in 1854. November 23, 1854, he was ordained at
Dunkirk, and here he labored a few months. In the
following year he accepted the pastorate of the Bap-
tist church in Fayetteville, N. Y., where his ministry
was signally blessed, many being added to the mem-
bership of the church. In 1860, he became pastor of
the Baptist church in Farmersville, N. Y. During the
six years which he spent with this church a new
house of worship was erected. From 1865, to 1869,
he was chaplain of the state prison at Sing Sing.
Then he accepted a call to the pastorate of the Bap-
tist church in Geneva, N. Y, Here he remained seven
years. The year following his resignation he spent in
Europe, and on his return he became pastor of the
Baptist church in Peekskill, N. Y. He now resides in
Saratoga, N. Y.
During his chaplaincy at Sing Sing Dr. Smith com-
piled a "Prison Hymn Book," which included some of
the compiler's own hymns. Several hymns, written
by Dr. Smith, are found in "Songs of Gladness"
(1875). The following is entitled "The Hand that
Lifts Me":
When the mountam of sin rose above me,
And I could not scale its bleak height,
Its dark shadows were falling upon me,
And gathering the blackness of night;
Then a hand took me over the mountain
To my home which was far out of sight.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 445
When I sank in the horrible dungeon,
That horrible pit where I lay,
When the terrors of death were upon me.
And nothing my fears could allay,
Then a hand underneath me upbore me
To the brightness and gladness of day.
"VVlien I 'm sinking in death's gloomy river.
And down in the surges I lie,
Then this hand is extended to rescue.
And lift to my home in the sky ;
'T is the hand of my Savior that takes me,
And will lift me to dwell upon high.
Unto him who thus graciously saves me
From sorrow and sadness and sin,
I will cling till in love he shall bring me
Where never a sorrow has been;
And where he at the door will be waiting
To lift me, a poor wanderer, in.
Dr. Smith has published several sermons and ad-
dresses, lie is also the author of "Sayings and Do-
ings of Children."
MRS. S. A. COLLINS.
1830 .
In " Gospel Hymns " Mrs. Collins has a hymn, com-
mencing
Jesus, gracious one, calleth now to thee.
This hymn was written at the request of Dr. W. H.
Doane, and the music which accompanies it was com-
posed by him. Mr. Sankey was pleased with it, and
gave it a place in " Gospel Hymns." Another hymn
written by Mrs. Collins is entitled "Prevailing Prayer."
446 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The music to which it is sung was composed by
Rev. Robert Lowry, d.d. It commences
O God, the prayer of thy beloved son.
The following hymn by Mrs. Collins is entitled " The
Land of Beulah," and was suggested by Bunyan's
words in his "Pilgrim's Progress": "After this I beheld
until they came into the land of Beulali, where the sun
shineth night and day. Here, because they were
weary, they betook themselves awhile to rest." The
hymn was first published in the Journal and Messen-
ger, May, 1877 :
Resting, my Savior, and waiting for thee,
Safe in the land of delight;
Earth and its sorrows are shadows to me,
Heaven shines clear on my sight.
Resting, my Savior, thy garden is fair,
Fulness of good it supplies;
Incense and melody float on the air,
Yonder the fair city lies.
Shining ones come on swift pinions of light,
Down from that city of love;
Radiant messengers stay not their flight,
Bearing glad spirits above.
Bells of that city ring joyful and clear,
Pilgrims are reaching their home;
Voices of harpers fall soft on my ear.
Soon thou wilt bid me to come.
Mrs. Collins was born in Middleborough, Mass.,
May 22, 1830. She was married in 1850, "to Rev. S.
A. Collins, who had pastorates at Great Falls, N. H.,
Fitchburg, Mass., and Cincinnati, Ohio. On account
of failing health, he was obliged to withdraw from the
work of the ministry, and became teacher of mental
and moral science in Belmont College, College Hill.
Since his death, which occurred May 16, 1877, Mrs.
CoUins has made College Hill her home.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 447
CHRISTOPHER R. BLACKALL.
1830 .
For many years Dr. Blackall has occupied a promi-
nent position in Baptist Sunday-school work. He was
born in Albany, N. Y., September 18, 1830. It was
his purpose to enter the medical profession, and he
studied medicine in New York, and later in Chicago,
where he was graduated from the Rush Medical Col-
lege. Daring tlie civil war he served about two years
as a surgeon of the Thirty-Third Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry. He then resigned on account of impaired
health, and returned to Chicago. Deeply interested
in Sunday-school work, he accepted the secretaryship
of the Chicago Sunday School Union, and in May,
1866, he became its general superintendent, succeed-
ing Rev. J. H. Vincent, d.d. In 1867, he accepted
an appointment as district Sunday-school secretary of
the American Baptist Publication Society for the
northwest, with headquarters in Chicago, and a year
later he established the Chicago branch of the soci-
ety. Here he remained until 1879, when he removed
to New York to assume the management of the branch
house in that city. In 1882, the enlargement of the
Sunday-school periodical work made necessary the ap-
pointment of an office editor, and Dr. Blackall was
transferred to Philadelphia. For ten years he had
been editor of the primary class paper "Our Little
Ones," and for three years editor of the "Bible Lesson
Quarterly." He had also been a frequent contributor
to the other publications of the society. This work
he continued, and he also, in 1884, became editor of
the " Baptist Superintendent." His assistance is fre-
quently sought in Sunday-school conventions, insti-
tutes and assemblies.
Dr. Blackall is the author of the popular cantatas
"Belshazzar" and "Ruth." He is also the author of
448 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
a poem, "Nellie's Work for Jesus," which has reached
a sale of twelve thousand copies. He has also pub-
lished "Lessons on the Lord's Prayer" (1869), and "A
Story of Six Decades" (1885), an interesting history
of the work of the American Baptist Publication Soci-
ety for sixty years.
He has also written a large number of Sunday-
school hymns, of which at least seventy-five have
been published in various Sunday-school singing books
issued since 1868. Of these
Hast thou gleaned well today
first appeared in "Bright Jewels," the music by Dr.
Kobert Lowry. The hymn was written in the cars
between Springfield, 111., and Chicago, as Dr. Blackall
was returning from a Sunday-school convention. Dur-
ing the day he had been at work on the libretto of
"Ruth," for Dr. W. H. Doane, and had just completed
the closing chorus of praise, when, as he sat by the
car window, his thoughts took the form of an interro-
gation to his own soul, and rising from his seat, by the
lamplight in the car, he wrote the hymn as it now
appears.
The hymn "My Sabbath Home," commencing
Sweet Sabbath School! more dear to me,
was first published in "Pure Gold." Dr. Blackall had
been absent from his school for several weeks, receiv-
ing each week from his associates, either by letters or
telegrams, an account of the school. While in Dr.
Doane' s study one day, he picked up a piece of music
in manuscript, and asked Dr. Doane to play it. Dr.
Blackall then wrote for this music the words of this
hymn.
"VVe are little sunbeams
was brought out in "Chapel Gems." It was written
for a large primary class, of which Dr. Blackall was at
that time the teacher.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 449
Follow the paths of Jesus
was first published in the " Baptist Hymn and Tune
Book," without music. Dr. Doane afterward wrote
music for it, and inserted it in the "Glad Refrain."
Dr. Blackall had been spending a couple of weeks at
the Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, where for safety it
was necessary to follow the guide. On the morning
of his departure, recalling his experiences with the
guide, the words of this hymn came to him, and were
written out on the railway train immediately after.
Follow the paths of Jesus,
Walk where his footsteps lead,
Keep in his beaming presence,
Every counsel heed.
Watch, while the hours are flying,
• Ready some good to do;
Quick, while his voice is calling,
Yield obedience true.
Cling to the hand of Jesus,
All through the day and night,
Dark though the way and dreary,
He will guide you right.
Live for the good of others,
Helpless, oppressed and wrong;
Lift them from depths of sorrow,
In his strenorth be strong.
HENRY C. GRAVES.
1830 .
In "Gospel Hymns" (consolidated) there is a hymn
(356) by Rev. Henry C. Graves, d.d., entitled "Hear
thou my Prayer." The music is by Geo. C. Stebbins,
29
450 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
and the hymn first appeared in "Welcome Songs, No.
2," in 1879. The hymn is as follows:
All seeing, gracious Lord,
My heart before thee lies;
All sin of thought and life abhorred,
My soul to thee would rise.
Kefeain. — Hear thou my prayer, O God,
Unite my heart to thee ;
Beneath thy love, beneath thy rod,
From sin deliver me.
Thou knowest all my need,
My inmost thought dost see ;
Ah, Lord I from all allurements freed,
Like thee transformed I 'd be.
Thou holy, blessed One,
To me, I pray, draw near;
My spirit fill, O heavenly Son,
With loving, godly fear.
Bind thou my life to thine,
To me thy life is given.
While I my all to thee resign,
Thou art my all in heaven.
Dr. Graves was born in Deerfield, Mass., September
22, 1830. When fourteen years of age he became a
member of the Baptist church in North Sunderland,
Mass., of which his father, Newcomb Graves, was a
deacon for many years. A college education was his
great desire from his childhood, and his parents, at a
very great sacrifice on their part, aided him in its ac-
complishment. He prepared for college at Shelburne
Falls and East Hampton ; was graduated at Amherst
College in 1856; and pursued his theological studies
at Newton Theological Institution 1856-1858. He
was ordained March 9, 1858, and his pastorates have
been as follows: Charlestown, Mass., 1858-1863; Prov-
idence, R. I., 1863-1874; Fall River, Mass., 1874-
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 451
1880; Haverhill, Mass., 1880-1886; New Bedford,
Mass., 1886-.
From his mother, who possessed a fine voice, and
was familiar with the best music of the old mas-
ters, and also those of her own time. Dr. Graves
inherited a love for sacred song. His first hymn,
written when he was fifteen years old, was sung at
the funeral service of a little child, by the choir of
which he was a member. His hymns have been to
him the expression of sympathy and religious feeling.
Several of them were written as the conclusion of
sermons, and they contain, in rhythmical form, the
thoughts of the discourse. His occasional hymns
have found a place in prominent religious and secular
journals, and also in several collections of hymns for
Sunday-schools, social worship, and church services.
At the present time he has in preparation a volume
of translations from Latin, French, and German hymn
writers, some new versions of old English lyrics, and
original hymns.
EDWARD G. TAYLOR.
1830-1887.
Rev. Edward G. Taylor, d.d., was born in Fox
Chase, Philadelphia, Penn., November 25, 1830. He
was graduated at the University of Lewisburgh, now
Bucknell University, in 1854, and at Rochester Theo-
logical Seminary, in 1856. Having received a call to
the pastorate of the Baptist church in Terre Haute,
Ind., he was ordained in that place in June, 1857, and
continued to serve that church as its pastor until 1860.
From 1860, to 1864, he was pastor of the First Baptist
church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He then removed to
452 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Chicago, where he was pastor of the Park Avenue
Baptist church from 1864, to 1870. He then became
pastor of the CoHseum Place Baptist church, in New
Orleans, La., where he did a needed work in freeing
the church from a heavy debt and in gathering a
large congregation. He remained in New Orleans
from 1870, to 1875, when he accepted the pastorate of
the First Baptist church in Providence, R. I. Here he
was especially prominent in Sunday-school work. In
the large edifice of that historic church he gave each
week an exposition of the Sunday-school International
lessons, which was largely attended by Sunday-school
teachers of different denominations. From Provi-
dence, in 1881, he went to New York as pastor of the
Mount Morris Baptist church. Here he remained
until September, 1882, when, on account of impaired
health, he resigned, and went abroad. Upon his
return, he became pastor of the First Baptist church,
Newark, N. J. In the autumn of 1885, he accepted
the call of the Delaware Avenue Baptist church,
Buffalo, N. Y., and there he remained until his death,
Avhich occurred, after a brief illness, on Sunday, April
10, 1887.
Dr. Taylor was editor of the "Baptist Sunday School
Quarterly," also expository editor of the "Baptist
Teacher." He was also the author of a large number
of hymns for use in Sunday-schools. In the " Service
of Song for Social Meetings" (1881) is a hymn (222)
by Dr. Taylor,
Deal kindly with my master,
with music by George C, Stebbins. Mr. Stebbins also
composed the music for the following hymns written
by Dr. Taylor :
"Not saved are we by trying,"
" Fear not, God is thy shield,"
" Sings my happy soul of Jesus,"
" Closer to thy side I cling."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 453
But for most of his hymns Dr. Taylor composed the
music as well as the words. Among them are the
following :
" Trust him, sinner, trust him now,"
"All my trust is in thee, Jesus,"
"Thank God for the Bible, more precious than gold,"
" Arise and be doing, the Lord be with thee,"
" Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging,"
" Able to save to the uttermost, is he,"
"One thing I know, I was blind but now see,"
" "Why sit we here until we die,"
" Calleth the Savior in tones of love."
Dr. Taylor was also the author of the following hymns :
" The happy morn has dawned at last,"
" Glad the ransomed of Jehovah,"
" O Lord from thy dwelling-place hear our hearts say,"
" Serve the Lord with willing mind."
This is only a partial list, but these first lines will indi-
cate the aim and scope of Dr. Taylor's hymns. For
the most part it will be seen they give expression in
lyrical form to prominent scripture sentiments.
The following hymn is a rendering into verse of an
incident in the story of Mephibosheth, as related in
2 Sam. ix. :
At the King's table the kindness of God
Has made rich provision for me ;
Costly the banquet — the purchase of blood —
Yet, large as its price, it is free.
Pardon and peace are the meats of his board,
And grace in abundance is there;
Glorious the feast that is spread by the Lord
For all his saved people to share.
At the Kjng's table in gladness I sit,
Made pure from the sin that defiled;
Kobed in the garments of righteousness, fit
For one whom he owns as his child;
454 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
There in his beauty the king I behold;
Ah! matchless is he in his grace,
Charms that by mortals can never be told
Adorn both his speech and his face.
At the King's table a company grand
Is gathered — once poor and unknown -
Princes are they by the touch of his hand,
And heirs to a crown and a throne.
To the King's table the kindness of God
Invites every sinner to come;
Tree its provision — the purchase of blood-
And mercy cries, " Still there is room."
CLARA B. HEATH.
1831 .
Mrs. Clara B. Heath, a daughter of Reuben G.
and Sophia (Brown) Sawyer, was born in Manchester,
N. H., July 28, 1831. She was educated in the pub-
lic schools of that city, and attended a select school in
a neighboring town about a year. In 1853, she was
married to Robert Heath, a native of Chester, N. H.,
whose residence is now in Manchester. Mrs. Heath
has been a contributor to the Watchman many years.
Several of her hymns are included in Z. M. Parvin's
"Songs of Delight," published in 1875, by A. S.
Barnes & Co., New York. In 1881, she published a
volume of poems, entitled "Water Lilies and Other
Poems," which found a ready sale. The following
lines in this collection are entitled " The Great Shep-
herd," 1 Cor. ii. 9 :
" Eye hath not seen." O human eye!
Bewildered by the earth below, * •
The matchless glories of the sky.
The shining waves that ebb and flow,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 455
The flowers with all their varied tints,
Brighter than ever monarch wore, —
Are these fair things indeed but hints
Of what our Father has in store ?
" Ear hath not heard." O human earl
Charmed with the music of the sea,
rilled with the sounds that greet thee here,
Eejoicing in their harmony.
Entranced by every word and tone
From loving lips that rise and fall.
Hast thou indeed, then, never known
The heavenly sounds that will enthrall ?
" No heart conceives." Strange human hearti
Proud of thine unseen depths below.
Buoyed by the hopes that from thee dart,
Is there still more for thee to know ?
Capacious heart, that burns and thrills,
And throbs again with ecstasy,
When earth-born joys such caverns fill,
How deep the heavenly tide must be!
" For those who love him." Weary soul,
Drink deeply of the promised bliss.
How round and beautiful the whole
Of one great promise such as this I
O wondrous ocean of God's love!
Beyond all comprehension wide.
Thy waves will bear the saints above,
Where all are more than satisfied.
WILLIAM H. DOANE.
1832 .
De. William Howaed Doane, musical composer, was
born in Preston, New London County, Conn., Feb-
ruary 3, 1832. He received his education in the
pubUc schools of that place, and subsequently he
attended the Academy at Woodstock, where he was
456 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
graduated in 1848. His father was an extensive
cotton manufacturer, and at an early age William was
placed in an important position in his counting-room.
About three years later he accepted a still higher and
more responsible position in the counting-room of
James S. Treat, an extensive manufacturer of cotton
goods in Voluntown. After remaining there three
years he was called to Norwich to take charge of the
books and finances of J. A. Fay & Co., at that time
extensive manufacturers of wood-working machinery.
He remained with them about five years and then was
transferred by the company to Chicago, 111., and
placed in charge of their western business as general
agent. In 1860, he became a partner in the business,
and having removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, he became
president of the company, and has since had the com-
plete control and management of the business. The
sole manufacturing establishment of the company is
now in Cincinnati. Dr. Doane was converted in 1847,
and in 1851, he was baptized by Rev. Frederic Denison,
and united with the Central Baptist church in Norwich,
Conn. In 1857, he was married to Fanny M. Treat,
daughter of his father's partner. Dr. Doane lives at
Mount Auburn, a suburb of Cincinnati, and is a prom-
inent member of the Mount Auburn Baptist cliurch.
From his early boyhood Dr. Doane was interested
in music. At the age of six years he sang frequently
in public, and at the age of ten he sang in the church
choir. At twelve he was considered an exceptionally
fine flutist. At thirteen, he could play on the double
bass viol, and at fifteen with equal skill he could play
on the cabinet organ. About this time, he commenced
musical composition. In thorough bass, etc., he was
favored with good instructors, among them, Holbrook,
B. F. Baker, A. N. Johnson, and the great German
musician, Kanhoiser. In 1852-4, he was conductor of
the Norwich Harmonic Society. In 1854, he assisted
B. F, Baker in a musical convention. His first Sunday-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 557
school hymn book, " Sabbath Gems," was prepared in
1861. This was followed, in 1864, by "Little Sun-
beams," in 1867, by "Silver Spray," and by "Songs of
Devotion," in 1868. Since that time, in connection
with Rev. Robert Lowry, d.d., he has published " Pure
Gold," "Royal Diadem," " Temple Anthem, " "Tidal
Wave," " Brightest and Best," "Welcome Tidings,"
"Fountain of Song," "Good as Gold," "Glad Ho-
sanna," "Joyful Lays," "Glad Refrain," and others.
He was also connected with Dr. Lowry in preparing
" The Gospel Hymn and Tune Book " for the American
Baptist Publication Society, and more recently he
was one of the musical editors of "The Baptist
Hymnal." In 1875, Denison University conferred
upon him the honorary degree of doctor of music.
Dr. Doane has written a few hymns, among them
" No one knows but Jesus,"
" Savior, like a bird to thee,"
and the following in "Good as Gold":
Precious Savior, dearest Friend,
While we bend the knee.
Come and give our longing hearts
Deeper love for thee.
Come and consecrate us now,
Seal us ever thine;
May we to thy holy will
Every power resign.
Trusting as a little child,
Help us Lord to be;
While we ask in simple faith
Deeper love for thee.
Deeper love, yes, deeper love,
This our constant plea;
Deeper love, yes, deeper love.
Till we 're lost in thee.
Dr. Doane has devoted himself especially to musical
composition, and many of his tunes are as familiar
458 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
as household words. The music to the " Old, Old
Story" was composed under the following circum-
stances. The words were given to Dr. Doane in 1866,
or 1867, at Montreal, by Maj. Gen. Russell, then the
commander of the Queen's forces in Canada. Gen.
Russell had read the words at the farewell meeting of
the International Convention of the Y. M, C. A.
With others Dr. Doane went from Montreal to the
White Mountains, and on a stage-coach, between the
Glen and the Crawford House, he wrote the music to
the " Old, Old Story." That evening in the parlor at
the Crawford a little company gathered around the'
piano, and there this sweet hymn was first sung.
Safe in the arms of Jesus
was composed on the railway, between Philadelphia
and Newark, while Dr. Doane was on his way to
attend the International Sunday-school Convention in
1867.
Rescue the perishing
was composed for the anniversary meeting of the
Y. M. C. Association at Indianapolis, and was first
published in "Songs of Devotion."
More like Jesus would I be
was composed for an anniversary of the Howard Mis-
sion in New York. The words were written by Fanny
Crosby, while on her knees just after a season of
prayer.
Near the cross, a trembling soul
was written and first sung from manuscript in Balti-
more, at a public meeting, at which Dr. Doane was
asked to favor the audience with a song. He hap-
pened to have the manuscript in his pocket, and with
it answered the invitation. It touched the hearts of
those present, and at once became popular. Among
AND THEIR HYMNS. 459
other well known hymns for which the music was
composed by Dr. Doane, are the following:
" Pass me not, O gentle Savior,"
"Jesus, keep me near the cross,"
" More love to thee, O Christ,"
" Take the name of Jesus with you."
Dr. Doane has composed more than six hundred
Sunday-school songs, at least one hundred and fifty
church and prayer-meeting hymns, and two hundred
and fifty other songs and ballads, beside anthems, can-
tatas, etc.
CHARLES W. RAY.
1832 .
Rev. Charles W. Ray, d.d., was born in Burling-
ton, Otsego County, N. Y., February 20, 1832. His
early life was spent in Otselic, where he was trained
to business; but at length, having made himself famil-
iar with most branches pursued in our higher schools
of learning, he turned his attention to the work of
the Christian ministry, and was ordained pastor of the
First Baptist church in Otselic, June 9, 1857. April
1, 1859, he entered upon his labors as pastor of the
First Baptist church in North Stonington. Three
years later he accepted the pastorate of the Third
Baptist church in the same town. Here he remained
four years, when he became pastor of the Baptist
church in East Greenwich, R. I. After two years of
service he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist
church in Jewett City, Conn. Two years later he
became pastor of the First Baptist church in Bristol,
460 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Conn, Subsequently lie was employed by tbe Con-
necticut Baptist Convention to organize a new church
in Bridgeport. In recent years he has been a mission-
ary and agent of the American Baptist Publication
Society, but is now devoting himself to evangelistic
work, in which he has been greatly blessed. In 1884,
he received the degree of doctor of divinity from
Monongahela College, Jefferson, Penn.
Dr. Ray is the author of several books, among them
a volume of poems entitled "Looking Forward, or
Recognition and Reunion in Heaven." (J. B. Lippin-
cott & Co., 1885). With the co-operation of Charles
E. Pryor, he compiled a book of praise for the Sun-
day-school, entitled ''Spicy Breezes," including a large
number of Dr. Ray's own hymns. Among those in
this collection which have been especially useful are
Jesus evermore is calling,
and " Calvary's Answer."
Dr. Ray has written a large number of Christmas
hymns. The following was recently published by
McCalla & Co., Philadelphia:
'T is night, 't is night, and silence falls
O'er shepherd's fold and humble cot,
O'er temples, towers, and city walls,
And all is hushed and seems forgot.
But from the stable and the stall,
Upon the eager listening ear,
A baby's gentle sobbings fall.
And Christ, the new-born King, is here !
'T is night, 't is night, and from afar,
More bright than kingly diadem.
Is seen the strange prophetic star.
O'er David's city, Bethlehem;
The Prince of Life, the King Supreme,
At whose behest the worlds were made,
Who comes his people to redeem,
Is in the lowly manger laid.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 461
'T is night, 't is night, and watchful eyes
Behold the shining angel throng.
Descending from the starry skies
With joyous shout and grateful song.
The shepherds leave their flocks to see
What wondrous things the Lord hath done,
And who the infant Prince can be I
'Tis Jesus, God's incarnate SonI
'T is night, 't is night! and yet the songs
Are heard o'er all the Bethlehem hills.
While echo sweet each note prolongs.
And every heart with rapture thrills.
What wondrous strains, what glad refrains
Of holy angels from on high,
Besounding o'er Judea's plains.
And through the blue ethereal skyl
WILLIAM S. McKENZIE.
1832 .
Rev. William Scott McKenzie, d.d., was born
of Scotch parents, February 29, 1832, in Liverpool,
Nova Scotia. When about fourteen years of age, he
was converted and received as a member of a small
Baptist church in his native town. Two years later
he attended, at Wolfville, the academy which has been
made somewhat famous by the late Professor James
De Mille's series of publications known as the "B. 0.
W. C. Books." Here young McKenzie pursued his
college preparatory studies, and was matriculated at
Acadia College, Wolfville. But before his first year
in college closed his health became impaired, and he
went to Boston. Here, in about six months, he
regained his health, but instead of returning to Wolf-
ville, he resumed study at Worcester Academy, Wor-
cester, Mass., where he passed a year in obtaining a
462 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
more thorough j)reparation for college. He then
entered Harvard University, from which he was grad-
uated in 1855. The two subsequent years he spent
at the Newton Theological Institution. In April, 1857,
he w\as ordained, and supplied for awhile the Baptist
church in East Abington, Mass. In 1858, he accepted
a call to the pastorate of the Baptist church in
Andover, Mass., where he availed himself of advan-
tages for further theological study. While in Ando-
ver, at the suggestion of the late Dr. H. B. Hackett,
he prepared for publication a series of Sunday-school
question books on the Life of Christ. These books
had a large sale, reaching an issue of nearly ninety
thousand copies. From Andover Mr. McKenzie was
called in 1860, to the pastorate of Friendship Street
Baptist church, Providence, R. I. Here he remained
until 1866, when he resigned on account of ill health,
and spent the following year in seeking restoration in
the rugged climate of Miramichi, on the Gulf of St.
Lawrence. He then accepted a call to the pastorate
of the Leinster Street Baptist church in St. John, N.
B. Here he spent six years, when he was called by
the board of the American Baptist Missionary Union
to the office of district secretary for New England, in
which service he is still eno-ao-ed. The deorree of
doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by La
Grange College.
Dr. McKenzie has written much for the periodical
press, both religious and secular. While at St. John,
he largely aided in editorial work on the Christian
Visitor. For almost ten years he was connected with
Dr. J. N. Murdock in editing the Missionary Magazine.
He has also published, from time to time, considerable
religious poetry. But his principal work in this line
has been translations of early and mediaeval Latin
hymns, many of which have appeared in print, and
have been highly commended for their literary excel-
lence, as well as their fidelity to the original. Among
them are the following: Hildebert's Hymn to the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 463
Trinity, two versions of the Stabat Mater Speciosa,
and two of the Stabat Mater Dolorosa, and two ver-
sions of the Dies Irse. In all, he has prepared transla-
tions, which, with his historical notes, would make
quite a volume if collected and published together.
Such a volume may be expected ere long. Some of
these translations have found a place in the new *■' Can-
adian Baptist Hymnal."
The following is one of Dr. McKenzie's translations
of the Dies Irse, a hymn written probably by Thomas
of Celano, an Italian, who died about the year 1255 :
Day of wrath and consternation!
World-wide sweeps that conflagration
Long foretold by inspiration."
Sudden fear on men is fallingi
For the Judge, to judgment calling,
Searcheth all with gaze appalling.
Peals the trumpet's blast of wonder;
Bursting every tomb asunder;
Citing all with voice of thunder.
Death and Nature, awestruck, quaking,
See the sleeping dead awaking
At the call the Judge is making.
God's own book of registration
Bears impartial attestation
In the great adjudication.
On his throne the Judge is dealing
With each hidden deed and feeling;
Wrath against all wrong revealing.
What for me can be expected,
By no patron's plea protected.
Where the just may be rejected?
O thou King of awful splendor —
Yet a Savior, loving, tender,
Source of love! be my defender.
Blessed Jesus! my salvation.
Brought thee down from exaltation:
Kescue me from reprobation.
464 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"Worn and wasted thou hast sought me;
With thy death-pangs thou hast bought me;
Shield the hope such anguish brought me.
Stay, just Judge, thine indignation;
Grant me pardon and salvation
Ere the judgment proclamation.
Bowed with guilt my soul is groaning;
Guilt ray crimsoned face is owning —
Spare, O God, a suppliant moaning.
Mary found in thee remission;
Thou didst heed the thief's petition:
Hope may I in my contrition.
Never can my prayers commend me;
Graciously wilt thou befriend me,
And from quenchless flames defend me.
When the sheep shall be selected,
Severed from the goats rejected.
Raise me to thy right perfected.
When thy foes in flames are wailing,
Where all cries are unavailing,
Summon me to joys unfailing.
Low before thee I am bending;
Sharp remorse my soul is rending:
Succor me when life is ending.
On that day of woe and weeping.
When from dust where he is sleeping,
Man shall wake and rise to meet thee,
Spare him! Jesus, I entreat thee.
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 465
THERON BROWN.
1832 .
Rev. Tiieron Brow:n' was born in Willimantic,
Conn., April 29, 1832. He was graduated at Yale
College in 1856, and entered the Theological Semi-
nary at Hartford, Conn., where he remained two
years. An added year was spent in theological study
at Newton Theological Institution, where he was grad-
uated in 1859. December 15, 1859, he was ordained
and settled as pastor of the Baptist church in South
Framingham, Mass. From 1863, to 1870, he was pas-
tor of the Baptist church in Canton, Mass. Since
1870, he has been connected with the editorial depart-
ment of the Youth's Companion, but has been a fre-
quent contributor, both of poetry and prose, to other
journals, secular and religious. He resides in Nor-
wood, Mass.
One of his contributions to the Watchman, a hymn
entitled "Immanuel's Banner," was included in "Se-
lect Songs" (Biglow & Main, 1884), with music by
Rev. George C. Phipps. He has also five hymns in
"Songs of Delight" (Parvin & Dowling 1875), viz.:
" Ring out 5'our pure hosannas,"
" Go on, go on, my brother,"
" Like stars that hide at morning,"
" What though I 'ra but a child,"
"Life's annual twelve o'clock."
Mr. Brown has also written a large number of hymns
for the choir and male quartette of the Ruggles Street
Baptist church, Boston, Mass. ; among them,
" O short was his slumberl he woke from the dust,"
" The sun and stars may cease to shine,"
" Bright star of the Savior! how clear was its flame."
30
466 BAPTIST HYMIN" WRITERS
The following liymn, written by Mr. Brown, was
sung at the Easter service in the Ruggles Street
church in 1882:
He rose! O morn of wonder I
They saw his sun go down,
Whose hate had crushed him under,
A King without a crown.
' No plume, no garland wore he;
Despised Death's victor lay;
And wrapped in night his glory,
That claimed a grander day.
He rose! What splendor breaking
On sorrow's midnight hour I
'T was life divine, the waking
Of Jesus' slumb'ring power.
'Twas love, his promise keeping,
That triumphed o'er the grave ;
He would not leave them weeping
Whose souls he came to save.
He rose! He burst immortal
From Death's dark realm alone,
And left its heavenward portal
Swung wide for all his own.
Nor need one terror seize us
To face earth's final pain.
For they who follow Jesus,
But die to live again.
He rose! O'er sin and sadness
The weakest saint is strong.
Who knows that word of gladness
And sings that angel song.
For life, whate'er befall us,
Is Christ, and death is gain ;
And soon his voice will call us
With him to rise and reign.
Some of Mr. Brown's poems have had a very wide
circulation, among them "The Battle Above the
Clouds," "Willie's Signal for Jesus," "The Rajah's
Clock." He has also frequently been invited to read
poems at academic and other literary festivals.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 467
WILLIAM C. WILKINSON.
1833 .
William Cleaver Wilkinson, d.d., was born in
Westford, Vt., October 19, 1833. He was graduated
at the University of Rochester, at Rochester, N. Y., in
1857, and at Rochester Theological Seminary in 1859.
After his graduation he visited Great Britain, and on
his return, in November, 1859, he became pastor of
the Wooster Place Baptist church, New Haven,
Conn. On account of ill health he resigned his
pastorate in 1861, and again went abroad. On his
return in 1863, he became professor ad interim of
modern languages in the University of Rochester.
Not long after he accepted the pastorate of the
Mount Auburn Baptist church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Resigning this pastorate in 1866, he opened a private
school at Tarry town, N. Y. In 1872, he was elected
professor of homiletics and pastoral theology in
Rochester Theological Seminary, a position which he
filled with marked ability until 1882, when he
resigned. He has since devoted himself entirely to
literary work. In 1871, he was offered the chair of
the German language and literature in the University
of Michigan, and that of English literature in 1873.
In the same year the University of Rochester con-
ferred upon him the honorary degree of doctor of
divinity.
Dr. Wilkinson is a master of clear and vigorous
English, and his writings are characterized by excellent
judgment and a pleasing style. He is the author of
"The Dance of Modern Society" (1868), "A Free
Lance in the Field of Life and Letters" (1874), "Pre-
paratory Greek Course in English " (1882), "Prepar-
atory Latin Course in English" (1883), "College
Greek Course in English" (1884), "College Latin
Course in English" (1885), "Classic French Course in
468 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
English" (1887), a volume of "Poems" (1883), and
'• Edwin Arnold as Poetizer and as Paganizer " (1885).
The following anniversary hymn by Dr. Wilkinson
is from his volume of " Poems":
O thou with whom a thousand years
And a swift day are one,
Behold, our human hopes and fears
A little round have run.
Hopes for thy cause, ennobling hopes I
How foolish all the fears!
Shamed Avere a faith that droops and gropes,
Since such accomplished years.
Our hearts are large with thankfulness ;
We glory in the Lord;
His Spirit doth our spirits press
As we his grace record.
Short rest in camp, then forth for fight!
"Welcome the long campaign!
Guided with meekness and with might,
Spread we Immanuel's reign.
Like the blue bending firmament,
That kingdom yet must span,
From shore to shore, a continent.
Redeemed to God for man.
Of this hymn the Boston Courier, May 13 ,1883,
said : " The 'Anniversary Hymn ' has the right tone to
it, and might have come to us from the hymn-making
era of the evangelical awakening of the last century."
A " Dedication Hymn," commencing
What we have builded, Lord, be thine,
is in the same collection. It was used at the dedica-
tion of Rockefeller Hall, at Rochester, and of Toronto
Baptist College, Toronto, Canada.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 469
CHARLES H. ROWE.
1834 .
Rev. Charles Henry Rowe was born in Guilford,
Me., January 19, 1834, but his family and childhood
home was in New Gloucester, Me. Here, when thir-
teen years of age, he was baptized by Rev. Joseph
Ricker, d.d., then pastor of the Baptist church in
that place. He was graduated at Colby University in
1858, and at Newton Theological Institution in 1861.
Auo-ust 29, 1861, he was ordained, and became pastor
of the Baptist church in Holyoke, Mass. In the fol-
lowing year he accepted a call to the pastorate of the
Baptist church in Augusta, Me. In 1864, he resigned
in order to accept a chaplaincy in the army. In
1866, he returned to pastoral work at the Stoughton
Street Baptist church, Boston. Here he remained
until 1871, when he became pastor of the Baptist
church at Weymouth. His subsequent pastorates have
been, WoUaston Heights, 1874-8; Cambridgeport,
1878-81; Mystic River, Conn., 1881-4; and Whit-
man, Mass., 1885-8.
From his mother, a woman of superior mind and
deep devotional spirit, he inherited a fine literary taste
and a special love for hymns sweet with the perfume
of gospel grace and truth. Beside many contributions
to the religious press, he has written several hymns
and poems that have been widely circulated. One of
these, " At Rest," is found in a volume of " Poems on
the Death of President Garfield," published by Moses
King, Cambridge, 1881. In 1886, the following hymn
appeared in the Watchman, and has since been
included in Rev. W. E. Penn's "Harvest Bells, No. 1,"
published by the John Church Company, Cincinnati,
Ohio,
470 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Nearer, 0 Christ, to thee,
Nearer to thee;
In love and by thy cross
Thou drawest me;
While all my prayer shall be,
Nearer, O Christ, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
In the wide wilderness
Of sin astray,
A wanderer far from God,
Lost in the way;
But by thy grace I '11 be
Nearer, O Christ, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
By thee the way appears
That leads to heaven,
And in the gospel word
Is mercy given;
Thy love it calleth me
Nearer, O Christ, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
Redeemed by precious blood
From sin and death,
The Spirit's quickening power
A living breath,
By faith I live to be
Nearer, O Christ, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
And when from earthly care
Thou bidst me come,
And in thy presence find
My heavenly home,
There shall I ever be
Nearer, O Christ, to thee.
Nearer to thee.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 471
JOSEPH HENRY GILMORE.
1834 .
The author of the familiar hymn
He leadeth me, O blessed thought,
was born in Boston, Mass., April 29, 1834. Having
graduated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., he
entered Brown University in 1854, where he was grad-
uated with the highest honors of his class, in 1858.
In the autumn of the same year he commenced his
theological course at Newton Theological Institution,
and was graduated in 1861. The following year he
spent at Newton as instructor in Hebrew. He was
ordained June 19, 1862, and accepted the pastorate of
the Baptist church in Fisherville, N. H. In 1863, and
1864, while his father was governor of New Hamp-
shire, he was his father's private secretary, and also
editor of the Concord Daily Monitor. In 1865, he
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Second Baptist
church in Rochester, N. Y. In 1867, he was acting
professor of Hebrew in Rochester Theological Sem-
inary. January 1, 1868, he entered upon the profess-
orship of logic, rhetoric and English literature in
the IJniversity of Rochester, a position which he still
holds.
For many years he has been a regular editorial
contributor to the Examiner. Beside review articles,
he has published an admirable elementary textrbook
on rhetoric, entitled "The Art of Expression" (1876).
Professor Gilmore is also the author of several hymns.
One of these commences
My trembling soul to Jesus turned.
Of another the first lines are
We dedicate to Jesus
Our pleasant Sabbath home.
472 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Still <anotlier is the hymn to which reference has
already been made :
He leadeth me! Oh blessed thought,
Oh, words with heavenly comfort fraught!
What e'er I do, where'er I be,
Still 't is God's hand that leadeth me.
Concerning the origin of this hymn the author gives
the following very interesting account:
" The hymn was written in the spring of 1862, at
the residence of Dea. Thomas Wattson, Philadelphia.
I had been talking, at the Wednesday evening lecture
of the First Baptist church, about the twenty-third
Psalm, and had been especially impressed with the
blessedness of being led by God, of the mere fact of
his leadership altogether apart from the way in which
he led us, and what he was leading us to. At the
close of the service we adjourned to Dea. Wattson's
pleasant home, at which I was stopping, and still held
before our minds and hearts the thouo-lit wliich I had
just emphasized. During the conversation, in which
Deacon Wattson and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Washing-
ton Butler, and, I think, one or two others participated,
the blessedness of God's leadership so grew upon me
that I took out my pencil, wrote the hymn just as it
stands to-day, handed it to my wife, and thought no
more of it. She sent it, without my knowledge, to
the Watchman and Reflector, and there it first ap-
peared in print. Three years later I went to Roches-
ter, N. Y., to preach for the Second Baptist church.
President Anderson took me to their place of worship
on the day after my arrival, and, on entering the
chapel, I took up a hymn-book, thinking, 'I wonder
what they sing ! ' The book opened at ' He leadeth
me,' and that was the first time I knew my hymn had
found a place among the songs of the church. I shall
never forget the impression made upon me by coming
in contact then and there with my own assertion of
God's blessed leadership. This is the story of 'He
AND THEIR HYMNS. 473
leadeth me ' substantially as I told it when first asked
to tell it, except that I then said (which shows how
little the fact of authorship impressed me), 'The
refrain has since been added by another hand.' After-
ward I found among my deceased wife's papers the
original copy of the hymn (Mrs. Dr. Anderson has it
now), and was surprised to find that I wrote the
refrain myself."
The lamented William B. Bradbury probably found
this hymn in the columns of the Watchman and
Reflector, and for it he composed the very appropriate
music with which Professor Gilmore's words have ever
since been associated. There is hardly a collection of
hymns now in use in which "He leadeth me" is not
found. Translated into other languages it has gone
round the world. Missionaries have taught it to their
converts. Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, d.d., says, it is a
general favorite in the McAll Mission in Paris. The
refrain in the Swedish version is as follows :
Han leder migl Han leder mig!
Ja, med sin hand han leder mig!
Ach, att jag troget foljde da
Den hand som huldt mig leder sa.
Indeed there is abundant evidence that this hymn has
been and still is a comfort to multitudes of God's
children in all their circumstances in life ; and it can-
not fail to remain long a prized possession of the
Christian church.
The following hymn by Professor Gilmore was
written in 1885 :
Tenderly the Father greets us
As we leave the haunts of sin;
On our homeward way he meets us,
Folds us safe his arms within.
Though his substance we have wasted,
Though in devious paths we 've trod.
Though sin's vilest dregs we've tasted,
He forgives — for he is God.
474 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
No upbraiding mars his giving,
No reproach for follies done,
Listen to the Everliving:
" 'T is my son — my long lost son."
Ah! 't is more than human kindness
Prompts the welcome we receive.
This is love ! What worse than blindness
E'er our Father's heart to grieve.
Vainly 'gainst our sins we 've striven,
Toiled — and failed — neath duty's rod;
Now a truer light is given,
And we simply rest in God.
All's forgiven — na}-^, forgotten;
Once again, we rest in God.
HENRY L. MOREHOUSE.
1834 .
Rev. Henry Lyman Morehouse, d.d., was born
October 2, 1834, in Stanford, Dutchess County, N. Y.
His father and grandfather were natives of Fairfield
County, Conn., and were members and deacons of
Baptist churches. At the age of twelve he removed
with his parents and an only brother to Avon, Living-
ston County, N. Y., where he was reared in the habits
of industry incident to a thrifty farmer's life. His
academic course was taken at Genesee Wesleyan Sem-
inary, a few miles from his home, and his collegiate
course at the University of Rochester, Rochester, N.
Y., from which he was graduated in 1858. He was
converted early in 1857, and united soon after with
the Baptist church in Avon. After the death of his
father in 1859, he remained on the farm about two
AND THEIR HYMNS. 475
years, when, believing that he was called to the work
of the Christian ministry, he entered, in 1861, the
Rochester Theological Seminary, from which he was
graduated in 1864.
After a few weeks spent in Virginia, in the service-
of the Christian Commission, he accepted a call to the
pastorate of the Baptist church at East Saginaw,
Mich., then a typical frontier city, full of speculation
in lumber and salt. Here he remained over eight
years, the first two of which he was a missionary of
the American Baptist Home Mission Society, preach-
ing frequently in the adjacent settlements. He was
a trustee of Kalamazoo College, and of the Baptist
Union Theological Seminary at Chicago, and president
of the Michigan Baptist State Convention. Early in
1873, he accepted a call to the pastorate of the East
Avenue Baptist church in Rochester, N. Y., a new
interest, of which he was the first settled pastor. He
was soon elected a member of the board of trustees
of Rochester Theological Seminary, and from 1877, to
1879, in addition to his pastoral duties, he was corre-
sponding secretary of the institution. In May, 1879,
he was elected corresponding secretary of the Amer-
ican Baptist Home Mission Society, and entered upon
the duties of this office in July following. The
*' Seven Years' Survey," presented to the vsociety in
1886, shows what unprecedented strides the society
had made during this period. Dr. Morehouse con-
tinues to fill this arduous and most responsible posi-
tion. The honorary degree of doctor of divinity was
conferred upon him by the University of Rochester
in 1879.
The poetical element in Dr. Morehouse's nature
found occasional expression during his college course,
and led to his election as alumni poet for 1874. The
poem which he delivered on that occasion, entitled
"Problems of Being," is his most elaborate produc-
tion. Several hymns written by him have found their
476 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
way into the papers, and have been widely repro-
duced. Among them is the following:
Friend of sinners, hear my plea,
God be merciful to me;
Sinful though my heart be found,
Let thy grace much more abound;
In the riches of thy grace
Finds my soul its resting-place.
Thou, my Advocate with God,
Grant forgiveness through thy blood;
With my heart I now believe,
Thy atonement I receive;
Freely with my mouth confess
Thee, my Lord, my Righteousness.
Now I glory in thy cross.
What was gain I count my loss.
Count but shame my former pride,
Self with thee is crucified;
Cleanse me, clothe me in the dress
Of thy spotless righteousness.
Trusting thee, O Christ, my King,
Shall my soul thy praises sing;
Saved by thee, thou Holy One,
l^ot by works which I have done ;
Heart and tongue confess again,
Thine the glory, Lord. Amen.
This hymn was first published in the Examiner, from
which it was transferred to " Good as Gold," and in
1883, with the omission of the third stanza, to the
"Baptist Hymnal." It has been exceedingly helpful
to many souls. Two other hymns by Dr. Morehouse,
commencing
No room in thy heart for the Savior of men ?
and
"Simon Peter, dost thou love me?" thrice the searching question
came,
also first appeared in the Examiner. Another hymn
AND THEIR HYMNS. 477
by Dr. Morehouse was sung April 20, 1869, on the
first anniversary of the dedication of the house of
worship of the First Baptist church. East Saginaw,
Mich. Dr. Morehouse is also the author of a hymn
entitled "Prayers, Means, and Men for Mexico,"
commencino:
For kindred, country, church, we pray,
For distant lands in sin and woe
Prayers rise like incense. Yet, today,
Where are the prayers for Mexico ?
This hymn, written and extensively circulated in
1886, stirred many hearts to deeper sympathy for
mission work in that priest-ridden land. Yet another
hymn, written by Dr. Morehouse, and entitled " Led
About," appeared in Zion's Advocate, January 5,
1887, commencing
Here I wander, while I wonder
What the Lord's ways mean for me.
MRS. ANNIE S. HAWKS.
1835 .
Who is not familiar with the hymn
I need thee every hour ?
It was written by Mrs. Hawks, and with fitting music,
composed by Rev. Robert Lowry, D.D., it was first suno-
at the National Baptist Sunday School Convention in
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 20, 1872. Since that time
it has found its way into many church hymnals, and it
has been translated and sung in many foreign lan-
guages. Rev. W. J. Batt, chaplain of the state prison
at Concord, Mass., tells how an ex-prisoner, who had
never had a home of his own, prepared a home, hum-
478 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
ble but tasteful, and then asked the chaplain to come
and help him dedicate it. Together they entered the
home — the man's wife had not yet come — and the
service began. ^"'Mr. B.," says the chaplain, "with
evident brokenness of spirit, for he was naturally a
proud man and not unacquainted with larger sur-
roundings, could not refrain from some criticism upon
his poor things ; but his heart was so full that his
embarrassment was only temporary, and he immedi-
ately went on with a firm purpose. For the first
number of the service he started the hymn
I need thee every hour.
Many hymns are probably localized for us in such a
sense that they are especially and harmoniously asso-
ciated in our own thought with some place where,
under striking circumstances, we have heard them
effectively sung. For me this hymn is likely always
henceforth to be associated with the dedication of Mr.
B's home."
Mrs. Hawks was born in Hoosick, N. Y., May 28,
1835. For many years she has been a resident of
Brooklyn, N. Y. Here about the year 1868, her
pastor, Rev. Robert Lowry, d.d., discovered her gift
as a hymn-writer, and induced her to exercise it for
the advancement of the cause of Christ. One of the
first of her hymns was the following :
Why weepest thou ?
Whom seekest thou ?
O wouldst thou see our Jesus ?
Behold him near,
He marks each tear,
Our blessed, loving Jesus.
Why weepest thou,
Why seekest thou,
With doubting and repining?
O lift thine eye!
Thou shalt descry
His raiment near thee shining.
AXD THEIR HYMNS. 479
Believe him now;
Receive him now;
Look up, with faith and meekness,
To Jesus' blood
Which freely flowed
For all thy sin and weakness.
Believest thou ?
Cease weejjing now —
Thy soul he will deliver;
The cross he bore,
Our sins he wore,
And nailed them there forever.
This hymn first appeared in " Bright Jewels '* with
music by Dr. Lowry, and has been transferred to other
collections. Of her other hymns, the following are
best known :
" I am the Lord's and he is mine,"
" Lord, let me live for thee, for thee,"
"Who '11 be the next to follow Jesus,''
" What can wash away my stain."
D. HAYDEN LLOYDE.
1835 .
Mr. D. Hatden Lloyde was born in Springfield,
Mass., June 11, 1835. Three years later his parents
removed to the west, and settled in Bureau County,
Illinois. As a child he evinced decided musical tal-
ent, and he early received musical instruction from
his father, who was a music teacher, as well as a
schoolmaster. When eleven years of age he sang
alto in a church choir, and later he became a leader of
singing in church and Sunday-school. At length he
480 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
made the acquaintance of P. P. Bliss, from whom he
received inspiration and encouragement, and for sev-
eral years he devoted himself to the study and teach-
inu; of vocal music. Afterward he conducted musical
institutes and conventions, and for many years he
gave special attention to music for Sunday-schools.
Since 1874, he has been a resident of Champaign, 111.
Mr. Lloyde has written many Sunday-school hymns,
which, with music of his own composition, have been
published in "Songs of Faith," "Shining Light,"
" Fount of Blessing," " Royal Songs," " Glorious
Tidings,'* "River of Life," "Shining River," "Songs
of Love," and other works.
The following hymn, written by Mr. Lloyde, is enti-
tled "Mighty to Save," and was first published in the
Sunday School Times:
Lead me, O thou precious Savior,
Safely lead by thine own hand,
Speak, I come to thee for guidance,
Traveling to the heavenly land.
Safe Supporter, sure Deliverer,
Cleanse me by thy power divine.
Brought by grace to see the fountain
From which cleansing waters flow,
I would trust thee now and ever;
Guide and bless me while below.
" Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee."
While I live and through death's valley,
Lead me to the other side;
Bid my cares and fears to vanish,
Though the storms of life abide;
Safely to the haven guide me,
" O receive my soul at last."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 481
JAMES W. WILLMARTH.
1835 .
Rev. James W. Willmarth was born in Paris,
France, December 23, 1835. His father, Rev. Isaac
M. Willmarth, was the first American Baptist mission-
ary in France. His early education was greatly im-
peded by a supposed affection of the eyes, but his
thirst for knowledge led him to surmount formidable
obstacles. Having been baptized at Grafton, Vt., in
1848, he studied theology with his father by help of a
reader. His first service was in Chicago, as a mission-
ary colporteur of the American Baptist Publication
Society. July 26, 18G0, he was ordained at Aurora,
111. His pastorates have been at Metamora, 111.,
Amenia, N. Y., Wakefield, Mass., Pemberton, N. J.,
and Roxborough, Philadelphia, where he still remains.
Mr. Willmarth is the author of several articles in
the Baptist Quarterly. He has published also a
sermon on "Election," preached as the doctrinal ser-
mon before the Philadelphia Association in 1880; also
"In the Name of Jesus," a small pamphlet, published
by the American Baptist Publication Society. In the
"Baptist Praise Book" (1872) is a hymn (740) by Mr.
Willmarth, commencing
O Father, Lord of earth and heaven.
Its four stanzas are from a hymn of six stanzas, writ-
ten in 1867, and first sung June 30, 1867, at a bap-
tism of five candidates at Wakefield, Mass., then South
Reading. It was published in some paper, probably
the National Baptist, from which, with the second and
sixth stanzas omitted, it was transferred to the " Bap-
tist Praise Book." Subsequently the hymn was
re-written for the "Baptist Hymn and Tune Book," in
which its five stanzas were arranged as a baptismal
31
482 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
chant (selection 33). The hymn as it there appears
is as follows :
O Father, Lord of earth and heaven!
O Son Incarnate, Christ ourKing!
O Spirit, for our guidance given!
Hear and accept the vow we bring.
We own thee. Savior, crucified,
We own thee, Savior, raised to heaven;
With thee our souls to sin have died,
But now would rise as thou art risen.
Thy gospel, Lord, we would obey.
We follow, and thy hand shall guide;
We seek through Jordan's wave the way
That leads thy loved ones to thy side.
Now in immersion, wondrous sign.
We dedicate ourselves to thee;
Now seal the covenant divine.
And own us thine eternally.
We trust the pledge which thou hast given,
Of grace to keep us still thine own,
And dying, we shall rise to heaven,
To share thy glory and thy throne.
ADONIRAM J. GORDON.
1836 .
Abonikam Judson Gordon, d.d., was born in New
Hampton, N. H., April 19, 1836. Converted in early
life, he entered Brown University with the Christian
ministry in view, and was graduated in 1860. His
theological studies he pursued at Newton Theological
Institution, graduating in 1863. Having accepted a
call to the pastorate of the Baptist church at Jamaica
Plain, Mass., he was ordained June 29, 1863, His
AND THEIR HYMNS. 483
ministry at Jamaica Plain continued six years, and
resulted in large additions to the church. He was
then called to the pastorate of the Clarendon Street
Baptist church, Boston, as the successor of Rev. Baron
Stow, D.D. With this church he has since labored,
preaching the gospel with great freshness and spirit-
ual power, and exerting a wide influence in behalf of
evangelical religion. During his work in Boston, Mr.
Moody found in Dr. Gordon one of his strongest help-
ers, and he seeks his assistance whenever the Boston
pastor is within reach.
Dr. Gordon was one of the compilers of the " Ser-
vice of Song" (1871). He is also the author of the
followino; works: "-In Christ, or the Believer's Union
with his Lord" (1872); '^Congregational Worship'
(1872); "Grace and Glory" (1880); "Ministry of
Healing" (1882); "The Two-Fold Life" (1883). He
is also editor of "The Watchword," a monthly publi-
cation first issued in 1877.
He is a member of the Board of Trustees of New-
ton Theological Institution and also of the Board of
Fellows of Brown University. From the latter msti-
tution, in 1878, he received the degree of doctor of
divinity.
In the social meeting edition of the "Service of
Song" (1881) is a hymn written by Dr. Gordon (music
by Rev. J. B. Child), of A\hich the following is the
first stanza :
Where art thou, soul ? I hear God say;
Why hidest thou from me ?
Why dost thou turn thy face away,
And from my presence flee ?
I formed thee for a child of light;
Instead thou choosest sin and night:
Where art thou, soul, where art thou ?
The following hymn was written in the summer of
1886, at the Northfield School for Bible Study, organ-
ized by Mr. Moody. More than one hundred college
484 BAPTIST KYMl<i WRITERS
students connected ^vitll this school gave themselves
to the work of foreign missions during their stay at
Northfield. Four of their number were chosen to
visit the colleges in different parts of the country,
and endeavor to awaken a deeper interest in missions
during the succeeding academic year. At their
request Dr. Gordon wrote the following hymn, to be
sung at these college meetings :
Whom Shall I Send?
Isaiah vi. 8.
Oh Spirit's anointing,
For service appointing,
On us descend;
For millions are dying,
And Jesus is crying,
" Whom shall I send ? "
Ethiopia reaching
Scarred hands is beseeching,
*' Keud, Christians, rend
The chains long enthralling! "
And Jesus is calling,
"Whom shall I send?"
Lo! China unsealing
Her gates, and revealing
Fields without end!
Her night is receding,
And Jesus is pleading,
" Whom shalll send ? "
Dark India is breaking
Her caste chains, and making
Strong cries ascend
To Jesus, once bleeding.
But now interceding,
" Whom shall I send ? "
See Japan awaking.
Old errors forsaking;
Haste, your aid lend!
" More light! " hear her crying,
And Jesus replying,
" Whom shall I send ? "
AND THEIR HYMNS. 485
While Israel's unveiling,
And penitent wailing,
All things iDortend,
"Why, why our delaying ?
Since Jesus is saying
Whom shall I send?"
The islands, once hating
His yoke, are now waiting
Humbly to bend.
" To bear help and healing,"
Hear Jesus appealing,
"Whom shall I send?"
FRANKLIN JOHNSON.
1836 .
In the Baptist Quarterly Review for July, 1882,
appeared an article by Rev. Franklin Johnson, d.d.,
containing translations of some hymns and songs of
certain German Anabaptists of the period of the
Reformation. One of these translations is found on
pages twenty-two and twenty-three of this volume,
and a part of two others on page twenty-four.
In 1883, Dr. Johnson published a small, tasteful
volume entitled " Dies Irse, an English Version in
Double Rhymes, with an Essay and Notes." As early
as 1865, he had published in a religious journal a
translation of the "• Dies Iroe ," and during the inter-
vening years, at frequent intervals, he had returned
to the task of giving a more perfect expression to his
translations of this Latin mediaeval hymn. The
thoroughness of his work appeared in this later publi-
cation, and the Atlantic Monthly, in a notice of his
translation of this magnificent production, says, " As a
whole it is worthy to take rank with the . three best
486 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
versions in the English language, and in selected
stanzas is quite incomparable."
In 1886, D. Lothrop, & Co., Boston, published a
translation by Dr. Johnson of two other Latin hymns,
"The Stabat Mater Speciosa," and " The Stabat Mater
Dolorosa," with illustrations from the old masters.
The same careful work appeared in these English
renderings of these two well known hymns of the
mediaeval church. In both Dr. Johnson has faithfully
reproduced the meaning and emotion of the Latin
originals. Both of these hymns, too, he gives in a
translation adapted to the devotional use of Pro-
testants.
At Christmas, 1887, Dr. Johnson published in the
Cambridge Tribune a Christmas hymn from the Latin
of Prudentius, w^ith music by Mr. Charles L. Capen.
" Prudentius," says Dr. Johnson, "was born in Spain,
in the year 348. He was a lawyer, then a civil and
criminal judge, and still later an influential military
ofiicer at court. His later years he devoted to relig-
ious exercises and study. He wrote numerous works
in prose and verse, and Bently has called him the
Homer and Virgil of Christians. The hymn from
which the following lines are selected is very long,
containing no less than thirty-eight stanzas. It begins
with the words, Da puer plectrum. I think that it has
never before been translated into English, though its
great beauty of conception and its resounding pomp of
language render it a favorite with scholars." The
translation is as follows:
Hark! the angel hosts are singing
Him who came to break our chains,
And the skies with songs are ringing
O'er the dark Judfean plains,
For all Heaven, with countless voices,
At the birth of Christ rejoices.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 487
Hail, thou happy babe and holy,
Lying on thy mother's breast,
Offspring of the Virgin lowly,
Offspring of the Spirit blest.
Child, and yet the world's salvation,
Author of God's new creation.
Long have prophets, saints and sages,
This fair day of grace foretold,
Chanting to the future ages
What our favored eyes behold;
ITot a promise they have spoken
To the weary world is broken.
"Wood and plain and lake and mountain,
River falling from the height.
Rain and snow and springing fountain,
Storm and calm and day and night.
As your mighty Maker own him.
As your mighty Lord enthrone him.
Praise him, ye who are o'er laden
With the frosts of many days ;
Praise him, youth, or man, or maiden;
Praise him, babes and sucklings, praise;
Worship him and bow before him.
And with sweetest songs adore him.
In various journals Dr. Johnson has published other
Latin hymns among them the " Tristes erant apostoli"
of Gregory the Great, the "Vox clara ecce intonat"
of Ambrose, the "Vexilla Regis" of Fortunatus, the
" Nox atra rerum contegil" of Ambrose, the '*' Salvete,
flores martyrum " of Prudentius, and the " Rerum
creator optime " of Gregory. He has also a large
number of unpublished Latin translations.
Dr. Johnson was born at Frankfort, Ohio, November
2, 1836. He was educated at Madison University,
graduating from the Theological Department in 1861.
In the same year he was ordained at Portsmouth, now
Bay City, Mich., and became pastor of the Baptist
church at that place. His subsequent pastorates have
been at Lambertville, Passaic City, Newark, N. J., and
488 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Cambridge, Mass., the latter beginning in 1874, and
closing in 1888. He has been in Europe four times,
and studied at some of the German universities, among
them Leipzig, Jena and Heidelberg, studying theology
under Kahnis, and Old Testament interpretation under
the elder Delitzsch.
Beside the hymns already noticed. Dr. Johnson has
published " The Gospel According to Mark with
Notes" (1873); "Moses and Israel" (1874); "Heroes
and Judges from the Lawgiver to the King" (1875);
" True Womanhood. Hints on the Formation of
Womanly Character" (1882); "A Romance in Song.
Heine's Lyrical Interlude" (1884) ; " The New Psychic
Studies in their Relation to Christian Thought" (1887).
He has also published several sermons and review
articles, has been a frequent contributor to the religious
press, and in 1876, with Dr. Lorimer, he edited the
Watchman.
PHILIP P. BLISS.
1838-1876.
A useful life, early closed, was that of the well
known song-evangelist, Philip P. Bliss. He was born
in Clearfield County, Penn., July 9, 1838. His par-
rents were Methodists, and at family worship, where
daily there was the offering of praise as well as prayer,
he received his first musical impressions. Such, too,
were the sacred influences that surrounded him in his
home from his earliest years that he could not remem-
ber the time when he was not a believer in Jesus
Christ, and when twelve years of age he united with
the Baptist church of Cherry Flats, Tioga County,
Penn.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 489
In 1864, Mr. Bliss took up his residence in Chicago,
where, with George F. Root, he was engaged in con-
ducting musical institutes, conventions, etc. He owed
much by way of instruction and inspiration to William
B. Bradbury, and one of his first published songs was
a tribute to the memory of Mr. Bradbury. In 1874,
Mr. Bliss accepted an invitation to engage in evangel-
istic work with Major Wliittle, and his sacred songs
became not only effective gospel utterances, moving
hearts, but they soon made the name of the singer
known in all parts of the land.
Mr. Bliss published his first musical work, " The
Charm," in 1871. This was followed by the " Song
Tree" in 1872, "Joy," and "Sunshine for Sunday
Schools" in 1873, "Gospel Songs for Gospel Meetings"
in 1874, and "Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs" in
1875. In the preparation of this last book he was
associated with Ira D. Sankey.
He had now found his life-work, and certainly he
was equipped for the most successful service. But the
end was at hand. December 29, 1876, with his wife,
Mr. Bliss left Rome, Penn., for Chicago. Near Ash-
tabula, Ohio, a bridge over which the train was
passing gave way, and the cars were precipitated
many feet to the stream below. Mr. Bliss succeeded
in extricating himself from the wreck, but was burned
while vainly endeavoring to rescue his wife. At a
memorial meeting held in Chicago not long after, the
fact was recalled that at the last meeting which Mr.
Bliss attended in that city, he remarked, "I don't
know as I shall ever sing here again, and I want to
sing this hymn as the language of my heart"; and he
sang most impressively his own hymn,
I know not the hour when my Lord shall come.
In "Gospel Hymns Consolidated" are thirty-seven
490 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
hymns by Mr. Bliss. The first lines of the best known
are as follows :
" 'Tis the promise of God, full salvation to give,"
" ' Whosoever heareth,' shout, shout the sound,"
" Ho! my comrades, see the signal,"
" Free from the law, oh, happy condition,"
" I am so glad that my Father in heaven,"
" Have you on the Lord believed,"
" The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,"
" Brightly beams our Father's mercy,"
*' Almost persuaded now to believe,"
" Only an armor-bearer, proudly I stand,"
" Light in the darkness, sailor, day is at hand,"
" More holiness give me,"
" Repeat the story o'er and o'er,"
" Standing by a purpose true,"
" In Zion's Rock abiding,"
" Tenderly the Shepherd,"
'* I will sing of my Redeemer,"
" Sing them over again to me."
Of these hymns,
Almost persuaded now to believe
has aided many a soul in taking a stand for Christ.
It was suggested by the last words of a sermon,
*' He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to
be almost saved is to be entirely lost ; " Mr. Bliss was
impressed with the thought and composed the hymn.
' Whosoever heareth,' shout, shout the sound,
was written in the winter of 1869-70, after hearing a
sermon from the text, " God so loved the world," etc.
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin
was written in 1875. The words and the music came
AND THEIR HYMNS. 491
to Mr. Bliss at home one morning while passing
throiig-h the hall to his room.
Eepeat the story o'er and o'er
was suggested by reading some notes by Dr. Brooks
of St. Louis, upon the queen of Sheba's visit to
Solomon. The hymn
I am so glad that our Father in heaven
was suggested to Mr. Bliss by hearing the chorus,
Oh, how I love Jesus.
"I have sung long enough of my poor love to Christ,"
said Mr. Bhss, " and now I will sing of his love for
me." With this thought in mind he wrote the hymn.
Mr. Sankey says that a little girl who was dying bore
beautiful testimony to the power of these sweet words.
''Don't you remember," she said, "One Thursday
when you were teaching us to sing
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
and don't you remember how you told us that if we
only gave our hearts to him, he would love us ? and
I gave mine to him." And Mr. Sankey adds, " What
that little dying girl said to me helped to cheer me on
more than anything I had done befor.e, because she
was my first convert."
The following hymn has this added interest, that it
was Mr. Bliss's last hymn :
^ know not what awaits me,
God kindly veils mine eyes;
And o'er each step of my onward way
He makes new scenes to rise;
And every joy he sends me comes
A sweet and glad surprise.
One step I see before me.
'Tis all I need to see,
The light of heaven more brightly shines,
492 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
When earth's illusions flee;
And sweetly thro' the silence comes
His loving " Follow me."
0 blissful lack of wisdom,
'Tis blessed not to know,
He holds me with his own right hand,
And will not let me go,
And lulls my troubled soul to rest
In him who loves me so.
So on I go, not knowing,
I would not if I might;
1 'd rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light;
I 'd rather walk by faith with him
Than go alone by sight.
In his later years Mr. Bliss became a member of the
First Conscre^jrational church in Chicao^o.
HENRY M. KING.
1838 .
Henry Melville King, d.d., was born in Oxford,
Maine, September 3, 1838. When he was six years
of age his parents removed to Portland, in the same
state, where in the public schools he pursued his col-
lege preparatory course, graduating at the high
school in 1855. In the autumn of that year, he
entered Bowdoin College, and was graduated in 1859,
with the highest honors of his class, his commence-
ment part being a poem. With the Christian ministry
in view he entered Newton Theological Institution,
and was graduated in 1862. October 28, 1862, he
was ordained in Portland, but returned to Newton as
instructor in Hebrew, and assisted Dr. Hackett during
AND THEIR HYMNS. 493
the following seminary year. He then accepted a call
to the pastorate of the Dudley Street Baptist church,
Roxbury, Mass., succeeding Rev. Thomas D. Anderson,
D.D., who had been called to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in New York city. Here his
ministry was crowned with the divine favor, and
though he received frequent calls to other churches
and to professorships in theological institutions, he
remained with the church from 1863, until 1882, when,
greatly to the regret of his people he accepted a call
from the Emmanuel Baptist church in Albany, N. Y.,
the church of which he is still pastor. He received the
honorary degree of doctor of divinity from Colby
University in 1877.
For many years, while pastor of the Dudley Street
Ba|)tist church. Dr. King was a member of the execu-
tive committee of the American Baptist Missionary
Union, and also a trustee of Newton Theological
Institution. After his removal to Albany he was
made a trustee of Yassar College, and also of Roches-
ter and Madison Theological Seminaries. From 1884,
to 1887, he was president of the board of managers of
the American Baptist Missionary Union.
To our denominational journals and reviews, Dr.
King has been a frequent" contributor. Beside numer-
ous pamphlets, sermons, and two semi-centennial dis-
courses— one for each of the churches he has served
as pastor — he has published " Early Baptists De-
fended" (1880), being a review of Dr. H. M. Dexter's
"As to Roger Williams," and " Mary's Alabaster Box "
(1883), a volume of sermons. For the "Memorial
History of Boston" (1881) he contributed an admir-
able sketch of the history of the Baptist churches in
that city.
Dr. King has also written quite a number of occas-
ional hymns, several of which have been published
by Pond & Co., of New York. One of these is an
494 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Easter hymn, with music by John B. Marsh. The
following is the first stanza :
Sing O Heavens, and earth rejoice,
Christ has triumphed o'er the grave:
Join with gladness, heart and voice,
Christ now lives with power to save.
Angels rolled the stone away;
Angels sat where Jesus lay;
Darkness fled, and joy was born
On that glorious Easter morn.
The following Christmas hymn by Dr. King, with
music by Mr. Marsh, has also been published by Pond
&Co.:
Angels sang the natal day
Of Christ, the Savior King;
And o'er the hills of Palestine
The Christmas sun did brightly shine,
And glory in the valley lay.
The morning of that sacred day —
Let us with angels sing.
Glory be to God most High,
And peace, good will to men;
For Christ the Lord was born today,
And in his manger-cradle lay.
The angels sang, and we reply,
And raise v^ur voices to the sky,
And sing and sing again.
Prince of Peace, Almighty Lord,
He laid his glory by;
A loving Babe to earth he came
And Jesus, Savior, was his name.
He came to speak the living word,
Join earth and heaven in sweet accord,
And guide our souls on high.
Hail we now the new-born King,
AVhose throne is in the sky;
Again he comes, a welcome guest,
To every lowly manger breast.
And " Glory be to God " we sing.
While heaven and earth with anthems ring,
And we with angels vie.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 495
HARRIET M. CONREY.
1838 .
Miss Haeriet M. Conrey, a daughter of Jonathan
Conrey, and a granddaughter of Peter Conrey, pre-
centor of the old Gold Street Baptist church, New
York city, was born in New York, November 5, 1838.
She was baptized by Rev. Thomas Armitage, d.d.,
pastor of the Fifth Avenue Baptist church, but at
present she is a member of the Park Avenue Baptist
church in Plainfield, N. J. Formerly she was a
teacher, but on account of ill health she has been
obliged to turn to other pursuits.
In " Gospel hymns " Miss Conrey is represented by
one hymn entitled "Jesus Only," commencing
What though the clouds are lowering o'er me
And I seem to walk alone.
The following hymn, also by Miss Conrey, is from
"Welcome Tidings":
O Lord, awakened by thy word,
I come to thee;
0 let ni}' feeble prayer be heard — •
I come to thee.
1 have no merit of my own,
But by thy blood thou didst atone ;
Help me to trust in thee alone —
I come to thee.
Now let me hear thy pard'ning voice,
O Lord, forgive;
Oh, bid my aching heart rejoice,
O Lord, forgive;
Seal me this day forever thine,
And in my soul let glory shine.
And tell me Jesus Christ is mine, —
O Lord, forgive.
496 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Help DOW, O Lord, my unbelief,
Now I believe;
Though of all sinners, I am chief.
Now I believe;
Now, Lord, what wilt thou have me do ?
My path of duty plainly show.
And I will follow as I know, —
Now I believe.
The remnant of my days is thine,
Oh, take me, Lord;
My time and talents are not mine,
Oh, take me. Lord;
Help me to tell to sinners dear.
That Christ is precious and is near,
That he a simple prayer will hear, —
Oh, take me, Lord.
HEZEKTAH BUTTERWORTH.
1839 .
Mr. Butterworth's childhood home was in War-
ren, R, I., wiiere he was born December 22, 1839.
His mother loved the old Methodist and Baptist
hymns, and was accustomed to sing these while
engaged in her daily tasks. In this way, from his
earliest years, Mr. Butterworth was made familiar with
very many of the songs of Zion. These hymn expe-
riences of his youth led him in later years to write
" The Story of the Hymns," an exceedingly interest-
ing account of the origin of hymns of personal relig-
ious experience, published by the American Tract
Society in 1875, and for which Mr. Butterworth
received the George "Wood gold medal. It was out
of this experience, also, that he wrote the hymn, which
has found a place iu an English collection, commencing
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS 497
O church of Christ, our blest abode,
Celestia4 grace is thine,
Thou art the dwelling-place of God,
The home of joys divine.
Where'er for me the sun may set,
Where'er I roam or dwell,
My heart shall nevermore forget
Thy courts, Immanuel.
This hymn appears in full in the cantata " Under
the Palms." Many thousand copies of this cantata
have been sold in this country and in England, and
several of its hymns have been sung at Mr. Spurgeon's
regular Sunday-service. It also has a place in "Heart
and Voice," published by John Church & Co., with
about twenty hymns written by Mr. Butterworth,
many of them originally for the Ruggles Street Bap-
tist church or Sunday-school, in Boston. The follow-
ing hymn, "Jesus, my AH," first appeared in the
Sunday School Times, and was afterward published in
the cantata " Faith Triumphant," written by Mr.
Butterworth for a music publishing house in Glasgow,
Scotland :
Jesus, I thee believe,
Thou art my all.
Jesus, I thee receive,
Thou, thou art all to me,
Thou art my all.
I yield my will to thine ;
Work thou thy will in mine.
Fill me with love divine,
Jesus, my aU.
I have redemption found,
Jesus is all;
Fair is Immanuel's ground,
Jesus is all to me,
Jesus is all.
Though naught I here possess,
Though life be less and less,
He is my righteousness,
Jesus, my all.
32
498 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Life cannot bring me loss,
Wliat'er befall,
Ever will shine the cross,
Jesus is all to me,
Jesus is all.
Eend, then, O death, the veil,
Fall, earthly temples, fall,
Hail, halls immortal, hail,
Jesus is all.
Mr. Butterworth's hymn,
O children's day in summer time,
with music by Professor "W. F. Sherwin, appears in
"Heart and Voice," and was used by the American
Baptist Publication Society in its Cliildren's Day
services in 1885. Other of Mr. Butterworth's hymns
may be found in " Poems for Christmas, Easter and
New Years," pubhshed by Estes & Lauriat, Boston
(1875). In 1887, he published '-Songs of History,"
being poems and ballads upon important episodes in
American history.
Mr. Butterworth's work has been largely for the
young. He is author of "Zig-Zag Journeys," the
stories and legends of places for young readers, a
series of popular works of which about two hundred
and fifty thousand copies have been sold. Since 1871,
he has been on the editorial staff of the Youth's
Companion.
A. JUDSON ROWLAND.
1840 .
Rev. a. Judson Rowland, d.d., was born at Val-
ley Forge, Penn., February 9, 1840. When eighteen
years of age he was baptized by Rev. W. H*. H. Marsh,
at Lawrenceville, Penn. In 1859, he entered the
sophomore class at the University of Lewisburgh, now
AND THEIR HYMNS 499
Bucknell University, where he was graduated w^ith
first honors in 18G2. He was ordained at Lawrence-
ville, in October of that year, having accepted the
chaplaincy of the 175th regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteers. He continued in the service until July,
1863, and in the fall of that year he entered Roch-
ester Theological Seminary, where he was graduated
in 1866. In July, 1866, he became pastor of the
Mount Auburn Baptist church, Cincinnati, Ohio. He
resigned his pastorate in 1868, and accepted the
presidency of the Mount Auburn Institute. In 1870,
he accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist
church in Pittsburgh, Penn. Here he remained two
years, and then accepted a call to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in Philadelphia. In 1884, he
removed to Baltimore, Md., having accepted a c;dl to
the pastorate of the Franklin Square Baptist church
in that city. In this position he still remains.
Dr. Rowland is the editor of "Our Young People"
and also " The Senior Quarterly," valued publications
of the American Baptist Publication Society. He
was also one of the compilers of " The Devotional
Hymn and Tune Book," and was the chief editor of
" The Baptist Hymnal." He is the author of a hymn
With gratitude, O gracious God,
written for the jubilee of the Tenth Baptist church,
Philadelphia; also of a hymn in "The Devotional
Hymn and Tune Book,"
Speak a word for Jesus, brother;
of another hymn.
There's rest in the shadow of Jesus,
and of the following:
O Spirit stay,
Fly not away,
Though I have grieved thee o'er and o'er;
Still let me hear
Thy voice so dear;
I will reject iny love uo more.
500 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
0 Savior hear,
Bend down thine ear,
Hide not thy face, my God, from me;
1 feel thy power,
This very hour
I will repent and turn to thee.
I do decide,
Be thou my guide,
Lord, to thy cross; my hope is there;
0 blessed Lamb,
Just as I am,
I come to thee ; O grant my prayer.
Softly the light
Breaks on my sight,
Jesus, thy blood avails for me;
This very hour
1 feel thy power,
Kow I am saved throusrh faith in thee.
SARAH B. THRESHER.
1841 .
In "Pure as Gold" is a hymn (159) by Mrs.
Thresher, commencmg
I cannot bathe in odors sweet.
The hymn in full, as written by Mrs. Thresher, con-
tains seven stanzas, and is entitled "Like Mary."
The opening line is
Oh, that like Mary I might pour.
Mrs. Thresher has written several other hjnuns,
which have been published. The following hymn was
written for the anniversary of a Woman's Christian
Association :
AND THEIR HYMNS. 501
To thee, O Lord, belongs
The year now spent and gone;
Forgive the failures, faults and wrongs
We vainly wish undone.
If we with lavish hand
Thy precious seed have sown,
Beside all streams on goodly land.
Then make the fruit thine own.
Send us again, we pray,
Into thy vineyard, Lord,
To work for thee another day.
To follow at thy word.
Send us to souls in need,
To rescue those astray ;
To clothe the poor, the hungry feed,
And show the blind thy way.
More love to each impart ;
Help us, dear Lord, to see *
Thine image in each lowly heart,
And serving them, serve thee.
Mrs. Thresher was born in Zanesville, Ohio, Febru-
ary 20, 1841. Here she lived until her marriage, in
1861, to J. B. Thresher, Esq., of Dayton, Ohio, where
her home has since been. She was baptized when ten
years of age by Rev. L. G. Leonard, and since her res-
idence in Dayton has been a member of the First Bap-
tist church in that city.
HENRY F. COLBY.
1842 .
Hexrt F. Colby, d.d., a son of Gardner and Mary
L. R. Colby, was born in Roxbury, Mass., November
25, 1842. He received a thorough preparatory classi-
cal training, and entered Brown University in 1858,
502 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
where he wa^ graduated in 1862, delivering the Latin
salutatory. He then commenced the study o± law,
but at length went abroad for travel. On account of
a change of purpose in life, he abandoned his legal
studies on his return, and entered Newton Theological
Institution in the autumn of 1864. From this insti-
tution he was graduated in 1867, and in the latter
part of that year he accepted a call to the pastorate
of the First Baptist church in Dayton, Ohio, where he
was ordained in January, 1868. Identifying himself
with the religious and educational work of the Bap-
tists of Ohio, he has served the denomination in that
state as president of the Ohio Baptist Convention, and
as a trustee of Denison University. He received the
honorary degree of doctor of divinity from his alma
mater in 1882.
Dr. Colby is the author of a forcible tract on ''Re-
stricted Communion," published by the American
Baptist Publication Society. He is also the author of
a memoir of his father (1879), and of Ebenezer
Thresher, ll.d. (1886). Occasionally he has used his
pen in poetical composition. He was the poet of his
class at Brown University. In " Gospel Hymns Con-
solidated" he has a hymn (299) commencing
My sin is great, my strength is weak.
The following hymn, written by Dr. Colby, was
sung at the graduation of his class at Newton Theo-
logical Institution, June 26, 1867:
Waiting on the eve of labor,
Knowing not the coming dajf,
Bowing at thy throne, O Savior,
For a blessing, now, we pray.
Thou hast called us by thy Spirit;
Thou hast brought us to this hour;
Vain will be our best endeavors,
If we lack that Spirit's power.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 503
Grant us then thy benediction,
Make us wise in word and deed,
Gire us faith and love and patience,
Give us all the grace we need.
May we sow beside all waters,
Trusting thee the seed to keep;
May we, entering on the harvest.
Thrust the sickle in and reap.
Stand beside us, gracious Savior;
All thy promised aid impart;
Place thine arm of strength around us;
Let us feel thy beating heart.
Then, when days of toil are over,'
\Yhen our latest sheaves are bound.
We will cast them all before thee.
Joying most to see thee crowned.
GEORGE C. NEEDHAM.
Mr. Needham has become very widely known
through his evangelistic labors. He was born about
the year 1844, on the shore of Kenmare Bay, not far
from the famous Lakes of Killarney, in the south of
Ireland. His parents were Irish Protestants, and he
received a relig:ious trainino;. His mother died when
he was ten years of age, and her dying prayers were
for the spiritual welfare of her children, who were
gathered around her bedside. That solemn scene
made an abiding impression on George. In his eigh-
teenth year the great revival wave swept over Ireland,
and the motherless boy was one of those who were
reached by it. A year later he became connected
with a business house in Dublin, and soon won the
confidence and esteem of his employers. At the end
504 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
of the year, however, against the protest of his
employers, who made him flattering oifers, and also
against the advice of some of his friends, he relin-
quished his position, and gave himself to the work of
an evangelist. His labors were so successful that he
was at length invited to visit England, where his
work in the vicinity of Mr. Spurgeon's birth-place
brought him into intimate relations with tlie great
London preacher. It is said that at that time he
prepared to enter Mr. Spurgeon's college, then in its
infancy; but Mr. Spurgeon, on account of Mr. Need-
ham's usefulness in his calling, advised him to continue
in it. In 1866, Mr. Needham, with Mr. H. Grattan
Guinness, made an evangelistic tour of Ireland with
marked results. In 1867, with the late Henry Moor-
house, he decided to visit the United States. He was
detained, however, hy the sickness of a sister, but for
a short time only. Three months later, with her, he
followed his friend. Mr. Needham landed in Boston,
and on the next day he made a brief address at the
noon meeting of the Boston Y. M. C. A. Invitations
to preach soon poured in upon him, and with his well-
thumbed Bagster Bible he began to give " Bible
Readings." Later he joined Mr. Moody in Chicago.
In the years that have followed he has been aljundant
in labors. He preaches almost every night during a
large part of the year, gives Bible readings nearly
every afternoon, sometimes conducts a morning
prayer-meeting, and frequently preaches three and
four times on Sunday. Everywhere the people hear
him gladly, and his preaching is in demonstration of
the Spirit and of power.
Mr. Needham is a frequent contributor to the
religious press. He is also the author of the follow-
ing works: "The True Tabernacle" (1875), "Recol-
lections of Henry Moorhouse " (1880), "Life and
Labors of C. H. Spurgeon" (1883), "Street Arabs"
(1885), "Salvation Stories" (1886). He has also
AND THEIR HYMNS. 505
written about a dozen hymns. In " Gospel Hymns
Consolidated" there are three hymns by Mr. Needham.
" From the riven Rock there floweth,"
" When the Lord from heaven appears,*'
" I hear the words of Jesus."
The following hymn, by Mr. Needham, first appeared
anonymously in Dr. A. J. Gordon's "Vestry Hymn and
Tune Book" (1872), and has been transferred to other
collections:
I stand, but not where once I stood
Beneath a load of guilt;
My Savior, Jesus, bore it all,
For me his blood was spilt;
0 bless the Lordl exalt his name;
He gave himself for me ;
He died upon the shameful cross
To set the captive free.
1 stand, but not on Calvary's mount.
Before the blood- stained cross;
Though still on it my faith doth rest,
And count all else but dross;
0 bless the Lord! I do believe
That Jesus died for sin.
And on that cross he shed his blood
To make the guilty clean.
1 stand, but not beside the grave
Where once my Lord did lie;
The cross and grave he left behind,
And took his seat on high;
0 bless the Loi-d! the work is done.
With God I'm reconciled;
And risen with the risen Christ;
He owns me as his child.
1 stand e'en now within the vail,
In union with my Lord,
Beyond the power of death and hell;
I know it from his word;
O bless the Lord! assured thereby,
In him we are complete;
We walk by faith, but soon, in sight,
Our gracious King we '11 greet.
506 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
ELIZABETH A. NEEDHAM.
Mrs. Elizabeth Axnable Needham, wife of Geo.
C. Needham, the evangelist, was born of Puritan
stock, in Manchester, Mass. As a child, she was relig^
iously thoughtful, and leaving her young companions,
she loved to study her Bible amid the wild solitudes
of her grandfather's estate. Her life thus very natr-
urally took on that coloring of quiet seriousness and
earnest gravity which since have been characteristic
of her. She did not, however, neglect the different
branches of secular study. She had careful instruc--
tors, who delighted to guide her thoughtful mind.
But as a girl, with steadfast purpose she devoted her
best powers to the interpretation and presentation of
Bible truth. Her studies in this direction have borne
rich fruit. Since her marriage to Mr. Needham,
she has often accompanied him in his evangelistic
tours, and her Bible readings, marked by womanly
grace and refinement, have also been marked by the
richer graces of the Spirit. She is a woman of strong
faith. The Christian Herald, referring to her, says:
" When her husband explained to her before marriage
the plan of his life, never to contract a debt, and that
he had gone without food in his evangelistic work
rather than borrow a dollar, she heartily commended
the plan, and rejoiced in his purpose. When, soon
after, he suggested a delay in their marriage, owing to
his lack of funds for the honeymoon trip, she quietly
remarked that God was sufficient for each day, and he
would make all grace abound in the exact time of
need. On one occasion, arriving penniless in a west-
ern city, she would not consent to enter a hotel till
funds of friends should at length come to their relief.
To order food and shelter without present means of
payment, she said, would involve a veritable debt.
AND THEIR HYMN'S. 507
Taking her husband's arm, they walked the street
praying and expecting that somehow the Lord would
provide. And he did provide, as within a half-hour
they were comfortably seated in the dining-room of a
hotel, having been invited there by a gentleman who
heard Mr. Needham preach in a distant town three
months previously, and who recognized him on the
street. This man had no knowledge of their circum-
stances ; he supposed they were out for a walk, and
urged them to accept his hospitality, and spend the
night with him at the hotel, as he would leave the
city early the next day. Nor did he ever learn from
their lips how he became the instrument of that won-
derful answer to jDrayer. But, best of all, their ac-
ceptance of his proffered hospitality led to his imme-
diate conversion. He was truly an anxious soul cry-
ing out for peace. Had they acted otherwise, they
would have lost the rich experience of God's care for
them, and the opportunity of leading that soul to
Christ."
Mrs. Needham has done not a little in the way of
authorship. Her published w^orks are "Woman's Min-
istry" (1880), "The Anti-Christ" (1881), and "Smooth
Stones from Scripture Streams" (1886). She is the
author, also, of about fifty hymns, among them,
" Jerusalem, dear land distressed,"
" Son of God, for thee we wait,"
" I am the Lord's, and bear his name,"
'* Blest morn, that ends the saint's long night."
In "Gospel Hymns" Mrs. Needham has a hymn
commencing
"When the King in his beauty shall come to his throne.
The following hymn, written by Mrs. Needham, is
from a collection of hymns compiled by Rev. H. L.
Hastings, entitled "Songs of Pilgrimage" (1886):
*' All night in prayer " — while others slept,
Or, heedless, their wild revels kept,
508 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In lonely spots, oppressed with care,
The Savior spent his nights in prayer.
" All night in prayer " — 't is joy to know
I have such comfort in my woe;
And whilst I watch, his pity share.
Who often spent like hours in prayer.
" All night in prayer " — I love to think
His hand doth mix each cup I drink ;
And for my blessing doth prepare
Each night of weariness and jirayer.
*' All night in prayer " — O Savior, Christ,
My sins deprived thy life of rest ;
And love for me didst make thee bear
The sorrows of those nights of prayer.
" All night in pra5^er " — ah! morn shall come,
A morn whose light shall guide lue home;
Its dawn will scatter gloom and care,
And joy shall crown our nights oi prayer.
GEORGIANA L. HEATH.
1844-1886.
Georgiana L. Heath was the youngest daughter
of Rev. Wilham Heath, and was born in South Read-
ing, now Wakefield, Mass., September 5, 1844. In
1861, she studied at the Ipswich Female Seminary,
and a few years later she was graduated at the Oak-
land Institute at Needham, Mass. From her early
years Miss Heath was accustomed to give expression
to her thoughts in verse; and at her death, which
occurred at Wakefield, January 19, 1886, she left a
large collection of poems, including some hymns, a
portion of which have since been arranged by her
sister, Mrs. Sarah J. Morton, of Wakefield, and pub-
AXD THEIR HYMNS. 509
lislied in a volume entitled "Assurance and other
Poems," by D. Lothrop & Co., Boston (1886). In a
prefatory note, Dr. S. F. Smith, d.d., says: "The
poetry contained in this volume is the offspring of a
mind of unusual vigor, and which had passed through
unusual experiences. The writer felt her own way,
independently of human leading, into the Christian
path, demanding a solid foundation for every step.
Finding evidence of her regeneration only after she
had attained adult age, her religion became the
spring both of her thought and life. It was her habit
of mind to question herself rigidly, and to be unsatis-
fied with anything short of perfection in her expe-
riences and in her work. This accounts for that
peculiar characteristic of her poetry — a perpetual
reaching forward to the yet unattained, a yearning for
the higher, a longing for the glory yet to be
revealed."
One of Miss Heath's hymns, commencing
Ye soldiers of Jehovah,
was sung at the meetings of the American Baptist
Missionary Union in Detroit, Mich., in 1884. Another
hymn,
Mighty Lord, all lords excelling,
was inspired by the jubilee of the American Baptist
Home Mission Society in New York in 1882. Eight
hymns by Miss Heath are included in "Songs of
Delight," pubUshed by A. S. Barnes & Co., New York
(1875). The following "Thanksgiving Hymn" is
from "Assurance and other Poems" :
For the promise of the springtime,
Leafy bud and tinted flower,
Prophecy of teeming harvests,
We would offer praise this hour,
Heavenly Father,
Thine the gracious love and power.
510 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
For the beauty of the summer,
Forest grand and waving grain,
Glad fulfilment of thy promise,
We would raiso the grateful strain,
Till earth's voices,
^end the echo back again.
For the harvest fields of autumn.
For the treasures of the hills, —
Hark! the universal anthem
Which the whole creation thrills;
God of nature.
Heaven and earth thy glory fills.
For the resting time of winter.
When beneath earth's robe of white
Slumbering lie the coming harvests
Till the spring awakes in light;
Praise and glory,
Thou eternal God of Might.
God of all the changing seasons,
Ruler of each rolling sphere.
For thy benefits uncounted.
That have crowned the passing year,
For thy goodness
Grateful praise we offer here.
SELINA P. PEARCE.
1845 .
In "Gospel Hymns" is the following hymn (286),
with music by George C. Stebbins :
Be our joyful song today,
Jesus, only Jesus;
He who takes our sins away,
Jesus, only Jesus;
Name with every blessing rife,
Be our hope and joy through life.
Be our strength in every strife,
Jesus, only Jesus.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 511
Once we wandered far from God,
Knowing not of Jesus;
Treading still the downward road,
Leading far from Jesus ;
Till the Spirit taught us how,
'N'eath the Savior's yoke to bow.
And we fain would follow now,
Jesus, only Jesus.
Be our trust through years to come,
Jesus, only Jesus;
Password to the heavenly home,
Jesus, only Jesus;
"When from sin and sorrow free.
On through all eternity,
This our theme and song shall be,
Jesus, only Jesus.
This hymn in "Gospel Hymns" is ascribed to L.
Pierce. It was written by Miss Selina P. Pearce, who
was born in Lowell, Ohio, December 29, 1845. Her
education she received in the public schools at Mari-
etta, and subsequently in the Young Ladies' Institute
at Granville, where she was graduated in 1864. She
has since been engaged in teaching. Eleven years
were spent beyond the limits of her native state,
seven of these (1872-9) as an instructor in Almira
College, Greenville, 111. Since 1881, she has been
principal of the high school in Marietta, Ohio, where
her father, a Baptist minister, who came to this coun-
try from England in 1842, has resided since 1847.
Miss Pearce' s hymn, given above, was written at
the request of her pastor, Rev. I. N. Carmen. The
word "takes" in the third line of the first stanza, is
printed "took" in "Gospel Hymns." Originally the
hymn had a chorus, which Mr. Stebbins did not retain.
Another hymn by Miss Pearce, commencing
Hark! 'tis the voice of gladness
Eings o'er the rolling sea,
was written for a public missionary meeting in Green-
ville, 111. Miss Pearce is also the author of some
occasional hymns.
512 BAPTIST HYMif WRITERS
C. C. LUTHER.
1847 .
Among Bcaptists there have been, and there are
still, a large number of successful evangelists. Mr.
Luther has devoted himself to this department of
Christian service. He was born May 17, 1847, in
Worcester, Mass., where his parents are members of
the First Baptist church. After completing his col-
lege preparatory course, he was employed for two
years as a journalist. He then entered Brown Uni-
versity, where he was graduated in 1871. During
his senior year he was converted, and united wdth the
church to which his parents belong. On leaving col-
lege it was his purpose to make journalism his life-
work, and until 1876, he was connected with papers
in Springfield, Mass. He was then gradually led to
see that the Lord had other purposes concerning him.
For nearly a year he accompanied Rev. S. H. Pratt in
his evangelistic work, singing the gospel which Mr.
Pratt preached. Then he, too, began to preach, and
from that time he has been earnestly engaged as an
evangelist. For several years he labored as a lay
evangelist, but June 25, 1880, he was ordained by the
church at Worcester, of which he is a member. His
work, which has been limited almost wholly to Bap-
tist churches in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode
Island, though he has visited places in New Hamp-
shire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Penn-
sylvania, has been greatly blessed, and large acces-
sions have been made to the churches which he has
served.
The use of sacred song in gospel meetings Mr.
Luther well understands, and he has written about
twenty-five hymns, to which he has added music of
his own composition. One of these.
Must I go, and empty-handed,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 513
is found in "Gospel Hymns Consolidated" (298).
The story of its origin is as follows : During a series
of evangelistic meetings, Rev. A. G. Upham, now of
Montreal, was preaching for Mr. Luther, and early in
the sermon referred to a young man, who, dying after
only a month of Christian service, said to a friend,
"No, I am not afraid. Jesus saves me now; but oh,
must I go, and empty-handed f" The incident made
a strong impression, and in a few minutes the words
of this hymn arranged themselves in Mr. Luther's
mind. A few days later he handed them to George
C. Stebbins, who composed for them the beautiful
music which accompanies them in "Gospel Hymns."
Music of his own composition Mr. Luther added to
these words subsequently. The hymn, as written by
Mr. Luther, is as follows :
" Must I go, and empty-handed ? "
Thus my dear Redeemer meet?
Not one day of service give him,
Lay no trophy at his feet ?
" Must I go, and empty-handed ? "
Xot one lost one homeward guide ?
Ne'er proclaim the love of Jesus,
How for sinners lost he died?
Not at death I shrink nor tremble,
For my Savior saves me now ;
But to meet him empty-handed,
Thought of that now clouds my brow.
Oh, the years of sinning wasted!
Could I but recall them now,
I would give them to my Savior,
In his service gladly go.
O, ye saints, arouse, be eai'nest,
Up and work while yet 'tis day;
Ere the night of death o'ertakes thee,
Strive for souls while still you may.
33
514 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In 1887, Mr. Luther brought together some of the
hymns he has written, and pubhshed them, with added
hymns mostly by Rev. F. M. Lamb, in a pamphlet
entitled "Beautiful Beckoning Hands." The title is
derived from the first hymn in the collection, which
has had a large sale in sheet-music form. Among
other of Mr. Luther's hymns in this collection, which
have been used by him in his work, are
" Oh, we shall meet beyond the tide,"
" Oh, where are the dear ones we never forget,"
" Nearer home, O blessed thought,"
" Going away unsaved tonight,"
•' So near to the kingdom, and yet thou dost lack,"
" Knocking, knocking at the door of thy heart,"
" Draw near, O God, to me."
WILLIAM A. SMITH.
1847 .
Rev. William A. Smith was born in Cincinnati,
Ohio, December 29, 1847. He received his collegiate
education at Brown University, Providence, R. I.,
where he was graduated in 1870. With the profession
of law in view he studied at the Law School in Albany,
N. Y., graduating in 1872. He was admitted to
practice in the courts of the State of New York, but
in 1877, he decided to enter the Christian ministry,
and commenced the study of theology. In October,
1878, he received ordination as a Baptist minister, and
the same year he was called to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in Hamilton, Ohio. In 1879, he
became pastor of the Third Baptist church in Cleve-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 515
land, Ohio. In 1881, he was called to the pulpit of
the Perkins Street Baptist church in East Somerville,
Mass., the parish lying partly in Boston and partly in
Somerville.
Mr. Smith has written and published the following
books: "The Student's Hand-book of Commercial
Law," "Who is Responsible?" and "The Spinning
Wheel of Tam worth." He is also the author of many
hymns, published for special occasions, in addition to
those which have found their way into collections ;
among them the following, entitled " The Sweeter
Thought";
'Tis sweet when moi-ning wakens,
And leaves the couch of night,
To cast athwart the darkness,
Her golden radiance bright;
'Tis sweet to look to heaven,
And breathe upon the air.
With grateful hearts o'erflowing,
The voice of thankful prayer.
'T is sweet when twilight shadows
Are gathering thickly round,
"When evening bells are ringing
In low, melodious sound;
'T is sweet to leave the labor
And cares of anxious days.
To worship in his presence.
And raise the song of praise.
'Tis sweet in youth's bright morning,
When hope inspires the breast.
And every zeal and effort
Are into service pressed;
'T is sweet to trust our Father,
And on his help rely,
To feel that on us ever
Is fixed his watchful eye.
But sweeter far it will be ,
If in the hour of death
I can but sing his praises
With life's last lingering breath;
516 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Yes, sweeter far tlian ever,
I feel — I know 't will be ,
If I can hear him whisper
The message, " Come to me."
The following hymns by Mr. Smith are in " Spark-
ling Diamonds":
" "Whene'er my heart with sadness fills,"
" There 's a land bej^ond the river,"
" I know I am wicked and sinful."
ALBERT A. BENNETT.
1849 .
In 1886, there was published anonymously "A Col-
lection of Hymns," arranged with especial reference
to the wants of the First Baptist church in Yokohama,
Japan. The compilation was the work of Rev. Albert
Arnold Bennett, one of the missionaries of the Amer-
ican Baptist Missionary Union stationed at Yokohama.'
Of the two hundred and thirty hymns in this collec-
tion twelve were written by Mr. Bennett. The fol-
lowing? is number 220:
Oh, for a stainless record!
Oh, for a spotless name!
Oh, for that praise of heaven,
Without which fame is shame.
Oh, to be good and noble;
To help to make men good!
Oh, to deserve that plaudit
Where " hath done " equals " could "t
Oh, for the course well ended!
Oh, for the race well run!
Oh, for the crown God giveth
To all who crown his Son!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 517
For this I pant and labor,
And powerless cry to thee ;
Great Help, thou God Almighty,
Say thou, "The thing shall be."
Mr. Bennett was born in Philadelphia, Penn., April
16, 1849. His father, Edward A. Bennett, was a dea-
con of the Fifth Baptist church in that city. With
this church Mr. Bennett united at an early age, dur-
ing the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Simmons, d.d., by
whom he was baptized. From the time of his conver-
sion he was active in church and Sunday-school work,
and early consecrated himself to service in the foreign
mission field, with a special interest in Japan. Hav-
ing graduated with honor at Brown University in
1872, he entered the Baptist Theological Seminary in
Chicago, where he was graduated in 1875. From
1875, to 1879, he was pastor of the Baptist church in
Holliston, Mass. He resigned his pastorate in order
to engage in mission work, and having been appointed
a missionary to Japan, he sailed with his wife (a
daughter of Rev. B. W. Barrows) from San Francisco,
in November, 1879, and on his arrival in Japan en-
tered upon the work to which he had so long looked
forward with deep interest and many prayers. The
"Japanese Hymn Book," commenced by Dr. N.
Brown, was completed by Mr. Bennett.
JOHN B. MULFORD.
1851 .
Rev. John Brantly Mulford was born in Phila-
delphia, Penn., September 2, 1851. His grandfather.
Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, d.d., was the founder, and
for nearly thirty years the pastor, of the Tenth Bap-
tist church; and he was baptized by his grandfather
518 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
when twelve years of age. He took his theological
coarse at Crozer Theological Seminary, and was a
member of the class of 1876. His first settlement
was in Sewickley, Penn., where he became pastor of
the Baptist church, August 1, 1876. January 1, 1878,
he became pastor of the Baptist church at Somerville,
N. J., where he remained until July, 1881. His next
pastorate was at Wheeling, West Virginia, whither he
was sent by the Home Mission Board in New York to
aid in saving an old church from extinction and to
protect the society from a loss of money loaned.
Having accomplished this, he accepted a call from the
First Baptist church in Atchison, Kansas, and entered
upon his labors in December, 1883. There he still
remains. He is a member of the board of directors
of Ottawa University, also of the State Home Mission
Board, and is one of its executive committee.
Mr. Mulford is the author of several hymns written
for the most part at the request of Rev. Robert
Lowry, d.d. One of these was written in Wheeling,
West Virginia, November 4, 1881, as the conclusion
of a sermon on the text, " And everything shall live
whither the river cometh." It begins
O blessed crystal river,
Sweet stream of life divine,
and appeared in "Our Glad Hosanna," though in an
abbreviated form. Another of Mr. Mulford's hymns
is in " Harvest Bells, No. 1," commencing.
Sinner, why so idly standing.
The following hymn by Mr. Mulford, is in " Joyful
Lays":
O glorious God! eternal and wise,
Thou Maker of worlds, and Lord of the skies;
To thee would we lift glad carols of praise ,
For all thy rich gifts and wonderful ways.
When earth without form lay mantled in night,
Thy lips spake the word, and lol there was light;
When man in his strength c^me forth from thy hand,
He found his first dwelling a Paradise land.
AND THEIR HYMNS. ^19
O bountiful God! attentive and kind,
Thou fulness of light to souls that are blind,
To thee would we yield the tribute of love,
Tor blessings on earth and mansions above.
The mercies of life are held in thy hand.
The angels of help around thee now stand;
For eve'ry earth-want and every soul-need.
As beams of the morning with succor they speed.
O all-loving God! benignant, and pure,
Thou Savior of souls, whose promise is sure,
To thee would we give the love of our hearts,
And take of thy grace with all it imparts ;
The cross of thy Son, all crimson with blood,
Assures us of life beyond the dark flood;
For Jesus has died our ransom to pay,
To lead us in triumph to glory's bright day.
WILLIAM H. GEISTWEIT.
1857 .
Key. William H. Geistweit was ^«/" ^^ /^^^f"
town, Lebanon County, Penn., October 24 18o7. His
parents several years afterward removed to Allen-
town, where, at the age of fourteen he entered a
newspaper office to learn the printing business. This
was his school, and m this work he was engaged ten
years, five of which were spent m Philadelphia, as
manao-er of the mechanical work on the bunday
School Times. From his earliest years he was inter-
ested in music, both vocal and instrumental When
eighteen years of age he began to preack Two
years he spent in the service of the Y M. C. A as
general secretary of the Camden Association. Subse-
quently he was associated with Rev. C. H. Yalman m
evangelistic work. Together they also conducted
520 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the Young People's Meeting at Ocean Grove several
years. In December, 188-5, he accepted a call to the
pastorate of the Linden Baptist church, Camden, N.
J., where he was ordained January 25, 1886, and
where he still remains.
Mr. Geistweit, while giving considerable attention
to musical composition, has written a few hymns,
mostly for his own use in singing the gospel, and sev-
eral of these have been published in " Melodious Son-
nets" and "Joyful Wing." One of these is the
following :
Blessed Savior, my salvation,
I will trust in thee ;
I am saved from condemnation,
I will trust in thee.
Sanctify and cleanse me, Savior,
I will trust in thee;
Let me know thy blessed favor,
I will trust in thee.
Here I stand, and thee confessing,
I will trust in thee;
Pour upon my heart thy blessing,
I will trust in thee.
F. M. LAMB.
1858 .
Rev. F. M. Lamb is a native of Poland, Me., where
he was born January 30, 1858. When he was fifteen
years of age his parents removed to Aubnu^n, Me.,
where he remained until 1882. During the winter of
1874, he was converted, and May 10, following, he was
baptized by Rev. G. P. Mathews, d.d., pastor of the
Court Street Baptist church, Auburn. From a child
Mr. Lamb was fond of music, especially sacred music,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 521
and he studied in Boston under such instructors as
Winch, Aiken, and Adams. In 1878, he labored with
Rev. C. C. Frost in evangeUstic services, singing solos
and leading the singing. lie was again associated
with Mr. Frost in 1882, and 1883. He then became
associate-pastor of the First Baptist church in Lowell,
Mass., where he remained two years, leading the
choir, singing in the Sunday-school and at all the de-
votional meetings of the church, and doing much of
the pastoral work. He also conducted the singing at
conventions and special religious meetings in Boston,
Lynn, Chelsea, and many other places in Massachu-
setts and Connecticut. In January, 1886, he accom-
panied his pastor, Rev. T. M. Colwell, d.d., to Mount
Vernon, N. Y. Here his work was much the same as
in Lowell, except that at Mount Vernon he had charge
of a mission at William's Bridge, where he preached
twice on Sundays, and conducted a prayer-meeting on
Wednesday evenings. He was frequently engaged in
leading; the sing-ing; in evang-elistic meeting's in New
York and Brooklyn, and as far away as Minneapolis,
St. Paul and St. Louis. In the spring of 1888, he was
ordained, and became pastor of the church organized
at William's Bridge.
Although Mr. Lamb has given his attention for the
most part to music and musical composition, he is the
author of several hymns. His earUest published
hymn, "What is thy Life?" suggested by James iv.
14, was written March 4, 1876, during a visit to Port-
land, and was published in Zion's Advocate. Another
hymn, "Is my Name There?" and commencing
There is a book, the book of life,
The ransomed names are found therein,
was suggested by another hymn, which makes promi-
nent the same inquiry. "I had heard," says Mr.
Lamb, "so many sing
Lord, I care not for riches,
Neither silver nor gold,
522 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
when I knew they did care for these things, that
I wanted .something that all might sing truthfully."
And so he wrote this hymn in February, 1885, and
has used it much in his work. Another hymn, writ-
ten by Mr. Lamb, entitled "^'All, all for me," was sug-
gested by the following incident published in The
Watchword: "A young lady, having been deeply
convicted of sin by Isa. liii. 5, stubbornly rejected the
Savior for many days. At last she yielded her heart
to him, and found peace. On her death-bed a friend
said to her, 'You must suffer a great deal?' She re-
plied, 'Yes'; then lifting her pale, thin hand, she
said, 'But there is no nail there,' and pointing to her
brow, 'There is no thorn there,' and laying her hand
on her side, she added, 'There is no spear-wound
there; Jesus bore all these for me. I have the
peace.' " The hymn was written in December, 1886.
These last two hymns are in "Beautiful Beckoning
Hands" (1887). Yet another hymn in this collection,
written also by Mr. Lamb, is the following :
Glad was my soul when the rest was given,
Best in a Savior's love;
Peace all unknown till the chains were riven,
Peace in a Savior's love.
Happy the day when he made me free,
Daily his follower I would be,
Praise for his wonderful love for me,
Praise for a Savior's love.
Growing in grace, and the Savior stays
Close to my side in love;
Constantly with me in all my ways,
So wondrous is his love.
Tower of my strength when I 'm weak with fear,
Refuge at length when the foe is near,
Rock of salvation, O sinner, hear!
Is Jesus' dying love.
Brighter and brighter the great highway,
Made by a Savior's love,
Grows more and more into jierfect day,
Crowned by a Savior's love.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 52S
Forward we press toward a glorious home,
Where no more in sin's path we '11 roam,
Hear the sweet voice of the Savior, " Come,
Rest in eternal love."
ARTHUR S. PHELPS.
1863 .
Arthur Stevens Phelps, third son of the well
known hymn-writer, Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, d.d., and
grandson of Rev. James H. Linsley (one of the com-
pilers of "Select Hymns," 1836), was born in New
Haven, Conn., January 23, 1863. He was baptized
at the age of thirteen; began to preach at nineteen;
spent a year in Brown University; in 1886, was
graduated B.A. at Yale University, and entered the
Yale Divinity School. The following hymn, first
printed in the Christian Secretary, April 8, 1885, a
few months after it was written, is number 1218 in
"Songs of Pilgrimage" (1886), compiled by Rev. H.
L. Hastings:
Help me, my Lord, to grow
More like to thee,
Thy Avondrous love to know,
Thy face to see.
Lord fill my soul m ith light,
Dispel the gloom of night,
And make me through thy might
More like to thee.
Though rough the road may be.
Jagged and steep,
Lord, though 1 may not run,
Upward I '11 creep.
When nightly shadows fall,
When doubts and fears appall,
Then may I rise from all,
More like to thee.
52 i BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Or if my footsteps sink
la doubt's dark wave,
May I like Peter cry,
Lord Jesus, save I
So by my faith to prove
Thine all redeeming love;
Oh, make me, heavenly Dove,
More like to thee.
And when from Pisgah's height
Canaan I view;
When faith shall change to sight,
Old things to new;
Then in a nobler song,
Through all the ages long,
I '11 stand amid the throng,
Made like to thee.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 525
GERMAN BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
GOTTFRIED W. LEHMANN.
1799-1882.
Gottfried Wilhelm LEHMA^q^N was born in
Hambarg, Germany, October 23, 1799. Soon after
liis birth his parents removed to Berlin, the capital of
Prussia. While a youth he went to Leer, in East
Frieslancl, to learn the saddler's trade of his uncle.
But not long after, he came to feel that this was not
to be his occupation for life, and near the close of
1817, he returned to Berlin, where he became an
engraver and lithographer. While in East Friesland,
he was attracted to the Christian f^iith, and soon after
his return to Berlin he joined a circle of believers who
were interested in the furtherance of the work of
Christian missions, the circulation of Bibles, and the
cause of temperance. In order to procure Bibles at
a low cost Mr. Lehmann applied to J. G. Oncken, of
Himburg, who was at that time an agent of the
Edinburgh Bible Society, now the National Bible
Society of Scotland. In this way, between these two
men an acquaintance was formed which was to be of
great importance to the cause of Christ in the Father-
land.
This was in 1830. Oncken was baptized by Dr.
Sears at Hamburg, April 22, 1834. Lehmann, who
by independent study of God's Word had quite early
been convinced of the necessity of believer's baptism,
526 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
was baptized with six others, May 14, 1837, by
Oncken, in a lake near Berlin. On the following
day this little flock of disciples was organized as a
Baptist church, and Lehniann was appointed pastor,
although he still continued his business tasks. At
first, almost unsurmountable difficulties and severe
persecutions were encountered by these Berlin Bap-
tists. In 1838, Mr. Lehmann entered the service of
the American Baptist Missionary Union, and devoted
one-half of his time to missionary work. In 1840, he
went to England, where in Salter's Hall Chapel, Can-
non Street, London, he was ordained June 29. The
revolution of 1848, brought to the German Baptists in
Prussia entire liberty. Many and extensive mission-
ary tours were made by Lehniann into eastern
Prussia, where great success attended his labors. He
also again visited England, and collected funds for a
chapel in Berlin. At length the Baptists in Berlin,
through his labors, secured a comfortable home, which
became the headquarters of wide-spread activities.
Mr. Lehmann was one of the founders of the Berlin
branch of the Evans-elical Alliance. AlthouLj:h he was
stricken down by disease several times, he lived to see
the Baptist church in Berlin receive the rights of
incorporation, and died February 21, 1882. Mr.
Lehmann possessed the gift of leadership, and with
Oncken and Kobner guided the Baptist movement in
Germany many years. It would be difficult to over-
estimate the value of his services, and his labors were
blessed to the awakening and conversion of a large
number of devoted Christian men and women.
Mr. Lehmann translated " Pengilly's Scripture Guide
to Baptism," and he was the author of several theo-
logical tracts. He was also the author of quite a
number of hymns, several of which are in '' Die
Glaubensharfe," viz:
" O welche grosse Friedens-Schaar;"
" Wenn Zions Weg verlasst ein Herz,"
AND THEIR HYMNS. 527
"Du versankst in das Grab,"
" Gliiubig tauch' ich nieder,"
" Heil! uns vereint die Jesuslieb',"
" Am Grabe steh'n wir stille,"
and the following :
O Liebe, wie gross
Und schon ist das Loos,
An Deiner Gestalt sich zu weiden!
Durch Dich, meinen Gott,
Erloset vom Tod,
Entzucken micli liimmliche Freuden!
Bald wird Er Sein Herr
Im gliisernen Meer
Zum Quell' ew'ger Wonnen geleiten —
D'rum soil hier beim Mahl
Im irdischen Thai
Sein Weib sich zur Hochzeit bereiten.
[Translation by Louise H. Coburn.]
O love, how divine
A blessing is mine.
To taste of thy body supernal,
By thee, O my God,
Redeemed from the rod,
Enravished with pleasures eternal.
His flock soon shall he
Lead over the sea
To fountains of joy ever-flowing;
By sacrament wine.
To marriage divine.
His bride must make ready for going.
528 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
SIGISMUND KUPFER.
1803-1882 (?)
SiGiSMUND KuPFER was born in 1803, in Berne,
Switzerland, where he studied theology, and later was
connected with the Free Evangelical Society, a com-
pany of pious members of the state church banded
together for the evangelization of the canton of
Berne. In 1848, having previously married Miss
Julia Haller, a most estimable lady, he emigrated to
this country. Meeting with Baptists on his arrival in
New York, he became convinced of the scripturalness
of their views, and united with the First German Bap-
tist church in that city. Soon after he was ordained,
and accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church
in Newark, N. J. In 1850, he went to St. Louis, and
became pastor of the German Baptist church in that
city. While there, he baptized Prof. Rauschenbusch.
After withdrawing from his work in St. Louis, he
spent the most of his remaining life in retirement, in
Highland, 111., but supplied for a time the First Ger-
man Baptist church in Buffalo, N. Y. These later
years of his life he devoted to the study of the Scrip-
tures, to a very fruitful and spiritual correspondence,
and to the preparation of contributions in prose and
verse for Der Sendbote, the German Baptist paper
published in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Kiipfer was a man
of earnest piety, sound theological training, and his
sermons were full of thought, and excellent food for
the soul, though they failed to attract the masses on
account of defects in his delivery. He died full of
years, and highly esteemed for his own and for his
work's sake, about the year 1882.
The following hymn by Mr. Kiipfer is 455 in " Die
Pilgerharfe ":
Lobsinge, getaufte Geraeinde des Herrn,
Ihr Glaubigen alle von nahe und fern!
Es eint uns rait Christo ein heiliger Bund,
Hat Gottes Verheissung zum ewigen Grund!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 529
Wir zeugen, gerettet von SUnde und Noth,
Von Jesu Erldsung durch Marter und Tod ;
Ja, mit Ihm begraben dem weltlichen Lauf ,
Steh'n neu wir mit Jesu zum himmlischen auf.
Wir freuen uns iiber dies heilige Bad,
Zieh'n erdeentfesselt den dornigen Pfad;
Durchdrungen vom Geiste rait himmlischem Sinn,
Blickt froh unser Glaube zum Kleinod schon bin!
O steige hernieder, Gott, Heiliger Geist,
Der uns zu dem Sohne, dem Einigen, weist.
Entzieh' Deiner Gegenwart freundliches Licht,
Das Zeugniss der Gnade, o Vater, uns nicbt!
Lobsinge, erloste, getaufte Geraein'!
Dring' vorwarts zum Lichte, ins Leben dring' ein,
Zum Land der Verheissung, zur seligen Ruh',
Dring' vorwarts, dein Heiland winkt freundlich dir zu!
In anthems of praise, O church of the Lord,
Now join your glad voices in blessed accord,
United to Christ in a covenant sure.
Which rests on God's promise and e'er must endure.
We 're witnesses, rescued from sin and the grave,
By Jesus, who came both to seek and to save;
With him we are buried to the world and its strife,
And with him are risen to newness of life.
We joy as we look upon this sacred bath,
As together we journey o'er life's thorny path;
The mind of the Spirit our guide day by day.
While faith joyful looks to the prize far away.
Descend now upon us thou Spirit divine.
And to the dear Savior our hearts all incline ;
The light of thy presence upon us let fall,
The witness of grace bestow on us all.
Redeemed of the Lord, let anthems of praise,
As you press toward the light, your glad voices raise;
The bright land of promise provides blissful rest.
And Jesus invites you to come and be blest.
34
530 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JULIUS KOBNER.
1807-1884.
Julius Kobner was born June 11, 1807, at Odensee,
capital of the island Fiihnen, and next to Copenhagen
the most important place in Denmark. As the son of
the head rabbi he was brought up in all the traditions
of Jewish lore, receiving careful instruction in a good
school. Later he became an engraver, and having
entered into a marriage engagement with a young
lady of noble birth, the young couple, on account of
the difficulties in the way of such a union in their
native land, left Denmark, and took up their residence
in Wandersbeck, Germany. Here they renounced
Judaism, entered the state church, and were married
by a special act of grace from the Danish king.
It is not known that at this time Mr. Kobner was
especially interested in religious things. Somewhat
later, while residing in Liibeck, he was on friendly
terms with Dr. Geibel, pastor of the Reformed Church.
Afterward he earned a livelihood as a play-writer in
Hamburg. But while in Hamburg he made the
acqaintance of John G. Oncken, who made known to
him the way of life so clearly that soon he could say
of the Messiah, " Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou
art the King of Israel."
May 7, 1836, Mr. Kobner was baptized by Oncken.
Until 1852, he assisted Oncken as pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Hamburg and also as a missionary. An
earnest student, he was interested in the wide field of
knowledge, and made himself familiar with the Greek,
Latin and Engi:lish lano-uag-es, in addition to the
Hebrew, Danish and German languages with which he
was already familiar. From 1852, to 1866, he was
pastor of the Baptist church in BarmcM, Rhenish
Prussia, a church of which he was the founder. In
1866, he went to Copenhagen, where he labored until
AND THEIR HYMNS. 531
1879. He then returned to Barmen, and in 1883,
became pastor of the Baptist church in Berlin. Here
he closed his work, dying February 2, 1884, one
month after Oncken's death, and nearly two years
after the death of Lehmann.
Kobner unquestionably was the ablest of the leaders
of the German Baptist movement inaugurated by
Oncken. Somewhat of a mystic, he was the most
eloquent preacher the Baptists in Germany have
produced. His poetical faculties Avere of a high
order, and he was fond of giving expression to his
thoughts in verse. He was a prolific hymn-writer.
Many of his hymns were included in the " Glaubens-
stimme," the German Baptist hymn book which he
compiled. The " Harfentone " was also compiled by
him. He also published a collection of his own
hymns, which he entitled the "Liederstrauss." His
other poetical works were " Die Waldenser " and
" Das Lied von Gott." Of the last. President Hovey,
of Newton Theological Institution, gave an extended
notice in the Baptist Quarterly Review for July, 1877.
It is in dramatic form, with some fine lyrical passages.
One of these, on the sufferings of Christ in Gethsem-
ane, Dr. Hovey translates as follows:
In dark Getlisemane he wept;
To him the cup of death was given;
Though perfectly the law he kept,
His soul with pangs of hell was riven.
The sins of all he made his own,
And for their guilt he must atone.
The dues of justice must be paid;
His bloody sweat did therefore fall;
God's hate of sin was on his head,
He felt the burden, bore it all.
The cup of woe he fully drained,
And conquered while his soul was pained.
Though scorn and scourging he endured,
Yet light was in the victor's heart;
And of his Father's will assured
532 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
"VYliile tlying, peace he doth impart;
He answers, if the robber pray,
And gives him Paradise " today."
Soon darkness veiled the noonday sun,
And darkness filled the Savior's mind.
The throng was awestruck, but alone
In starless gloom his spirit pined.
No ray of light fell from above,
And yet the Father he would love.
Long hours have passed. He cries to God:
" Why hast thou me forsaken now ? "
The Father hears, removes the rod.
With answering love and radiant brow.
He knows the victory is won,
And shouts aloud: " My work is done."
Of Kobner's hymns the following are especially
worthy of mention :
" Lobt in Seinem Heiligthume,"
" Lebensqueir I Israel,"
" Nach Seinem heil'gen Worte,"
*' Zermalmtes Brod des Lebens,"
" Es ist Tag — Bist du wach ? "
and the following :
Vollkomm'ne heil'ge Majestat,
Jehovah fur und fiir,
Hoch iiber all' Dein Werk erhohtl
Hier stehen wir vor Dir,
Und fiihlen, dass wir gar Nichts sind;
Doch freut sich Jeder wie ein Kind,
Das Du so gross und herrlich bist,
Indem er Deinen Scepter kiisst.
Verwirf uns nicht
Von Deinem Angesicht!
Ach, dies ist eine Siinderschaar,
Wir haben Dich betriibtl
Doch Deine Liebe, Gott, gebar
Uns Rettung: Jesus giebt
Uns Unschuld und GerechtigkeitI
AXD THEIR HYMNS. 533
In Seinem Namen steh'n wir heut'
Vor Dir und neaiien " Vater! " Dich,
Unci jede Seele freuet sich;
Wir freu'n uns Dein —
Es ist bei Dir gut sein!
Wie selig siiid wir eins mit Gott;
Ein Menscli sitzt auf dem Tliron,
Der eiust, wie wir sind, war eia Spott,
Jehovah, Gottes Sohn!
Heut' ist Sein grosser Siegestag —
Ihm Nichts raelir widerstehen mag.
Nua send' uns, Herr, Uein raiichtig "Wort,
Und trage Deine Beute fort!
Mit Herz und Hand
Set jetzt uns zugewandt!
The following translation of this hymn, by David
Chandler Gilmore, of Rochester, N. Y., appeared in
the Examiner, July 29, 1886 :
All perfect, holy majesty
Enthroned above the skies,
The Lord through all eternity!
To thee we lift our eyes.
That we are nothing well we know,
Yet every heart rejoices so,
That thou art gi'eat and glorious,
And holdst thy sceptre forth to us.
Before thy face
Refuse us not a place.
A company of sinners we,
We all have made thee grieve;
But in thy changeless love we see
Our safety. We receive
Erom Jesus Christ our righteousness;
We stand before thee in this dress;
And Abba, Father, can we say;
And all our hearts rejoice alway —
Rejoice in thee,
Here is it good to be.
534 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
In God how great our blessedness ;
A man is on the throne
Who all the weight of weariness
And human scorn has known.
His day of triumph is begun,
What shall withstand Jehovah's Son?
Send us thy mighty word today,
Victorious bear the spoil away,
With heart and hand
Be present in our band.
CONRAD A. FLETSCHMANN.
1812-1867.
Conrad A. Fleischmanx was the pioneer German
Baptist missionary in the United States. He was
born in Nuremberg, Bavaria, April 18, 1812. Here
he was brought up in the Lutheran faith. Having
learned a trade, he set out in his nineteenth year to
complete his apprenticeship in other cities. In
Geneva he made the acquaintance of some earnest
Christians, by whom he was led into a fuller light of
the gospel of Christ. This was in 1831. Soon after,
he was baptized at Basel, and in obedience to his con-
victions of duty he now entered upon a course of
theological study at Berne. Three years later he
commenced Christian work in the Emmenthal. In
1837, he returned to Nuremberg, and in the following
year, at the invitation of George Miiller, he visited
Bristol, England, and in 1839, he came to the United
States for the purpose of doing missionary work
among his countrymen.
He began his work in Newark, N. J., and in Octo-
ber, he baptized three converts, the first fruits of his
labors. Others foUowed. Later he went to Reading,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 535
Penn., where great success attended his wovk among
the Germans there. In 1842, he removed to Philadel-
phia, where he organized a German Baptist church.
During his pastorate there he did missionary service
in other parts of the country. In 1852, the first
Conference of German Baptists was held, and Mr.
Fleischmann, by appointment of the Conferiace, com-
menced in the following year the publication of Der
Sendbote, then a monthly paper. The first meeting
of the General German Baptist Conference vas held
in 1865. Der Sendbote was now made a weekly
paper, and Mr. Fleischmann became associate editor.
October 15, 1867, after preaching an impressive ser-
mon from the text, "Thus saith the Lord: set thy
house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live," his
long and eminently useful career was suddenly term-
inated by death. Mr. Fleischmann was a devout,
earnest, affectionate disciple of the Master, and loved
the w^ork of winning souls to Christ. His services as
founder of the German Baptist churches in the United
States wall lono; be remembered.
In "Die Glaubensharfe " are two hymns, — 526 and
610 — by Mr. Fleischmann, both translations; one,
Ich Hebe, Herr, Dein Reich,
a German version of the well known hymn,
I love thy kingdom, Lord,
and the other a German version of
Lord, I hear of showers of blessing,
as follows
Herr, ich liore, Du willst geben
Gnadengiisse gniidiglich,
Die das diirre Land beleben,
. Lass es tr'aufeln auch auf mich.
Ja, auf mich — Ja, auf mich —
Lass es traufeln auch auf mich.
536 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Uebersieh' micli niclit, o Yaterl
Zeigt mein Herz audi trotzig sich;
Bleibe meines Heils Verather,
Blick' in Gnaden stets auf mich.
Ja, auf mich — Ja, auf mich —
Blick' in Guaden stets auf mich.
Uebersieh' mich nicht, Erloser!
Lass mich recht erfassen Dich.
Maclie meiu Yeriangen grosser,
Du rufst Yiele, ruf audi mich.
Ja, auch mich — Ja, audi mich —
Du rufst Yiele, ruf auch micli.
Uebersieh' mich nicht, o Trofter!
Meiner Blindheit Banden bricli;
Weil ich bin des Herru Erloster,
Driick' Deiii Siegel fest auf mich.
Ja, auf mich — Ja, auf mich —
Driick' Dein Siegel fest auf mich.
Liebe Gottes, o verschone!
Christi Blut, tritt auf und sprich
Dorten vor dem Gnadenthrone,
Dass verslihnet Du auch mich.
Ja, auch mich — Ja, auch mich —
Dass versiilinet Du audi mich.
AUGUSTUS RAUSCHENBUSCH.
1816 .
Prof. Augustus Rauschexbusch, d.d., was born
in Altena, Westphalia, Germany, February 13, 1816.
His father, from whom he received careful early in-
struction, was pastor of the Lutheran church in that
city. When fourteen years of age he entered the
gymnasium at Elberfeld, and four years later he
entered the theological department of the University
AND THEIR HYMNS. 537
of Berlin. Here, under the influence of Neander and
other pious friends, he was led to a saving knowledge
of the truth. Later he studied natural science and
theology at the University of Bonn. When his father
died in 1841, he was made his father's successor; and
his earnest evangelical efforts at Altena were greatly
blessed. But he was not at ease under the restrictions
of his position, and in 1846, he crossed the Atlantic
to labor among his countrymen in the United States.
He preached a short time in Missouri. In 1847, he
was placed in charge of the German tract department
of the American Tract Society in New York. While
in this position he was led to examine the question of
baptism, and as a result of his investigations he ac-
cepted Baptist views, and was baptized in May, 1850.
In 1851, he labored awhile in Canada, and organized
the first German Baptist churches there, though he
did not sever his connection with the American Tract
Society until 1853. He then visited his native land.
Returning to the United States with a party of emi-
grants in 1854, he settled with them in Missouri. In
1855, he organized a German Baptist church in Gas-
conade, Mo. In 1855, at the request of the New
Y^ork Baptist Union, he organized the German Depart-
ment of the Theological Seminary in Rochester, N.
Y., and received an appointment as professor. This
he filled with great acceptance, performing a most
valuable service for the German Baptist churches in
the United States, until the summer of 1888, when he
resigned on account of ill health, and returned to his
native land, bearing with him the love and honor, not
only of his fellow-countrymen in the United States,
for whom he had so long and faithfully labored, but
also the love and honor of all who, during his work in
this country, had in any way been associated with
him, or had known his work. May his last days,
amid the scenes of his youth, be crowned with abun-
dant blessings !
538 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Dr. Rausclienbusch is the author of a learned tract
on the Lord's Day, pubhshed in Enghsh and German
by the American Tract Society. He was also the
compiler of the " Pilgerharf e," a collection of hymns
for use in the German Baptist churches. The follow-
ing hymn (32-4) in this collection was written by
Dr. Rauschenbusch :
In des Jordans kiihle Wellen
Stieg der Heilaud eiust liinab;
Sehet, wie sie um Ihn schwellen,
Ihn bedcckend als ein Grab.
Seht hier Seine heisse Lieb'
Zu den Siindern, die Ihn trieb,
Dass Er sank in Todesnothen,
Tins vom ew'gen Tod zu rotten.
Ja, Er ist fiir uns gestorben,
Hat vom Eluch uns frei gemacht,
Ileil und Lcben uns erworbeu
Und den Himmel wiederbracht.
Ihm gehoren wir nun an,
Folgeu Ihm auf Seiner Bahn;
Ohne Klagen, ohne Zagen
"Woll'n wir Ihm das Kreuz nachtragen.
D'rum wohlan, ihr liebe Kinder,
Hat Er euch befreit vom Fluch ?
Liebt ihr euren Ueberwinder ?
Fiihlt ihr Seines Geistes Zug ?
O, so traget Seme Sclimach!
Folgt Ilim in die Flulhcn nach!
Wo das Haupt vorangegangen,
Darf's den Gliedern nimmer ban^en.
Once M'here flows the sacred Jordan,
Christ was buried 'neath the wave.
See the Avaters swelling round him,
In this emblematic gravel
See how glowed his tender love
For the sinful, when he strove
"With the mightiest powers infernal,
Snatching souls from death eternal.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 539
Yes, for us on Calvary dying,
He from sin has made us free,
Life and fullest pardon winning,
Blessedness for you and me.
His we are from this glad day,
Tollow him in his own way,
Uncomplaining, his cross bearing,
He for us our nature wearing.
Therefore on, ye well-loved children;
Are j-ou from the curse made free ?
Glows your heart with love for Jesus,
Crucified upon the tree ?
Ye who bear his s.icred name.
Follow him through floods and flame.
Where our Head has gone before us,
"VVe may tread, his banner o'er us.
PHILIPP BICKEL.
1821 .
PtEV. PniLirp BiCKEL, D.D., was born September 7,
1821, in Weinheim, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany.
His education he received at Bender's Collegiate In-
stitute in Weinheim. In 1847, he was apprenticed to
a notary public, preparatory to state service. On
account of his participation in the revolution in Baden
in 1848, however, he was compelled to leave his native
land and, in the summer of 1848, he made his way to
the United States. Here for a time he found employ-
ment as a printer and as a teacher. In the winter of
1851, he was converted under the preaching of Rev. J.
Coggeshall, and was baptized in Lake Michigan, near
Waukegan, 111. Not long afterward the conviction
ripened that it was his duty to preach among his own
countrymen the gospel he had received. To fit him-
540 BAPTIST HYMN^ WRITERS
self for this work, he .availed himself of the theolog-
ical course at the Rochester Theological Seminary.
After his graduation in 1855, he entered upon mis-
sionary work among the Germans, in Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he succeeded in organizing a German Baptist
church. As the pastor of this church he was ordained
in September, 1857. Here he built a chapel, and
published the first German Sunday-school paper. In
1865, the German General Baptist Conference ap-
pointed Mr. Bickel president of the newly organized
German Baptist Publication Society, and withdrawing
from the pastorate he removed to Cleveland, Ohio,
which became the Society's headquarters. Here he
built the German Baptist Publishing House in 1871,
and superintended the Society's publication work,
which included the editorship of Der Sendbote. As a
recognition of his scholarly worth, Denison Univer-
sity conferred upon him the degree of doctor of divin-
ity. In 1878, by appointment of the American Bap-
tist Publication Society, and at the request of promi-
nent Baptists in Germany, Dr. Bickel returned to his
native land to re-organize the publication work of the
German Baptists in Hamburg, which has since that
time been his residence. In this work Dr. Bickel has
been successful. Beside superintending the jDublica-
tion work, he edits Der Walirheitszeuge, and in vari-
ous ways he is performing a service for the Baptists
of Germany, which is gratefully recognized.
Dr. Bickel has been greatly interested in Sunday-
school work. While in the United States he compiled
a Sunday-school hymn-book entitled " Das Singvoge-
lein," which has been greatly enlarged since its first
publication. As good Sunday-school hymns in the
German language were rare. Dr. Bickel translated
some American favorites, and added also some of his
own compositions. This book has not only had a
large circulation in this country, but also in Germany,
and many of its hymns have been transferred to col-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 541
lections used by other denominations. Prominent
among these Sunday-school hymns by Dr. Bickel are
" Herr, nimm mich bei der Hand,"
" Ich horte von Liindern voll Pracht."
Six of Dr. Bickel's hymns are in " Die Glaubens-
harfe." One of them (611) is the following :
Nimm mein Herz, o Yater, beug' es,
Lass es ganz Dein eigen sein;
Heil'ger Geist, zersclimelz', erweich' es,
Mache Fleiscli aus diesem Stein!
la dem Herzen, Ileiland, walte,
Priige selbst Deiu Bild hinein!
Wie sich auch mein Geist entfalte,
Halt' mein Herze sanft und klein.
Yater, mach' es frei von Siinden,
Friedlich, still, wis Dir'sgefallt;
Hilf ilim stets zu iiberwinden
Diese arge, schnode Welt.
Gott, in Jesu Blut und Wunden
Tauch' es, gieb ilim siisse Ruh';
Und audi in den biingsten Stunden,
Giit'ger Yater, troste Dul
[Translation by Louise H. Cobum.]
Take my heart, O Father, make it .
"Wholly and for aye thine own ;
Holy Spirit, melt it, break it,
Soften into flesh this stone.
Liker thine may it be growing.
Savior, thou its sovereign art;
While my soul unfolds, upgoing,
Meek and lowly keep my heart.
Father, shelter it from evil;
Bid it find in thee its home ;
Help it world, and flesh and devil,
By thy strength to overcome.
God, in Jesus' blood and anguish
Cleanse my heart, and give it rest;
When in darkest hours I languish,
Comfort thou my troubled breast.
542 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
CONRAD BODENBENDER.
1823 .
Conrad Bodenbender was born July 10, 1823, at
Heskem, Hesse-Cassel, Germany. He entered Roch-
ester Theological Seminary, at Rochester, N. Y., in
1854, and remained four 3^ears. In 1856, he was
ordained at Newark, N. J. His pastorates have been
as follows: Tavistock, Ontario, 1861-1865; Berlin,
Ontario, 1865-1871; Chicago, 111., 1871-1873; Buffalo,
N. Y., First German Baptist church, since 1873.
In '-Die Glaubensharfe," Mr. Bodenbender has
three hymns,
" Ja, Herr, icli will Dir dienen,"
" Die Pilger zur Heimath der Seligen zieh'n,''
and the following :
Der Leib nur sinkt entseelt liinab
Als Saatkorn in das off'ne Grab.
Der Herr dem Grab sein Siegel bricht,
TVenn Er das " Auferstehet! " spricht.
Der Leib im Grab in Staub zerfallt,
Das ihn als Siegesbeute halt,
Bis Jesu Ruf durchs Weltall tont,
Die Graber mit Verklarung kront,
Das Grab schliesst nie die Seelen ein,
AVeil sie nicht von der Erde sein.
Weht auch der Todeshauch sie an,
Der Tod sie nie vernichten kann.
Der Leib — der Goites Tempel ist,
Entschlummert sanft in Jesus Christ.
Der Geist doch, wenn die Hiitte fallt,
Lebt ewig fort in sel'ger Welt.
Der Mensch mit Engeln ist verwandt,
Den Menchenleib schuf Gottes Hand.
Die Seele hauchte Gott ihm ein,
Ist geistig und wird ewig sein.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 643
Im Grab, wenn fiillt die lelzte Last,
Der Gliiub' gen Leib hiilt Sabbathrast.
Meiu Leib, der wird, mag er vergeh'n,
Verklart, wie Jesus, aufersteli'u.
Und wann der grosse Tag erwacht;
Wo ist, o Grab! danii deine Macht ?
Und, Tod! wo deine AUgewalt,
Wenn Jesu Ruf durch Griiber hallt ?
[Translation by Louise H. Coburn.]
The body only, soulless now.
Like seed-corn in the grave lies low.
The Lord shall break the seal of death,
When to his own, " Arisel " he saith.
The body falls to dust away,
Is held beneath the conquerer's sway,
Till Jesus' call the earth shall shake,
And those long dead to life awake.
The grave cannot the soul enchain ,
It ne'er beneath the sod hath lain.
When the last sigh of life is stilled,
Death hath not conquered it nor killed.
The body, that God's temple is,
Asleep in Jesus sweetly lies.
The spirit when its house decays,
Shall live for aye to sing his praise.
Man is unto the angels near,
God's hand his body fashioned fair.
God's breath the soul awoke within,
That it might life eternal win.
With folded hands, in slumber deep,
The faithful till the judgment sleep.
O may my body, glorified,
Be raised to stand by Jesus' side.
When the great day shall mount the sky,
Where, grave, shall be thy victory ?
And where, O death! shall be thy sting,
When through the grave Christ's call shall ring?
544 BAPTIST HYMJ^ WRITERS
GREGOR SPECK.
1826 .
GREaoR Speck was born in Ettlingen, near Carls-
ruhe, Baden, Germany, November 17, 1826. He was
brought up in the Roman Catholic faith, and was
educated in the seminary for teachers in his native
place. Afterward, until July, 1849, he was engaged
in teaching in the district of Gengenbach. In 1850,
he came to the United States, and shortly after his
arrival in New York he took up his residence in New
Brunswick, N. J. Here he played the organ in the
Roman Catholic church. But coming under Protestant
intluences, and having been led by the grace of God
to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior, he was baptized
in January, 1853, and united with the First German
Baptist church in New York. About this time Mr. S.
S. Constant opened a mission Sunday-school in 38th
Street, among the German people there, and Mr.
Speck was invited by the First German church to take
charge of a German day school in connection with
this Sunday-school. He accepted the position, and for
fifteen years he devoted himself to the interests of
this day and Sunday-school. It was a blessed work,
and a blessino; followed his earnest labors.
Among the German Baptist churches, when he
entered upon this work, the Sunday-school was little
known. There were no German Sunday-school papers
nor hymn books. Mr. Speck opened a correspondence
with Rev. P. Bickel, then a German Baptist missionary
in Cincinnati, Ohio, deeply interested in Sunday-school
work, who commenced the publication of a Sunday-
school paper, Der Muntere Saeman, which is now
in all German Baptist Sunday-schools. He also
encouraged Mr. Bickel to publish a Sunday-school
hymn book. The first edition of " Das Singvogelein "
contained only fifty-two hymns. This collection has
BAPTIST HYMK WRITERS 545
been enlarged from time to time, and the seventh
edition, now in use, has two hundred and twenty-two
hymns. To this collection, Mr. Speck contributed five
hymns, all translations of well known American Sun-
day-school hymns:
" Icli mochte sein ein Engel,"
" O lasst den Muth nicht sinken,"
*' O koinmt, Kinder kommt,"
"Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosannal "
and the following translation of the familiar hymn,
Before the throne of God in heaven:
Vor Gottes Thron im Himmel steh'u
Viel tausend Kinderlein,
Sie sind befreit von Siind' und Schuld,
Ein heiliger Verein ;
Singen : Ehre, Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in derHoh'!
Mit vpeissen Kleidern, hell und rein,
Sind Alle ausgeschmiickt.
Sie wohnen in dem ew'gen Licht,
Und Alle hoch entziickt
Singen : Ehre, Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in der Hoh'l
"Was brachte sie in jenes Land,
Den Himmel hell und klar,
"Wo nur ist Friede, Freud' und Lieb'
Und "Wonne immerdar ?
Singen : Ehre, Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in der Hoh'l
Weil Jesus Christ am Kreuz Sein Blut
Vergoss fiir ihre Siind',
Gewaschen in der reint-n Fluth,
Sie rein und weiss nun sind ;
Singen : Ehre, Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in der Hoh'l
Sie suchten hier schon Gnade, Heil
Bel Jesu, Gottes Sohn;
Jetzt sehen sie Sein Angesicht
Und steh'n vor Gottes Thron;
Singen : Ehre, Ehre, Ehre sei Gott in der Hoh'l
35
546 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JULIUS C. HASELHUHN.
1829 .
Julius C. Haseliiuiiis^ was born in Altenburg,
Germany, May 21, 1829. He studied in the Ger-
man department of Rochester Theological Seminary
1854-1856, and afterward in the English department.
He was ordained in 1858. His pastorates have
been as follows: Wilmington, Del., 185S-1861;
Newark, N. J., 1861-1868; St. Louis, Mo., 1868-1872.
Then he served three years as general missionary in
the west for the American Baptist Home Mission Soci-
ety, which included work as a traveling evangelist.
He served as pastor in Chicago, 111., 1875-1878.
When Dr. Bickel, in 1879, left his position as head of
the German Baptist Publication Society in Cleveland,
Ohio, to take charge of the German publication work
in Hamburg, Germany, Mr. Haselhuhn was made his
successor. The Publication Society in Cleveland pub-
lishes Der Sendbote, an eight-page weekly, of which
Mr. Haselhuhn is the editor, also two Sunday-school
papers, a missionary paper, and books and tracts on
religious subjects. In this important position Mr.
Haselhuhn is wielding a powerful influence for good
in connection with the work of the German Baptists
througrhout the United States.
In the " Glaubensharfe " Mr. Haselhuhn has three
hymns,
" O weihe, weihe, weihe heut',"
" Wenn wir singen, weun wir beten,"
and the following :
Seid gegriisst von Herzensgrunde,
Briider, Schwesteni in dem Herrn!
Alle, die ini Liebesbunde!
Hier vereint von nah uud fern.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 547
Jesu Huld hat uns seleitet
Kecht wie Kindlein an der Hand,
Seine Liebe uns bereitet
Hier Ein Test im Mesechsland.
Stimmt nun an im Freudenreigen
Lieder zu des Heilands Ruhm;
AUe Klagen lasst jetzt schweigen,
Gebt Euch Ihni zum Eigenthum.
Lasset Herz und Herz zusammen
Eliessen hier beim Liebesmahl,
Bis des Geistes heil'ge Flammen
Ganz erfiillen diesen Saal.
Lasst uns Siindern froh bezeugen
Jesu Liebe diese Xacht,
Dass auch sie die Ilerzen beugen
Vor dem Herrn, der selig macht.
[Translation by Louise H. Coburn.]
Heartily give we our greeting,
Brothers, sisters, in the Lord,
"Who in sweet communion meeting,
Join about this sacred board.
Jesus' grace hath gently led us,
As his children by the hand;
Jesus' bounteous love hath spread us
Plenty in a desert land.
At the joyful celebration
We will sing our Savior's praise;
Silent now be lamentation,
Hearts devoted let us raise.
Soul and soul together flowing.
Love and trust shall vanquish gloom.
Till the Holy Spirit's going
Fills with tongues of flame the room.
Let us happy witness render
Of Christ's love to sinners given,
And our hearts, contrite and tender.
Bow to God, the King of heaven.
548 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
JOHANN D. FEDDERSEN.
1836 .
JoiiANX Dan'iel Feddersen was born at Deetzbiill,
" Kreis " Jondeni, Duchy of Schleswig, November 3,
1836. His father, who was a merchant in that place,
died early, and when Johann completed his school-life
he went to Husnm to learn the bookbinder's trade.
It was here that the greatest of all changes in his life
took place, for here he gained a living faith in the
Son of God. In the spring of 1853, Husnm was dev-
astated by a fire. After this fire a quantity of old
books were stored in the garret where Johann slept,
and he spent his Sundays and leisure hours in looking
over these old books. Among them he found a copy
of David HoUagen's " Evangelische Gnadenordnung,"
which impressed him because of the stress the author
laid upon the necessity of a new birth, together with
the fact that through a recognition of one's misery in
sin, and through the forgiveness of sin in Jesus'
blood, is there obtained a consciousness of peace with
God. He resolved to make an effort to obtain this
boon, and the Lord blessed the reading of that old
book to his heart in such a manner that one evening
in June, 1853, he could exclaim with unspeakable
joy, " God's spirit bears witness with my spirit that I
am his child and heir." He now had peace with God,
and henceforth he has lived in the blessed sunshine of
his grace.
At the close of his apprenticeship he traveled
through a large part of Germany and Denmark, was
in connection with many Christians of the evangel-
ical Lutheran faith, and at last came in contact with
Baptists at Kiel. Here the Lord opened his eyes to
the incurable evils of the Lutheran church, and after
long inward and outward struggles he resolved to
leave the church of his fathers, and unite with the
AND THEIR HYMNS. 549
Baptist church at Schleswig. In the sacred ordinance
of baptism, the Lord, in a powerful manner, put his
seal^ to the act, and a new hfe of fellowship with
Christ, and also with his people, followed.
In his twenty-first year he began to express in
verse the feelings that stirred his young heart, and a
series of religious poems was the result. These were
brought together, and published in 1864, at Hamburg,
with the title " ZionsHeder." From this collection °I
take the following, entitled " Nur Ihu " — " Him
Only":
An meinem susseu Gotteslamm,
Das eiust au deni verfluchten Stamm
Des Kreuzes meine Siinde trug,.
Hab 'ich in Ewigkeit genug.
Nur Ihn, nur Ihn, unci sonst nichts melirl
AYenn Er niclit meinu Zutlucht Avar\
Wenn ich nicht durfte zu Ihm gehn:
Es wiire langst um niich geschehn.
Seitdem Er meine Missethat
Und Siinde niir vergeben hat,
Seit dieser Stunde will allein
Mein Herz durch Ihu befriedigt sein.
Wie konnte ich auch ohne Ihn
Den schmalen Weg nait Freuden ziehn ?
Von Ilini geschieden lebenslang,
Das wiir' mein Tod und Unter<'-anf'.
Nun aber ist un^ bleibt Er mein,
Nun darf ich Seines Bluts mich freun,
Das hat mich frei und rein gemacht,
Und auf den Weg des Heils gebracht.
An meinem siissen Goiteslamm,
Das einst an dem veriiuchten Stamm
Des Kreuzes meine Siinde trug,
Hab' ich in Ewigkeit genug!
550 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
0 sweet and precious Lamb of God,
Ou whom once fell the chastening rod,
Who bore ray sins upon the tree,
1 ever have enough in thee.
In thee, in thee, and thee alone!
If thou didst not for me atone,
If I dared not to go to thee,
All hope had long since fled from me.
Since Christ my sins has now forgiven,
And made of me an heir of heaven,
From this glad hour my heart shall be
At peace with him to whom I flee.
Without him how could I each day
Tread joyfully the narrow way ?
Apart from him who gave me breath,
That were to me destruction, death.
But he remains my lasting choice,
And in his blood I still rejoice.
The cleansing blood that makes me free,
Which flowed on Calvary for me.
0 sweet and precious Lamb of God,
On whom once fell the chastening rod,
Who bore my sins upon the tree,
1 ever have enough in thee.
Mr. Feddersen's home is at Elmshorn, in the Duchy
of Holstein, and he is a member of the Baptist church
there.
HEINRICH L. DIETZ.
1837 .
Heinrich Ludwig Dietz was born of Roman
CathoUc parents, July 26, 1837, at Rockenberg (Wet-
terau), Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. In 1860, he
came to the United States. From 1861, to 1865, he
AND THEIR HYMNS. 551
was connected with the German department of Roch-
ester Theological Seminary at Rochester, N. Y., and
was baptized in Rochester by Rev. G. Koopman.
The year 1865-6, he spent in the English department
of the seminary. September 1, 1866, he became
pastor of the German Baptist church in New Haven,
Conn., where he remained until February, 1874.
Subsequently he was pastor at Newark, N. J., from
March, 1874, to April, 1876; at Louisville, Ky.,
from May, 1876, to October, 1878; at Peoria, 111.,
from October, 1878, to October, 1881. He then
entered upon his present pastorate in Milwaukee,
Wis. For four years he was missionary secretary of
the Western German Baptist Conference. He is
now missionary secretary of the Northwestern Ger-
man Baptist Conference, and a member of the general
committee of the General Missionary Society of
German Baptist churches in North America.
Mr. Dietz has been a contributor to the religious
press, and is the author of two tracts, " Beschneidung
und Taufe," and " Taufe und Sauglingsbesprengung."
He is also the author of two hymns in " Die Glaubens-
harfe " (546 and 573),
Gelobt sei der Herr,
and the following :
O HeiT, wir bitten Dich
In dieser Stimd':
Erhor' uns gnadiglich,
Sei Rath und Mund!
Chor. — Wir glauben, o wir glauben,
Herr, aus Dich wir trauen.
So segne uns, o Heiland,
Wir bitten Dich.
Gieb uns den Heil' gen Geist
Zu dieseni Werk,
Das Er uns Beistand leist'
TJnd Alle stark'.
552 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Lass Fried' untl Einigkeit
Jetzt walten liier;
Mach' uns zum Dienst bereit
In heil'ijer Zier!
O Lord, we call on thee;
In this hour hear;
And to us graciously
Lend thou thine ear.
Chokus. — We do believe, our Savior,
In thee we are trusting;
O grant us now a blessing,
We call on thee.
Give us thy Spirit, Lord,
In this our need.
And help to us afford.
In very deed.
Let peace and union dwell
In every heart;
And O prepare us well
To act our part.
HERMANN WINDOLF.
1846 .
Heemann Windolf was born at Gmnenplan, Duchy
of Brunswick, Germany, April 28, 1846. He was
converted when sixteen years of age, and united Avith
the Baptist church at Einbeck, in Hanover. Through
the mission paper pul^Ushed at Hamburg, and Der
Sendbote, he became interested in missions, and love
for his Master awakened in him a desire to be em-
ployed in the work of giving the gospel to the
heathen. But it pleased the Lord, he says, to keep
him in the school of patience, and teach him lessons
AND THEIR HYMNS. 553
which would be useful to him in the work upon which
he was to enter. His father was a mason, and he
served an npprenticeship with him. He received
instruction also in an institute of technology. In
1865, he attended the theological school at Hamburg,
with which at that time Oncken and Kcibner were
connected. He studied the Gospel of John under
Oncken. Not less stimulating and faithful, he says,
was the instruction of Klibner. Returning to his
trade, he devoted a part of his time to evangelistic
work. For two years (1SG7— 18G9) he labored as a
missionary at Herford, in Westphalia. From 1873, to
1877, he performed a like service in Brunswick. At
the close of 1877, he sailed with his family for Queens-
land, Australia, where he landed February 20, 1878.
During the remainder of that year he served the Ger-
man Baptist church at Fassifern and Mount Walker as
pastor. From 1879, to 1884, he was pastor of the
German Baptist church at Marburg and Upper Bris-
bane River. On account of impaired health he was
laid aside for a year and a half. Since 1886, he has
been pastor of the German Baptist church at Engels-
burg. His ministry has been greatly blessed in the
conversion of souls, and four new chapels have been
erected in connection with his labors.
His first hymn was written when he was eighteen
years of age, during a period of sickness. In all, he
has written about two hundred hymns, many of which
have appeared in different Baptist papers, and some
of them in collections of hymns, for example, "Die
Glaubensharfe " and " Die Zionsklange." In 1886, a
collection of his poems and hymns, entitled " Thau-
tropfen auf dem Pilgerwege," was published in Bonn,
on the Rhine. The volume received the favorable
notice of Karl Gerok and several other well known
German poets. Gerok says, " It well deserves the
name ' Thautropfen,' since the face of Jesus Christ is
mirrored therein in manifold colors, like the sun in
554 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the pearls of the morning." Mr. Winclolf is repre-
sented in the " Glaubensharf e " by three hymns. One
of these is a transhition of Lyte's
Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide.
Herr, bleib' bei mir; denn scliou neigt sich der Tag;
Dem Dummerscheiu folgt tiefes Duukel nach;
Wo soust kein Heifer ist, da bleibe Du
Mein Schutz und Schinu, uud schenk' mir siisse Ruh'!
Schnell schwinden unsers Lebens Stunden hiu;
Die zarte Blume bliiht — und ist dahin;
Im flucht'gen Wechsel eilt dahin die Zeit;
Du nur bleibst, der Du bist in Ewigkeit.
Verbleib' bei mir, wenn rosig's Morgenlicht
Verkiindet, dass der neue Tag aubricht;
Lass Deine Gegenwart mir fiihlbar sein,
Herr, bleib' bei mir uud lass mich nicht allein!
Ohn' Deine Hilfe, die die Nacht zerstreut.
Den Feiud besiegt, das blode Herz erfreut,
Ohn' Deine Niihe bin ich ganz verzagt;
D'rum bleib' bei mir, so wird der Kampf gewagt.
Du selber sagst: Nichts kann ich ohne Dich,
Wle sehr ich harme, miih' und plage mich;
Wenn Du mir fehlst, gelingt mir nicht ein Schritt,
D'rum bleib' und gehe bis ans Ende mit.
Im Leidenisbild sei Du mir iramer nah',
Geliebter! wie Du starbst auf Golgatha;
Und, wenn mein Leben geht gu Ende hier,
Dann bleib' bei mir und hole mich zu Dir!
In "Die Zionsklange " Mr. Windolf has fourteen
hymns, although four are not credited to him.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 555
JULIUS C. GRIMMELL.
1847 .
Julius Chakles Grimmell was born in Marburg,
Hesse-Cassel, Germany, May 30, 1847. From 1863,
to 1866, he pursued theological studies at the Roches-
ter Theological Seminary, and again in 1867, 1868,
spending a year at the University in Lewisburgh,
Penn., between these dates. He was ordained January
29, 1868. His first pastorate was Avith the First Ger-
man Baptist church in Buffalo, N. Y., where he
remained six years. He then became pastor of the
First Baptist church in Brookl^'n, east district, which
he still serves. Mr. Grimmell has taken a deep
interest in work among the Germans in the United
States. For several years he has been the general
secretary for the German Baptist Home Mission work,
and not long ago, in the interest of the Home Mission
Society, he spent a year in visiting various portions
of the country and in inspecting the field with a view
to the enlary^ement of German mission work. In this
and other ways he has done a most valuable work in
advancinor the kina:dom of God.
Mr. Grimmell has puljlished a small collection of
German hymns for prayer-meeting use, entitled " Die
Werkstimme." In "Die Glaubensharfe " he has
three hymns. One of these (459) is a translation
of the hymn
My hope is built on nothing less.
Another (600) is a translation of Fawcett's hymn,
Blest be the tie that binds.
The following (308) is a translation of the well
known hymn (Gospel Hymns, 246) "Why not
To-night":
O lass den Geist nicht von dir flieh'n,
Schau' nicht zuriick zur Eitelkeit.
556 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Du weisst, du musst zum Heilaud flieh'n,
Wann willst du's thuu ? AVavum niclit heut' ?
Chor. :|| : Warum niclit heut ? Waruiii niclit lieut' ?
"Waun willst du's thun ? Warum uicht heut ?:
Wer weiss, wie bald dein Leben schliesst!
O, eile doch bei guter Zeit
Zum Brunn, da ew'ges Leben fliesst.
"Waun willst du's thun ? Warum nicht heut ?
Chor. — Warum uicht heut ?
Was beut die Welt fiir Freude dir?
Ihr Spielwerk ist Verganglichkeit.
Gott spricht : Dring durch die offne Thiir,
Wann willst du's thun? Warum nicht heut' ?
Chor. — Warum nicht heut' ?
Der Heiland nimmt die Sunder an,
Er fiihi't audi dicli zur Seligkeit.
Dich zieht's auf Seine schmale Balm,
Wann folgest du ? Warum nicht heut' ?
Chor. — Warum nicht heut' ?
WALTHER RAUSCHENBUSCH.
1861 .
Walther Rauschenbusch, son of Dr. A. Rausch-
enbusch, was born in Rochester, N. Y., October 4,
1861. In 1865, his mother, with her three children,
went to Germany for a year's sojourn. At the
end of the year, Professor Rauschenbusch expected
to join his family for a brief rest in the Fatherland.
But he was delayed until 1868. These three years,
Mrs. Rauschenbusch, with her children, spent in
Neuwied on the Rhine, and at Barmen. A part of
the year 1868-9, was devoted to travel. After the
return of the family to Rochester in 1869, Walther,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 557
who at the time was familiar with the German lan-
guage only, attended English and German schools
alternately until 1877. Then he entered the Roch-
ester Free Academy, and began the study of the
classics, graduating in 1879. After his graduation,
instead of entering college he went to Germany, where
he was admitted to Unter Secunda, in the gymnasium
at Giitersloh, Westphalia, a Christian institution of
high rank. Here he remained three years and a half,
completing the course in the usual time. During the
last two years he led his class, and was graduated in
March, 1883. For six months he traveled in Ger-
many and England. Returning then to Rochester, he
entered Rochester Theological Seminary in September.
He also took a partial course in Rochester University,
and received the degree of b.a. in 1885. From the
Seminary he was graduated in 1886. Before gradua-
ting, he had accepted a call to the pastorate of the
Second German Baptist church in New York. Here
he remains, abundant in labors, and fulfilling his min-
istry with large success and growing influence.
While in Germany Mr. Rauschenbusch became
intensely interested in literary studies. In poetry,
especially, he took delight, and read the best authors
in different languages. He gave expression also to
his own thoughts in verse, and some of his produc-
tions were printed. His free translation of Dr. S.
F. Smith's
My country, 't is of thee,
given below, is number 685 in " Die Glaubensharfe ":
Dir sing' ich, Vaterland,
Der Freiheit Heimathland,
Amerika!
Zu der Verfolgten Port,
Der Unterdriickten Hort,
Zur Wohnstatt fiir Sein Wort
Gott dich ersah.
558 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Land frcier Miinnei" du,
Froh jauchzt niein Herz dir zu,
TVie bist du hehr!
Hoch deinc Berge steh'n,
Stolz deine Strorae geh'n,
Frei deine Banner weh^n.
Von Meer zu Meer.
Singt, Briider, bis das Lied
Brausend gen Himmel zieht
Mit macht'geni Drang;
Ihr Menschen, kommt zu Hauf,
Ihr Felsen, wachet auf,
Ihr Strome, lauscht ini Lauf
Dem Freiheitssang.
Urquell der Freiheit, Gott,
Jehovah Zebaoth,
Halt' Du sie rein!
Lass nicht der Siinde Macht,
Hiillen ihr Licht in Nacht,
Halt' selber fur uns Wacht,
Konig allein!
AND THEIR HYMNS. 659
SWEDISH BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
The quickening of spiritual life during the last half
century in Sweden, with which Baptists have been so
prominently identified, has manifested itself in the
praise-songs of God's people. New psalms, to tunes
not heard before, have borne to God the worship of
his saints. Fully as often, however, the divine Spirit
has infused itself into the old hymns, sublime in
poetry and grand in music, contained in the hymn
book of the Established Church. From the ditties of
the day the pious Swede will evermore return to the
inspiring anthems of Spegel, Franzen and Wallin.
The new hymns have come from various sources.
In the beginning of the Baptist movement, about
1850, hymns w^ritten by Lutheran clergymen in Fin-
land, showing a marked Moravian tendency, were
very generally sung by the "Pietists" of Sweden. A
free, evangelical spirit was evinced in the religious
songs of the Countess von Posse and Mrs. C. 0. Bergh,
two highly gifted Lutheran ladies. Their hymns
were incorporated by Mr. P. Palmquist, a Baptist pub-
lisher, in a collection entitled " Hymns for the Sun-
day-school," and also in " The Songs of the Pilgrims."
The first edition of this latter book was published in
1859, and a second and considerably enlarged edition
in 1862. About four hundred thousand copies of this
hynm book have been sold, and new editions are con-
tinually appearing. Some of the hymns in this col-
lection were written by Baptists.
The first Baptist hymn-writer in Sweden Avas Rev.
Gustavus Palmquist. The mother of this pioneer in
560 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Baptist work was led to Christ by the admonition of
her youngest boy crying to her on his death-bed,
" Read, mother ! Sing, mother ! " Born in Pilabo,
Sweden, May 26, 1812, and converted at the age of
thirty-two, Mr. Pahnquist, while on a visit to the
United States, was baptized at Galesburgh, 111., and
there he was ordained, July 27, following. Both in
the United States, and in Sweden after his return, he
proved himself a powerful preacher. When he estab-
lished the first Baptist theological school in Sweden,
in 1857, he was found to be a very acceptable teacher.
His contributions to the " Songs of the Pilgrims "
were mostly translations from familiar English hymns,
but not a few were originals. Many a soul has been
led heavenward in aspiration, and has had spiritual
affections rekindled by words like these :
Had I the wings of a clove I would fly
Far, far away, far away,
Where sin and death cannot reach me on high,
Far, far away, far away;
Up to that land where the sun nevermore
Hides in the clouds on eternity's shore.
But all its hrightness forever doth pour,
Far, far away, far away.
Mr. Pahnquist died in Sweden, September 18, 1867.
His last words, repeated in English, were, " The pre-
cious blood of Christ."
In the midst of the most exacting duties, at the
head of a large business firm, Mr. Peter Pahnquist, a
younger brother of Rev. G. Palmquist (born in 1815,
died 1887), found time to write some hymns char-
acterized by his firm faith and great intellectual
strength.
Rev. T. Truve, pastor of the Gottenburg Taberna-
cle, has translated a collection of Sunday-school songs
that has been published by the Oerebro Sunday School
Union. This collection has had a wide circulation.
In 1881, Rev. J. Stadling submitted to the Trien-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 561
nial Conference a collection of five hundred and fifty
hymns, entitled " The Psalniist." It was compiled for
the most part from existing collections, viz., the '' Lu-
theran Hymn Book," the " Songs of the Pilgrims," etc.
But it contained quite a number of new versions of
hymns previously translated, some new translations,
and a few originals. It is a valuable work, and con-
tains excellent music.
The Swedish Baptist churches in the United States
use for the most part " The Psalmist," or " The Songs
of the Pilgrims." In Minneapolis and St. Paul they
use hymns newly translated, printed on slips, and dis-
tributed every month. A collection of hymns has
been published by Rev. E. P. Eckman, of Stroms-
burg, Nebraska. Another collection has been pub-
lished by Rev. Frank Peterson, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Neither of these collections, however, has been widely
circulated.
36
562 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
DANISH AND NORWEGIAN BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
Rev. J. KoBifER, who has been mentioned in connec-
tion with German Baptist hymn writers and their
hymns, was a Dane by birth, and though he labored
chiefly in Germany, yet he did a most enduring work
in his native land, being the founder of the Danish
Baptist mission in 1839, and serving twelve 3^ears as
pastor of the Baptist church in Copenhagen. To the
Danish Baptist churches he gave a hymn book
(" Troesstemmen") similar to the one which he pre-
pared for the German Baptist churches. In it are
many of his own hymns, among them not a few of a
superior order. By the Baptists of Denmark his
hymns are preferred above all others.
Another Danish hymn-writer. Rev. Niels Nielson,
was born in Denmark in 1809. He became a Baptist
in 1840, was soon after ordained as a Baptist minister
by Oncken and Kobner, and was for many 3'ears a
leader of the Baptist cause in Denmark. For some
time he was compelled to endure much persecution, but
through his efforts at length liberty of conscience was '
secured in Denmark. He compiled the first hymn
book prepared for Danish Baj^tists by one of their
number. It was published in 1854, and contained
one hundred and eighty-two hymns. Considering the
circumstnnces under which it was published, this was
an excellent book, and a great blessing to the Danish
Baptist churches. Most of the hymns were taken
from earlier Danish hymn books, but the collection
included some translations by Nielson from the Ger-
AND TPIEIR HYMNS. 563
man ; also a few originals, the two (8 and 185) best
of which are included in the Baptist Danish hymn
book published in this country in 1887, entitled
" Salme-og Sangbog." In 1859, Nielson's hymn book
was re-published in an enlarged form, and included
many Swedish hymns translated by himself. About
twenty years ago he came to the United States, and
was pastor of the Danish Baptist church in Chicago.
Subsequently he removed to Kansas, where he con-
tinued his pastoral labors. Here he closed a useful
and honored life in 1887.
Rev. S. Hansen", one of the oldest Baptist pastors
in Denmark has composed nearly one hundred hymns
and spiritual songs, some of which are of considerable
merit, and are found in Kobner's " Troesstemmen,"
and also in the Danish hymn book, " Salme-og
Sangbog," published in Chicago in 1887. As he has
taken a very active part in inculcating Baptist princi-
ples in Denmark, he has incurred the bitter hatred of
the clergy of the Lutheran state church. In 1868, he
published a poem, in which he set forth with some
severity the evils of that church and its priesthood.
For this he suffered persecution, and finally was im-
prisoned three months. Of its kind this poem was a
master-piece. He has now in manuscript a complete
"History of the Baptists of Denmark," which will be
published in 1889, when occurs the fiftieth anniver-
sary of the establishment of Baptist mission work in
Denmark.
Rev. Peter Sorensen, a native of Denmark, and
now nearly eighty years of age, residing in Wisconsin,
has published a hymn book containing about three
hundred hymns, all of his own composition. For
awhile this book was used by some of the Baptist
churches in Denmark, but as the author is of a some-
what mystical turn of mind, and as most of the hymns
564 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
are nothing: bnt relig-ious rlivmino;, the book has not
come into general use. On account of the deep spir-
itual character of these hymns, however, some of
them have been included in later Danish collections.
In his earlier ministerial life Mr. Sorensen did much
in spreading Baptist principles in Norway.
Rev. N. Larsex is a leading preacher among the
Baptists of Denmark. He has been the editor of the
Baptist pajDcr in Denmark since its establishment, in
1856. In this paper, the Evangelisten, many excel-
lent hymns from Mr. Larsen's pen have appeared,
and, prominent among them, hymns for the different
seasons of the year. Some of these hymns have
found their way into the '^ Troesstemmen," '' Salme-
og Sangbog," and other collections.
Rev. M. Larsen, pastor of the Baptist church in
Copenhagen, has written some excellent hymns, and
translated a few from the German, Assisted by Rev.
S. Hansen, he has compiled a most excellent singing-
book for the use of the Baptist Sunday-schools in
Denmark.
Rev. J. S. LuxN, pastor of the Baptist church in
Bath, Minn., came from Denmark to the United
States when a boy. He is now one of the foremost
preachers in the Danish-Norwegian churches in this
country. A few excellent hymns are from his pen,
and he was one of the committee that prepared the
new Danish Baptist hymn book, "Salme-og Sangbog."
Rev. H. a. Reicheistbach, pastor of the Baptist
church in Council Bluffs, Iowa, also came to this coun-
try in early life. With excellent gifts as a preacher
and an organizer, he has labored among the Scandina-
vian Baptist churches in the west for nearly a quarter
of a century. He has assisted in compiling two hymn
books for general use in this country. The first was
the " Missions-Harpen," published in Chicago in 1873,
AND THEIR HYMNS. 565
and the second the " Sahne-og Sangbog." He has
also compiled and published a small Sunday-school
hymn book, " Den syngende Evangelist," consisting
for the most part of translations of "Gospel Hymns,"
found here and there in Scandinavian papers. He is
also the author of a few original hymns.
The "Salme-og Sangbog" is worthy of added men-
tion. It was published in Chicago, 111., in 1887, and
is the work of a committee appointed in 1885, by the
Scandinavian General Baptist Conference. Of this
committee. Prof. N. P. Jensen, of the Scandinavian
department in the Baptist Union Theological Semi-
nary at Morgan Park, 111., was chairman, and with
him were associated Rev. H. A. Reichenbach, Rev. 0.
C. Jensen, Rev. E. L. Myrland, Rev. J. S. Lunn, Rev.
L. Knudsen, and Rev. C. Carlsen. The committee
appointed Rev. H. A. Reichenbach, who had already
had considerable experience in selecting and translat-
ing hymns and sacred songs, to collect and classify
hymns for the new book. He commenced his work
by extending a general invitation to all Danish and
Norwegian Baptists in the country to suggest favorite
hymns for the book. By the assistance of Rev. A.
Broholm, then a student at Morgan Park, a selection
was made from this large collection, and the hymns
and songs classified imder appropriate heads. The
selection was afterward carefully examined, revised,
and approved by the committee. The "Salme-og
Sangbog" contains six hundred and forty-five hymns,
with music, and is a collection of great merit. The
hymns are arranged according to subjects, and the
names of the authors are given in the order of first
lines. In this collection Prof. Jensen has four h^anns.
Prof. Jensen is a graduate of the Scandinavian de-
partment of the Baptist Union Theological Seminary,
and he has done a most excellent service among his
countrymen in the United States, not only as an in-
566 BAPTIST HYJVm WRITERS
structor of theological students, but as a translator,
publisher, editor, and pastor.
As it is not more than twenty years since the estab-
lishment of Baptist mission work in Norway, there is
not as yet much that can be said concerning Norwe-
gian Baptist hymn writers. Mrs. Sjodahl, the wife of
a Baptist minister, has written a few hymns, which
the Baptists in Norway love to sing, and some of
them have found their way into a book compiled by
a committee of the Norwegian Conference. Rev. P.
Helbrostad, also, has written a few excellent hymns,
one of which (number 366) is found in the "Salme-
og Sangbog." Mr. Helbrostad assisted in compiling
the Norwegian Baptist hymn book. He has also pub-
lished a most excellent Sunday-school hymn book,
which is used in Baptist Sunday-schools in Norway,
and also by some Norwegian Baptist Sunday-schools
in this country. He is the editor of the Norwegian
Baptist paper, and is most highly esteemed for his
excellent Christian spirit, and his great ability as a
preacher and leader of the Baptist churches in Nor-
way.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 567
FRENCH BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
The Baptists in France have as yet no hymn book
of their own. Nearly all of them use the " Chants
Chretiens " in common with other independent
churches of that country, the hymns of the McAll
Mission, together with half a dozen hymns on baptism,
adapted from English baptismal hymns. In fact, in all
of the Protestant churches in France, but little atten-
tion until recently has been paid to the service of
song in the house of the Lord. The selection in use
in the National Reformed churches is composed of
Psalms in verse and of some "Cantiques" taken from
" Chants Chretiens," and contains about two hundred
hymns in all. In most of the Independent churches
in the south of France, the hymn book in use is the
" Recueil de Cantiques de Geneve et Lyon," which
contains about two hundred hymns, most of which
were borrowed from the " Chnnts Chretiens."
In recent years the McAll Mission in Paris has made
much use of Christian song in its evangelistic services,
and its ''Cantiques Populaires " is now extensively
used in all of the Protestant churches througrhout
France. This collection contains two hundred and
forty-three hymns, some of which are from the
"Chants Chretiens," "Cantiques du Reveil," "Psaumes
et Cantiques," but a large number, about seventy,
many of them translations of familiar English and
American hymns, were w^ritten by Ruben Saillens,
who since 1873, has been the assistant of Rev. R. W.
McAll in his mission work in Paris. At the present
time (1888), Mr. Saillens is in charge of the Baptist
church in Paris, though still connected with the
McAll Mission.
568 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Mr. Saillens was born June 24, 1855, at St. Jean-du-
Garcl, in the Cevennes, the niountam district made
famous by resistance of the Huguenots to Louis XIV.
Even now the Cevennes abound in Huguenots. Of
the four thousand inhabitants in St. Jean-du-Gard,
three thousand nine hundred are Protestants. In
this place about forty years ago a free church was
organized, the members of which held Baptist views.
Mr. Saillens' father, who was one of these, removed to
Marseilles, then to Lyons, where he labored as an
evangelist. In 1871, at Lyons, the son was converted,
and in May of the following year he was bap-
tized by his father. He then went to London, and
entered Mr. H. Grattan Guinness' Training Institute
for Home and Foreign Missions. There he remained
one year, and at Christmas, 1873, he crossed over to
Paris to engage in evangelistic work with Mr. McAU,
who was then laying the foundations of his now well
known mission. In entering upon tliis work they
could avail themselves of only a few gospel hymns,
and these were not very well adapted to the work.
Mr. Saillens accordingly undertook to meet this
deficiency, and since that time he has written a large
number of hymns, many of which are now very
familiar in Protestant churches in France, Switzerland
and other French-speaking communities. He has
also written and published a large number of poems
and tracts. It is his j)i^iil)ose, in connection with our
Baptist work in Paris, to prepare a hymn book for use
in the Baptist churches of France. Mr. Saillens, in
1877, married the fourth daughter of Rev. J. B.
Cretin, tlie oldest Baptist pastor in France, and the
author of a series of tracts and l^ooks which have
done much to advance Baptist interests in France.
The following hymn, 136 in "Cantiques Populaires,"
is a translation of Prof. J. H. Gilmore's well known
hymn " He leadeth me :"
II me conduit, douce penseel
Kepos h mou ame lassee !
AI^D THEIR HYMNS. 569
En tous lieuz son regard me suit,
Et par la main 11 me conduit.
Chceue. — II me conduit, 11 me conduit!
De'sormais pour lui je veux vivre;
Brebis fldele, je veux suivre
Le bon Berger qui me conduit.
Jesus sur moi veille sans cesser
Dans la joie et dans la tristesse,
Dans le jour comme dans la unit,
Pas k pas sa main me conduit.
Comme un rempart 11 me protege,
II me preserve de tout pie'ge;
Loin de moi I'ennemi s'enfuit,
Quand par la main Christ me conduit.
Quand mon heure sera sonnee,
Mon (X'uvre ici-bas terminee
Je dirai, dans la sombre nuit:
Je ne crains point, il me conduit!
The French Baptists on this side of the Atlantic,
like the Baptists in France, have no hymn book of
their own. The oldest hymn book used in the French
Baptist churches in Canada, which 1 have seen, is
the " Recueil de Cantiques Chretiens a L'Usage des
Eglises du Canada," which was compiled by " un pas-
teur de la Mission de la Grande Ligne," and published
in 1851. Rev. A. L. Therrien informs me that this
pastor of the Grand Ligne Mission is " our much
loved and venerable brother Normandeau, an ex-
priest, converted at Grande Ligne forty-five years ago,
and who still (1886) preaches the gospel at the age of
seventy-four." In the preface the compiler says that
he has endeavored to make a selection Avhich will
meet the demands of each Christian denomination.
He includes, accordingly, hymns suitable for the
baptism of adults, seven in number, and also two
hymns to be used at the consecration of infants.
The first stanza of hymn 38 is as follows :
Du salut quel est le mj'-sterel
Un Dieu vient se donner h moi.
570 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Quel avenement salutaire!
II rend tout facile h ma foi.
II m 'admiuistre uii saiut bapteme,
II me plouge daus le Jourdaiu:
Moil coeur, iiiou esprit, ma chair meme.
Tout est gueri, calme et serein.
The hymn book now in nse in all the French Prot-
estant chnrches in Canada and the United States, in-
cluding the French Baptist churches, is entitled
" Chants Evangeliques pour le Culte Public et I'Edi-
fication Particuliere avec Musique a Quatre Parties."
It contains hymns by Felix Nelt, B. Pictet, C. Malan,
A. Vinet, A. Monod, Merle D' Aubigne, and other
writers of less note. In the supplement are seventeen
added " Chants Evangeliques."
There would be a gain to our French Baptist
brethren on both sides of the Atlantic if, with like
wants, they could unite in the preparation of a hymn
book adapted to these wants. A tie would thus be
formed, which could not but be helpful to them in
their widely separated fields of labor.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 571
WELSH BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS.
Among the earlier Welsh Baptist hymn writers was
Rev. Benjamin Francis, pastor of the Baptist church
at Horsley-down, England, and well known as a writer
of English hymns. He was born in Wales in 1734,
and, retaining the use of his native tongue, he often
returned to the scenes of his childhood, and preached
to his countrymen, and composed hymns for their use
in their religious meetings.
Rev. David Saunders, of Merthyr Tyfdil, South
Wales, was also a prolific hymn writer. His hymns,
like those of Mr. Francis, were mostly doctrinal,
although by no means destitute of tenderness.
Rev. Joseph Harris (Gomer), of Swansea, South
Wales, published a collection of hymns in 1821. For
many years this was a favorite book with the Welsh
Baptists. In it were a large number of hymns by the
celebrated Christmas Evans, the apostle of Wales ;
also by Rev. Morgan John Rees, who emigrated to
this country from Wales about the year 1800, the
father of Morgan John Rees, who died not long ago
in Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Harris was the author of
many hymns, and his book is still in use in Baptist
churches in Wales.
Rev. John R. Jones, of Ramoth, North Wales,
published a valuable collection of hymns, including
many of his own compositions, also hymns by Robert
ap Gwilym Ddu and Dewi Wyn Eifion.
572 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Eev. Daniel Jones, for many years pastor of the
Welsh Baptist church in Liverpool, England, published
a collection of hymns for use in his own church, and
in the Baptist churches of Wales. He was a hymn
writer of considerable note.
Rev. Robert Jones, of Llanllyfui, North Wales,
also published a collection of hymns in the Welsh
language.
In 1838, Rev. William H. Thomas published in
Utica, N. Y., an American edition of Rev. Joseph Har-
ris' collection of hymns, for use in the Welsh Baptist
churches in the United States. Later the three Welsh
Baptist Associations appointed Rev. John P. Harris,
then of Minersville, Penn., now of Nanticoke, Penn.,
to bring out a new and revised edition of this book.
This edition was published at Pottsville, Penn., in 1857,
by Richard Edwards, and was adopted by the Welsh
Baptist churches. It contained one thousand and
fifty-two hymns. Many of the hymns in Mr. Thomas'
book were omitted. Others were added, among them
the best old hymns in the language ; and there was
added an appendix containing about fifty hymns,
composed by Mr. Harris for use on Independence
Day, at anti-slavery gatherings, temperance meetings,
etc. Mr. Harris was born in Pembrokeshire, South
Wales, January 27, 1820. He was converted in his
sixteenth year, and soon after was invited by the
church to exercise his gifts in preaching. In 1842,
he was graduated at the Baptist college in Haverford-
west. Soon after he came to the United States, and
was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry in
1843, at the Second (Welsh) Baptist church in Rem-
sen, N. Y. He labored among his countrymen in the
anthracite coal regions, in farming districts, and in
some city churches, preaching in the Welsh language
until 1882. Since that time he has preached in Eng-
lish, and has built up a very promising church in Nan-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 573
ticoke. During his ministry he has baptized about
seven hundred converts. He has given, since his
arrival in this country, considerable attention to liter-
ary work, and has published several Avorks for Welsh
Baptists ; also a monthly magazine called the West-
ern Star, of which he was editor seven years.
The book compiled by Mr. Harris has been out of
print for some time, and a hymn book prepared by
Eev. Lewis Jones, entitled " Llawlyfr Moliant,"
Hand Book of Praise, imported from Wales, has taken
its place. This book is the one now generally used
by the Welsh Baptist churches in the United States.
The most recent Welsh Baptist hymn book pub-
lished in this country is " The Baptist Musical Meas-
ure." It contains Welsh and English hymns, and is
desio-ned for use at the Eng-lish and Welsh services so
commonly held in the Welsh Baptist churches in the
United States. It was compiled by several Baptist
ministers of the Welsh Baptist Association of eastern
Pennsylvania, and was published in 1887, in Utica, N.
Y., by Thomas J. Griffith.
574 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN SPAIN.
Baptist Mission work in Spain was commenced in
18G9, by Prof. W. I. Knapp, ph.d., who, discovering a
field for Protestant evangelical labor, entered it as an
independent missionary. Snccess attended his efforts,
and Augnst 10, 1870, Prof. Knapp organized a Baptist
church in Madrid, with thirty-three members. The
promise of the mission at the close of the ^^ear was
such that Prof. Knapp was appointed a missionary of
the American Baptist Missionary Union, and under his
direction the work of the mission was carried forward
with energy and success at Madrid, Alicante, Valencia,
and other places. Having seen the work well estab-
lished. Prof. Knapp resigned his connection with the
Missionary Union in the summer of 1876, leaving the
various mission stations under the charo:e of native
evantrelists.
Prof. Knapp was born at Greenpoint, Long Island,
N. Y., March 10, 1835. His collegiate education he
received at Madison and New York Universities.
After his graduation at Madison University in 1860,
he became 2:)rofessor of modern languages in that
institution. Subsequently he was professor of ancient
and modern languages in Vassar College. He went to
Europe in 1867. After leaving the service of the
Missionary Union, Prof. Knapp became secretary to
the American Legation in Spain, and Spanish corre-
spondent of the London Times. In 1879, he was
appointed professor of modern languages in Yale Col-
lege, a position which he has most creditably filled,
and which he still holds.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 575
At the commencement of liis missionary work in
Spain, Prof. Knapp prepared and published at Madrid
a small collection of hymns for use in connection Avith
his religious services. This collection was enlarged
from time to time, and in 1871, he published his
" Himnos Cristianos," containing sixty-nine hymns, of
which twenty-nine were written by Prof. Knapp.
Some of these, such as numbers 1, 2, 64, were orig-
inals. Others were free translations of such well
known hymns as
" Kock of ages, cleft for me,"
" My faith looks up to thee,"
" Sweet hour of prayer,"
" Today the Savior calls,"
" Just as I am, without one plea,"
" Am I a soldier of the cross."
Many of the hymns in this collection have since been
incorporated in other compilations, both in Spain and
Spanish America. In a second edition, " Himnos para
uso de las Iglesias Cristianas Primitivas establecidas
en Espana," published in Madrid in 1875, some new
hymns by Prof. Knapp were added.
The following hymn by Prof. Knapp, number 59 in
"Himnos Cristianos," is in imitation of the familiar
hymn,
The morning light is breaking:
La Esperanza de la Iglesia.
Levdntasc la aurora
Se va la oscuridad,
Y el hombre se despierta
A luz y libertad.
Arrepentios todos,
El reino cerca esta;
Y el drama de este siglo
Pronto se a<:abara.
576 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
Conmuevense los pueblos,
Recobran su vigor,
Y las oscuras nieblas
Se van ante el albor.
Los juicios del eterno,
Visibles por do quier.
Del justo soberano
Demuestraa el poder.
Salud, honor y gloria
Del universo al Rey,
Que nos da gran victoria
Por misterosa ley;
Su reino pronto venga;
Su santa voluntad
Por todo el orbe tenga
Suprema autoridad.
Hermanos companeros,
Sed firmes hasta el fin;
Jesiis con plenas manos
Apresta su festin.
El carro majcstuoso
No mucho tardara
Su rostro bondadoso
La luz esparcira.
Prof. Knapp's collection of hymns is now ont of
print, and the book in use by onr Baptist missionaries
in Spain at the present time is an undenominational
collection of two hundred and fifty-nine hymns, enti-
tled " Himnario Evangelico." It was compiled by
Mr. A. R. Fenn, an English missionary, who for many
years has represented the Plymouth Brethren in their
mission work in Madrid. He is more of a musician
than poet, and with the exception of some translations
and adaptations of his own, the book comprises hymns
taken from hymn books already in use among Span-
ish-speaking peoples on both sides of the Atlantic.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 577
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN MEXICO.
The first Protestant evangelical work in Mexico, so
far as I can ascertain, was done by Baptists. In the
spring of 1862, a young Englishman, John W. Butler,
came to Monterey. There he made the acquaintance
of Mr. Thomas M. Westrup, who, born April 10, 1837,
in London, in the humble sphere of artisan life, and
with scanty opportunities for obtaining an education,
made his way to Mexico in 1852, to assist his father in
the erection of a flour mill there. He had been
brought up in the faith of the Church of England, and
it was far from his thoughts that he should ever
become a pioneer Baptist preacher. He had been
seriously inclined, however, from his early years.
The influence of his parents, especially of his mother,
who loved and tried to follow the Savior, was good.
But the world, above all the world in Mexico, is not a
friend to grace ; and so his attachment to Christ was
only a weak, wavering, halting sentiment until 1862,
when the efforts of Mr. Butler, the death of his
mother, and acquaintanceship with Rev. James Hickey,
in the order here named, were blessed to his awaken-
ing and consecration to Christ.
Rev. James Hickey was a Baptist minister, who on
account of his aversion to slavery and the civil war
left Texas in 1861, and took up his residence in Mata-
moras. He was originally from the west of Ireland,
where he was born in 1800. At the request of Mr.
Butler and Mr. Westrup, he came to Monterey in
November, 1862. Mr. Westrup gives the following
account of the results of this visit :
37
578 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
" I was charmed with brother Hickey's teaching and
books, though bred an EpiscopaUan, and really ignor-
ant of theological and denominational questions. I
joined him, and gave him such assistance as I could.
Other foreigners, including my father, were willing to
assist, but desired to keep the work undenominational.
This they could not do. The real worker was a Bap-
tist, and the consequences were unavoidable. We
were soon left severely alone. Two Mexicans and I
were baptized January 30, 1864, and the same day the
First Baptist church w\as organized with five members."
Mr. Westrup was ordained and chosen pastor of
the little flock, as Mr. Hickey was agent of the Ameri-
can Bible Society in Mexico. At the close of 1864,
the church had twenty members. Mr. Hickey died in
December, 1866, and Mr. Westrup was made his suc-
cessor as agent of the Bible Society. In 1869, Mr.
Westrup resigned this position, and early in 1870, he
accepted an appointment of the American Baptist
Home Missionary Society, as missionary to Mexico.
A printing-press was purchased for his use, and dis-
tinctive missionary work was commenced. Since that
time the work has gone forward, and is now well
established, with suitable head-quarters in the city of
Mexico.
Before his baptism Mr. Westrup had translated a
few English hymns and psalms into the Spanish
language. Later, on account of the demand for song
in the service of the sanctuary, he renewed his efforts
in this direction, and since that time he has composed
about one hundred and fifty hymns, most of which are
sung by the various evangelical congregations in
Mexico, being included in the hymn books of other
denominations.
The first collection of his hymns Mr. Westrup pub-
lished in lb75. It was set up and printed by the
author himself. The last edition of this collection,
entitled " Incienso Cristiano. Coleccion de Himnos/'
AND THEIR HYMNS. 579
contains ninety-seven hymns, of which seventy-two,
mostly translations of familiar English hymns, were
written by Mr. Westrup. The following (No. 43) is
his version of " Sweet Hour of Prayer ":
Gratisima hora de oracion,
Que del perturbo mundanal
A la presencia paternal
Elevas este corazon,
Calmando su enfadoso nial,
Cerrando peligrosas vias,
A amar palabras y obras pias
Moviendolo con fuerza tal,
Bendigote, divino don,
Mi tiempo para la oracion.
Grati'sima hora para mi,
En alas tuyas subirJin
Mis preces que buscando van
Lu fuente que te surte a ti,
Al Salvador veraz y fiel
Que me mando su faz buscar,
Creer su palabra, en el confiar,
Posar mi carga siempre en el:
Y si tubare algun desliz
De ti valerrae, hora feliz.
Tiempo grali'simo de orar,
Consuelo me eres cada dia;
A la escarpada cumbre guia
De la que pueda contemplar
La patria mia del porvenii >
Y al verla bella sin igual,
Mi vuelo emprenda ya inmortal,
Clamando estdtico al partir,
" Obtuve ya el supremo don:
Adios, pues, hora de oracion."
580 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN GREECE.
Ix 1873, a hymn book, for the use of the Baptist
mission in Greece, was pubUshed at Athens by Rev.
D. Z. Sakellarios, a missionary of the American Bap-
tist Missionary Union. It was entitled " Sacred
Hymns." These hymns, one hundred and forty in
number, were selected from such evangelical hymns
in the Greek language as were at hand ; and one of
them, number 109, was altered to make it suitable for
use on baptismal occasions. There were in the collec-
tion no hymns by Baptist writers. Hymn 52 is a
translation of Bishop Heber's well known missionary
hymn,
From Greenland's icy mountains.
Hymn 58 is a translation of
Sweet hour of prayer.
Hymn 60 is a translation of
Nearer, my God, to thee.
To these " Sacred Hymns '' were added thirty-six
hymns for Sunday-school use. In later editions Mrs.
Sakellarios added seven hymns to the first part, mak-
ing one hundred and forty-seven in all. These were
partly translations and partly originals.
Adaline JosErni>fE (Edmands) Sakellakios, a
daughter of Benjamin and Laura Sprague Edmands,
was born in Charlestown, Mass., February 19, 1830.
The gift of song she cultivated in childhood, and as
she advanced in life she became proficient in instru-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 581
mental music, receiving instruction both upon the
piano and the organ from the best masters in the city.
Birthday anniversaries and social family meetings she
remembered with contributions in verse, while some
of her poems were printed in several of the journals
of the day. Under the pastorate of Rev. T. F. Caldi-
cott she gave her heart to the Savior and her life to
his service. She was baptized April 28, 1850, and
became an active member of the Charlestown Baptist
church, teachhig in the Sunday-school, singing in the
choir, and ready to aid in every good work. Although
other inviting fields of labor opened to her, no call
came until the Macedonian cry was heard " Come over
and help us." This cry she could not fail to recognize,
and after mature delilDeration and much prayer, she
accepted it as a divine call, and gave her life to
mission work in Greece. March 30, 1866, she was
married to Rev. D. Z. Sakellarios of Athens, Greece ;
and in April following she sailed from New York for her
new home. She reached Athens early in May, and
there she spent twenty-one years in her Master's service.
She died at Athens, July 24, 1887, and was buried in
the Protestant cemetery, where rest so many others
who have given their lives for Greece.
One of Mrs. Sakellarios' hymns is a translation of
the well known hymn in " Gospel Hymns " entitled
" The Home Over There."
fi, crKexj/ov ti €iv€ yj yrj,
'^Hv €)^oiJi€v irepav e/cet •
JlXrjtjLov XajXTrpov Trorafiov
Ot ayiot ^oicriv o/xov.
Xopos. — Nat cKci, vai e/cci
©a irrjyaCvwixev irioav e/cei,
Nal eK€t, vat c/cet vai CKCi,
©a TrrjyaLvuifiev iripav CKei,
582 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Q, aKexl/ov tous <f)i\ov<; eKet,
Me aajxa. twv toctov yXvKv,
Eis olK-qfiara 's rbv ovpavov,
OloL cTvaL cKcI 7rp6 r]fxiov.
Xopos. — Nat e/cei, vat e/cct, k. t. X.
"Ev ot/cw Tlarpo? ju.as cKCt
IXpocTjUtcvovres etve ttoXXoi,
K T^/xet? /xer oXtyov Katpov
0a rjfxeSa s Tov ovpavov.
Xopos. — Nat cKet, vat cKct, k.t. X.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 583
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN INDIA.
I?T a letter from Moypaukliggy, Bengal, under date
of January 6, 1797, Rev. J. Fountain writes:
" Brother Thomas has translated Dr. Watts' 88th
hymn, second book, ' Salvation ! 0 the Joyful Sound,'
&c., and I have taught the congregation at Moypaul-
diggy to sing it to Sydenham tune. They sing it
every Lord's day in time of worship. We are also
learning it at Mudnabatty. The people of this country
know nothing of music as a science. They never saw
a musical character in their lives, but it is astonishing
to hear how tuneably they sing together. We sing
Boshoo's Bengal hymn every Sabbath. Brother
Carey's pundit has an excellent voice and fine ear ; he
will learn any tune by my singing it over with him a
few times. . . Brothers Carey, Thomas and myself,
when together, can sing in three parts. The first
evening we w^ere together (after I had briefly related
what the Lord was doing in England, when I left it)
we joined in singing the 421st hymn in your [Dr.
Rippon's] Selection entitled ' Longing for the Latter-
day Glory,' an event Avhich none have greater reason
eagerly to desire, than we in this wretched country."
September 27, 1798, Mr. Fountain writes to Dr. Rip-
pon, of London : " I shall subjoin a hymn composed
in Bengallee by Brother Carey, and which I have
translated into English. We sing it in time of Ben-
gallee worship to Helmsley tune." The hymn is
printed in Rippon's " Baptist Register," Vol. 3, pp.
169-171, and commences as follows :
Jesus, now have jiity on me;
Show the mercy of a God;
684 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Thou art guilty man's preserver;
Hear me through thy jjrecious blood.
Jesus hear me ;
Hear me through thy precious blood.
Dr. Carey wrote other hymns, one of which is still
in use. Smith, in his Life of Carey, says : " He had
thus early (1798) brought into the service of Christ
the Hindoo love of musical recitation, which was re-
cently re-discovered, and now forms a most important
mode of evangelistic work when accompanied by
native musical instruments."
Krishnu Pal, the first heathen convert baptized by
Dr. Carey, was also the author of a number of hymns
in Bengali. One of his hymns was translated by Dr.
Marshman, Dr. Carey's associate, and has found a
place in most English hymn books in all branches of
the Christian church down to our own time. It is as
follows :
O thou, my soul, forget no more
The Friend who all thy misery bore ;
Let every idol be forgot,
But, O my soul, forget him not.
Jesus for thee a body takes,
Thy guilt assumes, thy fetters breaks.
Discharging all thy dreadful debt;
And canst thou e'er such love forget ?
Kenounce thy works and ways with grief,
And fly to this most sure relief;
Nor him forget who left his throne
And for thy life gave up his own.
Infinite truth and mercy shine
In him, and he himself is thine;
And canst thou then, with sin beset.
Such charms, such matchless charms, forget ?
Ah no; when all things else expire,
And perish in the general fire,
This name all others shall survive.
And through eternity shall live.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 585
The hymn has undergone several changes. In some
collections the last stanza is given as follows :
O no; till life itself depart
His name shall cheer and warm my heart;
And lisping this, from earth 1 '11 rise
And join the chorus of the skies.
A translation of another hymn by Krishnu Pal, on
" Salvation by the Death of Christ," is in Miss M. E.
Leslie's " Eastern Blossoms, a Story for Native Chris-
tian Women" (1875).
Krishna's acquaintance with the missionaries com-
menced in this way : At his work as a carpenter he
had broken his arm, and Mr. Thomas, Dr. Carey's
associate, was called to set the broken limb. Having
done this, the missionary embraced the opportunity to
speak a few words for his Master to those present.
The words found a lodging-place in the carpenter's
heart, and he called on the missionary later for further
instruction. His wife and daughter also became inter-
ested. December 22, 1800, Krishnu, and Gokol, his
brother, renounced their caste by sitting down to eat
with the missionaries. That evening Krishnu, his
wife and daughter, offered themselves for baptism,
and were received. When it was known that Krishnu
had renounced his caste, and become a Christian,
there was intense excitement in Serampore, and a
mob of two thousand persons appeared before his
house, and dragged him and his brother before a mag-
istrate, but they were soon released. The wife and
daughter now hesitated to declare their allegiance to
Christ. Gokol, also, drew back. But Krishnu was
steadfast ; and December 28, 1800, with Dr. Carey's
son Felix, then a lad of sixteen years, he was baptized
in the Ganges in the presence of the English gov-
ernor. Dr. Carey, in a letter to Dr. Rippon, dated
April 8, 1801, says:
" The ordinance was administered in the river just
opposite to our house. The river here is a full half
58G BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
mile wide. We had a good number of people, Euro-
peans, Portuguese (natives), and Hindoos. I addressed
them in the Bengal tongue. We sung a Bengal trans-
lation of the 451st hymn of your ' Selection,'
Jesus, and shall it ever be,
after which I prayed, and descended into the water.
Afterward Brother Marshman addressed the by-stand-
ers in Bengallee. I felt joy at this triumph of the
cross over superstition, and I believe we all felt much
joy in the Lord."
In a letter dated Serampore, March 18, 1801, Dr.
Carey announces the baptism of the wife of Krishnu,
February 22. Of Krishnu's daughter, Andrew Fuller,
writing at Kettering, March 26, 1802, having received
letters from Serampore up to September, 1801, says :
"Krishnu's eldest daughter, who was not baptized,
but of whom hopes were entertained, has been seized
and carried away by force by the man to whom she
was betrothed. But when beaten, and in the utmost
peril of her life, she bore a noble testimony for Christ,
and expressed her determination, whether she lived or
died, to live or die a Christian." Mr. Fuller also an-
nounced the baptism of Gokol, Krishnu's brother.
Krishnu soon began to preach the gospel, and he
had the privilege of baptizing hundreds of his coun-
trymen. He died of cholera, in 1822.
A Bengali hymn book was early published at Ser-
ampore, but the hymn book in this dialect, which has
been in use by the English Baptist missionaries dur-
ing the post fifty years, was published in Calcutta. It
was edited, and to a great extent it was prepared, by
Kev. J. H. Pearce, who also composed many of its
hymns. Mr. Pearce's Bengali hymns were for the
most part in English metres. The natives, however,
greatly prefer their own metres, regarding English
metres as harsh. The collection also contains a large
number of native hymns. " Any Bengali," says a
missionary, " will write verse to order."
AND THEIR HYMNS. 587
The hymn books in use at the Baptist mission
stations in northwestern India, including Delhi,
Munghyr, Allahabad, Agra, Patna and Dinapore, are a
Hindi hymn book and an Urdu hymn book. The
last (fifth) edition of the former contains two hundred
and sixty-seven hymns, of which one hundred and
ninety-three are in the Hindi language and metres,
forty-one in the Urdu language and metres, and thirty-
three in the Hindi language and English metres.
Most of the hymns of the first class were written by
Kev. John Parsons and Rev. John Chamberlain. The
latter, who died in 1821, published a volume of hymns
in 1810. Mr. Parsons died in 1869. Most of his
hymns are familiar with the natives. But the most
important name in this connection is that of John
Christian, an indigo planter, and a member of the
Baptist church in Munghyr. He died a few years ago.
Rev. G. D. Bates, of Allahabad, who knew Mr.
Christian, writes : " If in the course of his journeyings
he happened to hear a native singing some melody
with which he was particularly pleased, he would ask
the man to come and sing outside of his tent. Mr.
Christian would then compose a hymn to the praise of
Christ iii a metre suited to that tune. Some of the
tunes of the Hindus of these parts are very beautiful
to those who have learned to like them, only as with
curry and rice the taste has to be acquired first. Mr.
Christian's aim was to teach the church in India to sing
the praises of Christ to tunes indigenous. One pleas-
ing result is that his hymns are often sung by the
people just as boys in England sing songs in the
streets. Mr. Christian's hymns are greater favorites
with the natives than those of any other composer."
About one hundred of Mr. Christian's hymns are in
another collection designed for circulation nmono; the
Hindus as a tract. " These hymns by Mr. Christian,"
adds Mr. Bates, " are compositions of exquisite beauty
and finish. Best of all, they touch the heart, awak-
588 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
enino; the most tender emotions. Some of them I can
never join in singing withont moistened eyes. When
India becomes a Christian country, we may well be-
lieve that these hymns of his will continue to be to
the redeemed of the Lord a perennial source of edifi-
cation and delight."-
While most of the hymns in this Hindi hymn
book are original, it contains a few translations of
well known English hymns, such as
" There is a fountain filled with blood,"
" There is a happy land,"
" Tell me the old, old story,"
" Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," etc.
The Urdu hymn book contains three hundred
hymns, including the first two classes of hymns in the
Hindi hymn book, together with a large number of
original Urdu and Hindi hymns. This Urdu hymn
book was compiled by Rev. R. F. Guyton, and pub-
lished at Delhi about the year 1880.
At the Orissa Baptist Mission hymns were com-
posed and circulated before the first hymn book was
printed in 1844. Rev. A. Sutton, d.d., was the com-
piler of this collection, and of its three hundred and
ten hymns he was the author of one hundred and
seventy-nine. In the preface Dr. Sutton says : " The
compiler of this volume of hymns apprehends that
there are very few of them respecting whose pater-
nity any jealousy will long be felt, but as inquiries
are constantly arising in relation to our India Chris-
tian literature, recent as is its origin, which can rarely
be answered, he has thought it desirable to give a
general clue to the parties who have furnished these
hymns. Of his own contributions he may remark
that most of them are simply transferred from the
Bengali, with such alterations as the Orissa required.
Others are translations of English hymns, or sug-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 689
gested by English hymns ; and a few are originals.
He supposes similar remarks may be made in refer-
ence to the other contributions. Some of the trans-
lations from the Bengali were made at the commence-
ment of his literary course, when he was unable to
translate all the verses, or thought it unnecessary to
do so ; but having once obtained currency, he found
it difficult to alter them for the present edition."
In this collection thirty-four hymns are by Rev. C.
Lacey, and sixty-five by Gunga Dhar, the first Orissa
convert There are fifteen otlier contributors, of
wdiom one supplies six hymns. Of the whole number
of hymns in the collection, twenty-four are in English
metres. The remainder are in the native measure,
adapted to the old ballad tunes of the country. The
subjects include all those most commonly found in
English hymn books, such as the attributes and works
of God, the love and grace of Christ, the death and
resurrection of Christ, Christ as a Savior, the Holy
Spirit, regeneration, faith, the scriptures, the Lord's
day, baptism and the Lord's supper, etc.
With the exception of about forty hymns retained
in the new selections, the hymns in Dr. Sutton's col-
lection are no longer in use. In the present collec-
tion, made up of selections printed from time to time,
there are three hundred and two hymns from twenty-
three contributors, of whom thirteen are living. In
this collection twenty-two hj^mns by Gunga Dhar are
retained. These contain much genuine Christian
teaching and true poetry, and some of them seem des-
tined to remain in permanent use. Makunda Das
heads the list of contributors Avith one hundred and
forty-five hymns, nearly half of the whole number.
He has been called the Dr. Watts of Orissa, and his
hymns have undoubtedly rendered much useful ser-
vice in expressing the best Christian sentiment, and
in deepening the spiritual life of the churches. He
has also prepared poetical versions of the four gos-
pels, and the books of Psalms and Proverbs.
590 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Shem Saliu has fifty-nine hymns in this collection.
He is co-pastor of the church at Cuttack. By his
translations, and as a writer of original compositions,
he has made valuable additions to the Christian litera-
ture of the country. His father, one of the first con-
verts from Hinduism, contributed two hymns.
Kartick Samal contributes twenty-three hymns.
He was for many years the foreman of the Orissa
mission press at Cuttack, and was a man of remarka-
ble gifts. His poetical version of the Sermon on
the Mount is a standard tract. A missionary hymn
by him is in frequent use on anniversary occasions.
Daniel Mahanty is the most prominent among the
recent contributors to the native hymnody. He is
the senior deacon of the mission church at Baham-
pore, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and a use-
ful Christian worker.
In this collection the English metres have almost
entirely disappeared, and a much larger variety of
native metres have been introduced. On the othCi.*
hand, however, in the new edition of Sunday-school
hymns, there has been an increase of English metres.
Concerning the earlier hymn books prepared by the
Missionary Union's missionaries among the Telugus
we have little information. Mrs. Dr. Lyman Jewett
writes : " When we commenced our mission work in
1849, we had few hymns and but little singing. R.
Sashiah, a talented native singer, used to drill the few
Christians connected with the mission and the pupils
of my little boarding-school every Saturday morning.
Not many of his hymns were accepted by us, he not
being a decided Christian, if a Christian at all."
Other hymns, composed by the missionaries or by
native Christians, were added from time to time.
The first Telugu Baptist hymn book was compiled by
Mrs. Jewett and Mrs. Clough about the year 1866, or
1867. A revised edition, or more properly a new
compilation, was made about ten years later.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 591
In 1879, Mrs. Annie H. Downie, of Nellore, wife of
Kev. David Downie, d.d., published a collection of
"• Christian Hymns, Selected and Reduced to Music
from the Native Airs." This was the first collection
of Telugu hymns with music ever published. It was
a work of great labor, as Mrs. Downie in its prepara-
tion was obliged to catch the notes of these hymns
from sinorers as best she could. But it was a much
needed work, as hitherto no two congregations con-
nected with the mission sang the same hymn in the
same way.
A new Baptist Telugu hymn book was published in
1887. It is entitled "Telugu Hymns in Native and
English Metres. For Public and Private Worship."
Mrs. Downie Avas chairman of the committee that had
this work in charge. In the preface she says :
" This collection of Christian hymns is the work of
a committee appointed at the Jubilee of the American
Baptist Telugu Mission held in Nellore, February,
1886. It contains many of the best hymns used in
nil previous collections published by our mission. It
also has a number of choice hymns from the Delta
Mission Collection, for which we are indebted to our
brethren at Nursapur. It also contains a number of
hymns from the excellent Dawson Collection, for which
we thank Dr. Murdock of the Madras Tract Society.
" Beside these selected hymns, the collection Avill
be found to contain a large number of new and origi-
nal hymns. Some of the choicest of them are by
Chondari Purushottam, of Cuttack, in the Orissa mis-
sion. Quite a number of original hymns by members
of our own native churches are included in the collec-
tion, not so much for their special excellence, though
they are by no means wanting in some degree of
merit, but chiefly because of the special interest
attachinsT to them in being our own, and also to en-
courage whatever native talent we have in this direc-
tion. The English metres are usually translations by
our own and other missionaries."
592 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
The number of hymns in this collection is one hun-
dred and eighty-seven, of these forty-four were written
by Chondari Purushottam. He is a convert from
some Sudra caste of Hindus, and of Telugu birth.
For a long time he was employed as a catechist in
connection with the London Missionary Society, and is
the author of many tracts commending Christianity
to his countrymen. His " History of Salvation " is said
to be a work of undying fame, admired even by pun-
dits of classical learning. The diction is at once mus-
ical and elevated, and the work breathes a spirit of
earnest devotion throughout. In recent years he has
been connected with the Baptist mission at Cuttack,
where, full of years, he is still (1887) serving his Lord
as far as his strength permits. Dr. Lyman Jewett
says of Purushottam : "I have heard him spoken of
by our intelligent Telugu Christians, who knew him
well, as a ' learned man.' I think he is now over
seventy 3'ears of age and blind. Among those who
are always found at the Sabbath services and week-
day prayer meetings, he is one. He is full of Chris-
tian love. One of his hymns of which we never tire
is on ' The Raising; of Lazarus.' "
T. Yohan, connected with the American Baptist
Telugu mission, is the author of thirty-four hymns in
this new collection. Others connected with this mis-
sion, who have hymns in the collection, are as
follows: B. Ambrose, five hymns; M. Ragavallo, five
hymns; A. P. Veeraswamy, three hymns ; Mrs. Jewett
and Mrs. Clough, three hymns ; J. Burder, two
hymns ; V. Appiah, two hymns ; Mrs. Jewett. Mrs. W.
W. Campbell, R. Sashiah, R. Lutchmi-Nursu, B. Kotiah
and T. Benjamin, each one hymn.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 593
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN BURMA.
During the earliest years of the Barman mission,
singing was not a part of native Christian worship.
Dr. Judson conlcl not sing, there were no hymns, and
the native prejudice against the introduction of sing-
ins; was strono". According; to the native mind, sing-
ing was not only foreign to all proper ideas of worship,
but was one of the things interdicted by religious law
and custom. It was intimately associated with theat-
rical performances. However, after much opposition,
as tradition runs, the missionaries determined to intro-
duce singing into worship. Dr. Judson composed the
first hymn, " Shway pyee koung-gin," and Dr. Wade
became responsible for the music. Notwithstanding
the efforts put forth by the missionaries, singing did
not become popular, and after a considerable time,
according to one report, was abandoned. At any rate,
it did not come into general favor until the arrival of
the Cutters and Hancocks. Mrs. Cutter and Mr. and
Mrs. Hancock were fine singers, and under their direc-
tion and skill all prejudice disappeared, and music was
established as a part of sacred worship.
In speaking of Burman and Karen hymnody, it
must be borne in mind that the hymns in those lan-
guages, with a few exceptions, which will be noted in
their place, are written according to western ideas of
versification, and have nothing in common with the
style of the indigenous poetry of the country. In-
deed, the natives of Burma, uninfluenced by mission-
ary ideas, would not regard the hymns as poetical.
38
594 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
It would not be possible to sing native poetry to west-
ern music.
Rev. E. a. Stevens, d.d., contributed eighty-nine
hymns to the Burman hymn book. These are chiefly
translations or adaptations of English hymns, but
there are some which are original. Dr. Stevens was
born at Sunbury, Liberty County, Georgia, January
23, 1814. Educated at Brown University and New-
ton Theological Institution, he sailed for Burma, Octo-
ber 28, 1837. He was a man of rare purity of spirit
and unassuming piety, and was greatly beloved by his
brethren. Dr. Judson committed to him the editino;
and jDublication of his Burman and English Diction-
ary. Much of his life was spent in literary work as
editor of the Burman monthly religious newspaper, a
translator of histories, a writer of commQutaries, and
the compiler of a concordance. At one time, his wife
says, he spent every Sunday evening, after preaching,
in the preparation of a hymn. His hymns have clear-
ness of thought, ease of expression, and correctness
of style. Dr. Stevens died in Rangoon, June 19, 1886.
Rev. E. 0. Stevens, son of Dr. Stevens, has
twenty-seven hymns in the Burman hymn book, and
has published others since its compilation. He was
born in Burma, December 17, 1838, and was educated
at Brown University and Newton Theological Institu-
tion. He returned to Burma as a missionary in the
autumn of 1864, and settled at Prome, where he has
since remained. Speaking the Burmese as a vernacu-
lar, he uses it with facility in the translation of hymns.
Mrs. Caroline J. (Harrington) Simons has twenty-
two hymns. She was born at Brookfield, Mass.,
October 28, 1811, and died at Maulmain, May 1, 1843,
after eleven years of mission service. Her hymns are
among the best in the Burman language.
Rev. James R. Haswell, son of Rev. J. M. Has-
well, D.D., has nineteen hymns. He was born at Am-
herst, BurmaJ September 4, 1836. He graduated at
AND THEIR HYMNS. 595
Madison University, and sailed for Burma as a mis-
sionary in 1859. He died of cholera, May 20, 1877.
Burman was a mother tongue to him, and he used it
with great eloquence in preaching. His hymns have
much of the sonorous, stately movement which char-
acterizes the religious language of the people.
Sarah Boardman" Judson wrote fifteen hymns.
Her Burman hymns have the easy grace and happy
expression which characterize her English verse.
Mrs. E. C. Judson, in her Life of Sarah B. Judson, in
a note at the close, says :
" The following translation of one of Mrs. Judson's
hymns may be admitted as a tolerable specimen of her
labors in this department, though it has been found
difficult to preserve the simplicity of the original, and
the sentiments lose much of their force by being
transformed to another languasre and a different scene.
The first two stanzas, especially, convey a distinct and
positive meaning to Burmese converts, which can never
be appreciated by those who worship God beneath
genial skies, with none to molest or make them afraid.
Divine Assistance Implored.
■When, like torrents, swiftly rushing,
Foes arise in everj' place,
Mocking, persecuting, crushing,
Oh, defend us, God of Grace!
When the friends, that used to cherish,
Drive us from our homes so dear,
Parents send us forth to perish,
Then, O God of Love, be near!
"When with subtle words beguiling,
Satan comes his arts to wield.
Like a serpent, twining, wiling,
God of Mercy, be our shield!
When with pale disease we languish,
Or, on beds of suffering laid,
Toss in restless, burning anguish,
God of Pity, lend thine aid I
596 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
When, our earthly vision failing,
Death's dark realm before us lies,
Far from scenes of woe and wailing,
Bear us, God of Paradise! "
Fourteen hymns were written by Rev. Lovell Ingalls,
all of which are probably original. He was born at
Worcester, N. Y., August 21, 1808. After completing
his education at Hamilton Literary and Theological
Institution, he sailed from Boston, September 20, 1835.
His mission life was spent at Mergui, Akyab and Ran-
goon. He died at sea, between Calcutta and Rangoon,
March 14, 1856. His hymns are simple and didactic.
Rev. J. M. Haswell, d.d., prepared thirteen hymns.
He was born at Bennington, Vt., February 4, 1810.
After he graduated from the Hamilton Literary and
Theological Institution, he sailed for Burma, Septem-
ber 22, 1835, and spent the most of his life at Amherst
and Maulmain. He became thoroughly acquainted
with Peguan and Burman, translated the New Testa-
ment into Peguan and prepared many Peguan and
Burman tracts. He died at Maulmain, September 13,
1876. The style of his hymns resembles that of his
son.
Rev. Lymais" Stilsox is .credited with ten hymns.
He was born at Meredith, N. Y., in 1805 ; sailed for
Burma, October 28,1837; retired from the mission
December 23, 1851, on account of ill health ; and died
March 23, 1886. The mathematical works whichhe pub-
lished in Burman have been valuable in the education
of native youth, and are in use at the present time.
His useful missionary life was brought to an end by
the permanent weakness and ill health which resulted
from a brutal attack made upon him by Burman
robbers who sought to obtain the funds in his hands as
mission treasurer. His hymns are smooth in style.
Rev. N. Brown, d.d., one of the most scholarly and
versatile missionaries ever connected with the Ameri-
can Baptist Missionary Union, was the writer of nine
AND THEIR HYMNS. 597
hymns. He sailed for Burma, December 22, 1832.
He passed several years at Maulmain, and it was at
this time that his Burman hymns were written. One
of them, a. translation of " There is a happy land,"
has always been exceedingly popular.
Rev. JoisrATHAisr Wade, d.d., has seven hymns. He
was born at Otsego, N. Y., December 10, 1798 ; edu-
cated at Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution;
and sailed for Burma, June 22, 1825. On the opening
of the first Burman war he and Rev. Mr. Hough were
seized, imprisoned, and twice made ready for execution.
They were saved by the British after their victorious
assault on Rangoon. Dr. Wade spoke both Burman
and Karen fluently-. He rendered the Karens the in-
valuable service of reducing- their lansruao'e to writiniz:.
He also prepared a Karen dictionary, a scholarly
Karen thesaurus, and other works in the Karen lan-
guage. In Burman he is known by his dictionary of
Buddhism and his excellent tracts. His life was a
quiet one, and whatever came from his pen exhibits
great painstaking, but his hymns are somewhat faulty
in metre. He died in Rangoon in 1873.
Three hymns are from the pen of Rev. Adoniram
Judson, D.D., the pioneer American Baptist Missionary
to Burma. His hymns are original, and are the only
ones in which a foreigner has attempted to embody
Burman ideas of poetry. He spent much labor on his
hymns, and especially on his first hymn, " Shway pyee
koung-gin," etc., to accomplish this result. Conse-
quentl}' his hymns are among the best in the Burman
hymn book.
Three hymns are by Miss Kate F. Evans, of Vir-
ginia, for nearly fourteen years a resident missionary
at Thongzai. She has an excellent mastery of the
Burman language, and has prepared some school-
books.
Two hymns apiece are ascribed to Rev. A. R. R.
Crawley Rev. Thomas Allen and Benjamin Le Geois.
598 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Mr. Crawley was born at Cape Breton^ in 1831, and
w^as educated at Acadia College and Newton Theologi-
cal Institution. He sailed for Burma, De€ember 12,
1853, and spent most of his mission life at Henzada.
He died October 9, 1876.
Rev. Thomas Allen was born in Luzerne County,
Pa., October 24, 1824. He sailed, September 18, 1852,
and resigned in 1862. He is now District Secretary
of the American Baptist Missionary Union for Ohio.
Benjamin Le Geois was a • Eurasian of French
extraction, wdio was mission school teacher at Amherst
for many years. In the later years of his life the
church was obliiired to withdraw the hand of fellow-
ship from .him. He died a long time ago.
The following persons have prepared only one
hymn. Mrs. Laura Crawle}^, wdfe of Rev. A. R. R.
Crawley, was a faithful helper of her husband during
his life time, but since his death has made her home
in Nova Scotia.
Mrs. Rosa Adams Bailey w\as born in India, May 9,
1843, and died of cholera, at Zeegong, July 27, 1879.
She was a remarkably energetic and popular mission-
ary among the Burmans.
Rev. Cephas Bennett was born at Homer, N. Y.,
March 20, 1804 ; sailed for Burma, May, 1829 ; and
died at Rangoon, November 16, 1885, after a remarkably
long missionary life spent principally in charge of the
mission press.
Mrs. Emily C. Judson, well known through her lit-
erary productions published before her marriage, has
already been noticed with other American Baptist
hymn writers.
Mrs. Harriet C. (Mason) Stevens was bom
November 24, 1841. Her father was Rev. Francis
Mason, d.d.
A. W. Lonsdale, an Eurasian, is a young man em-
ployed as a teacher in one of the government normal
schools.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 599
Several natives have composed hymns which appear
in the Burnian hymn book, but none of them have
any special merit. Some of these hymns are written
in lines of seven syllables, in which one sees the influ-
ence of the Burman idea of j)oetical style.
MouNG SiiWAY BwiN leads off with twenty-three
hymns. He was a Burmanized Shan who lived at
Maulmain. Being a man of some literar}^ reputation,
he was employed by Rev. Mr. Stilson to whom the
preparation of the second edition of the Burman
hymn book had been committed, because it was sup^
posed that he was familiar with Burman poetry. In
many cases, Mr. Stilson gave the ideas of the hymns
for Shway Bwin to put into form and then revised and
edited his work. The hymns are somewhat mechani-r
cal. Shway Bwin was somewhat of a time-server and
for a while went over to the Romanists. Subsequent^
ly he professed repentance and sought to be restored
to the church, but he never regained the full confi-
dence of his brethren. He died more than twenty
years ago.
MouNG Oui^G Mix composed fourteen original
hymns of considerable merit. He was a Peguan by
race, and was born in 1803. His conversion was due
to Mrs. Wade. Noticing a strange foreign lady talk-
ing in a zayat, he went to listen to her words, and
subsequently accepted Christianity. He was a staid,
faithful and true man. Although he was never bril-
liant, he was a man to be depended on. He was many
years a preacher at Amherst, and was ordained pastor
of the cliurch in that place, April 21, 1870. He died
June 14, 1878.
Four hymns are marked Inwa, i.e. Ava. These
hymns have sometimes been attributed to a Burman
Christian, but it appears that Rev. Mr. Simons brought
these hymns from Ava when that station was aban-
doned after the usurpation of the throne by Tharra-
waddy. One of the hymns Mr. Simons assigned to
600 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS
Dr. Kincaid as author. The other three were the
joint work of Kincaid, Stilson and their wives. The
hymns are imperfect in metre and hard in style.
MouxG SiiWAY MouNG was the author of two
hymns. He was a Shan by race, but passed as a Bur-
man. He visited America with Dr. Wade. Some-
time after his return to Burma he fell into grievous
sin and was excluded from the church, but after pro-
fessing penitence for his transgression he was restored
to church fellowship. He died about fifteen years
ago.
Shway Doke, the composer of two hymns, was a
Burman scholar of some repute. He and Ko En were
the principal assistants of Dr. Judson in his transla-
tion of the Bible into Burman. He also helped Dr.
Stevens in work upon the Burman Concordance.
During the second Anglo-Burman w\ar, he was em-
ployed by Commodore Lambert to put his official
dispatches into elegant Burman. He became an
ordained preacher, and dying, about 1863, left behind
him the memory of a good and able man.
Two hymns were written by Moung Kyau, born in
1841, who went to America and received an educa-
tion. Returnino; to Burma, he eno;au:ed in mission
work for a time, in connection with Rev. J. R. Has-
well of Maulmain. Subsequently he entered the
service of government as a school teacher. He died
of consumption at Henzada in 1883.
The only native female who has written any hymns
is Mall Hnindan of Prome. Before coming; in contact
with Christianity she and her family became the
disciples of a Paramat leader and rejected the worship
of idols as futile. Her conversion was due to the
second Mrs. Kincaid whom she met while that lady
was giving tracts to a gathering of people and accom-
panjdng the gift with words of Christian truth. She
was ba]itized by Dr. Kincaid in 1854. At one time
she taught a mission school at Prome. For very many
AND THEIR HYMNS. 601
years, she has been a Bible woman. She is a woman
of about seventy years of age and has evinced con-
siderable ability. She has always borne the reputa-
tion of a substantial Christian character.
MouNG SiiAWLOO, M.D., a native of Maulmain, has
translated one hymn. He was educated in America
at the same time as Moung Kyau and took a medical
deo;ree. On his return to Burma he was encrao-ed in
mission work for a while. Latterly he has given
himself to the practice of medicine. He resides at
Maulmain, and is about forty years old.
One hymn, of no merit, was composed by Kev.
Thahdway. For a time he was employed as a preacher
at Yandoon. Subsequently he was ordained as pastor
of the Rangoon Burman Baptist church, but embrac-
ing views not held by the majority of the church, and
persisting in preaching them, to the serious division of
the church, he was excluded. He is now the leader
of a small church Avhich adheres to extreme premil-
lenial doctrine and favors Plymouthism.
Moung Lugyee is the author of one hymn. His
parents were originally from Amerapoora. He was
baptized at Shwaydoung about 1873. He is a teacher
in government lay schools, and at present is in the
Bassein district.
Moses Taylor has translated several hymns, one of
which appears in the Barman hymn book. He was a
young Burman with a slight trace of foreign blood,
the son of Ko Shway A., and was born April 16, 1853.
He was an ordained pastor of the Maulmain Burman
Baptist church. Very suddenly he was cut off by
cholera, May 14, 1877.
A volume containing more than two hundred of
Sankey's songs and solos, translated into Burman, has
been published. A few of the translations are by
missionaries already mentioned. The most of the
hymns have been translated by Ah Sow (born July
12, 1863), and Ah Syoo (born May 21, 1861), two
602 BAPTIST HYMIf WRITERS
brothers of Chinese extraction on their father's side.
Tliey are the sons of Avon, who has been a prominent
member of the Mauhnain Biirman church for many
years. These two young men have received a very
good EngUsh education in the province, and are
emploj'ed as teachers in the Mauhnain Burman boys'
school connected with the mission. Their translations
are very creditable, but the peculiar metres of many
of the iiymns render the work of turning them into
Burman very difficult. Ah Syoo is now the head
teacher in the boys' school at Maulmain.
SGAU KAREN HYMN WEITERS.
Mes. Calista Vinton is the largest contributor to
the Sgau Karen hymn book. Of the four hundred
and forty-two hymns which it contains, two hundred
and sixteen are attributed to her. Although only
thirty-four of these hymns are marked as translations,
most of the remaining one hundred and eighty-two
are adaptations of English hymns. Her father's name
was Holman. She was born at Union, Conn., in 1809.
After her marriage with Rev. Justus H. Vinton, she
sailed with her husband from Boston, for Burma, July
3, 1834. Her death occurred in 1865. She was a
woman of great energy of character, and indefatiga-
ble in her labors for the Karens. After her husband's
death in 1858, she guided the large Rangoon Sgau
Karen mission with great success.
Her numerous hymns are smooth and flowing in
style, and she has the honor of bearing much the
same relation to Karen hymnody as Watts does to
English hymnody. She could not sing and her son
says, that in the preparation of her hymns, she some-
times failed to appreciate and employ the proper
quantity demanded by the metre of the verse in which
she was writing. Her husband, however, had a deli-
cately sensitive musical ear, which led him to detect
immediately any error in rhythm. Defects of this
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS 603
kind were corrected by her with great facility. She
used to attribute much of her ease in versification to
an exercise enforced upon her in her school days, by
which she was made to turn a sentence into as many
ways of expression as w^ere possible and yet allow the
retention of the idea, but she unquestionably had a
large natural talent for hymn writing. Beside her
hymns which appear in the hymn book, she was the
author of many vmpublished ones, which still exist in
manuscript.
Her son, Rev. J. B. Vinton, d.d., contributed sixty
hymns to the Sgau Karen hymn book, of which
forty-eight are marked as translations. He Avas born
in 1840, and after completing his education at Madi-
son University, N. Y., joined the Rangoon Sgau Karen
mission, which had received so much labor from his
parents. The Sgau Karen was a vernacular to him,
and he used it with perfect fluency and great skill.
Dr. Vinton died at Rangoon, June 23, 1887.
Fifty-four hymns, of which forty-five are marked as
translations, are from the pen of Rev. B. C. Thomas,
who was a native of Massachusetts and educated at
Brown University and Newton Theological Institu-
tion. He arrived at Tavoy, Burma, May, 1851, but
the principal part of his devoted life was spent at
Henzada wdiither he removed after the annexation of
Pegu province. He was the founder of the prosper-
ous Sgau Karen mission in that district. He died in
New York City, June 10, 1868, four days after his
arrival in his native land, and was buried at Newton
Centre, Mass. He was a man of rare piety, and his
pure, sweet and zealously consecrated life was a bene-
diction to all who knew him. His style is easy and the
rhythm generally pleasing to the ear.
Rev. i). A. W. Smith, d.d., son of Rev. S. F. Smith,
D.D., of Newton Centre, Mass., inherits some of his
father's poetic ability. He has furnished forty-one
hymns, of which thirty-four are marked as translated.
604 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
He is the author of the original hymn sung at the
dedication of the Ko Thah Bju Memorial Hall at
Bassein. His birth took place at Waterville, Me.,
June 18, 1840. He was educated at Harvard Univer-
sity, and Newton Theological Institution. At one time
he had charge of the Henzada Sgau Karen mission,
but is now president of the Rangoon Karen Theologi-
cal Seminary. Much valuable Christian Karen litera-
ture has come from his pen. He shares with Mr.
Thomas and Dr. Vinton the honor of translating some
of the most beautiful and precious hymns of the
English language into Karen.
Nine hymns, of which three are marked as transla-
tions, are the w^ork of Rev. E. B. Cross, d.d. He was
born at Georgetown, N. Y., June 11, 1814, was educated
at Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, and
sailed for Burma, October 30, 1844. His first station
was at Tavoy, but in 1861, he removed to Toungoo,
where he has made his home to the present time. He
has been a voluminous writer in Karen on religious
and mathematical subjects, and has published a Karen
translation of a Bible dictionary, and some commen-
taries in that language. He has also given much time
to the revision of the Karen New Testament.
Rev. Francis Mason, d.d., was the author of many
hymns, only nine of which have been preserved in
the Sgau Karen hymn book. He also compiled a
volume of hymns in the Bghai Karen dialect wdiich
was used until recently in the Bghai churches. Sev-
eral Burman hymns composed by him are found in
the Burman hymn book. This versatile man was
born in Yorkshire, but emigrating to America in his
youth, he was educated at Newton Theological Institu-
tion. He sailed from Boston, May 24, 1830. His life
was spent in Tavoy, until 1853, wdien he went to
Toungoo, to open a mission for the Karens, upon the
mountains of that district. He was the translator of
the Karen Bible. He was an able linguist, and pub-
AND THEIR HYMNS. 605
lishecl works in Burman and Pali as well as Karen.
His " Burniah, " lately edited and enlarged by Theo-
bald, is still the standard work on the ethnology,
geology, fanna, and flora of the country whose name
it bears. He died at Rangoon March 3, 1874.
His hymns are written in the style of native Karen
poetry, whose characteristics he was very successful
in reproducing. Each line consists of seven syllables.
The thought is expressed in couplets, resembling the
parallelism of Hebrew poetry. In many cases the
second line of the couplet differs from the first line
only in a slight change of the closing words. It is
impossible to sing these hymns to western tunes.
They can be fitly used only with the plaintive, weird,
strangely sweet, native Karen music. Hence at the
last revision of the hymn book with Dr. Mason's
consent, many of his hymns were replaced by those
which could be sung to western tunes.
Four hymns are the work of Mrs. Miranda Vinton
Harris, of which one is marked as a translation. She
was the sister of Rev. J. H. Vinton, and the second
wife of Rev. Norman Harris. Her birth took place
at Wellington, Conn., April 10, 1819. After fifteen
years service in Burma, she died at Shwaygyeen, Sep-
tember 9, 1856. Her life was heartily devoted to
Christ, and her missionary service very effective.
Her memory is still warmly cherished by the Karens.
The poetic style of her hymns is beautiful. One
hvmn, based on the Enurlish translation of Psalm
cxxxix " 0 Lord, thou hast searched," etc., is used with
great frequency in divine worship.
Mrs. H. M. (Norris) Armstrong- has furnished two
hymns. After spending several years in the Karen
mission, she married Rev. W. F. Armstrong of the
Maritime Provinces, and entered the Telugu mission
sustained by the Baptists of those provinces. She is
now engaged with her husband in English and Telugu
work at Maulmain, Burma.
606 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Rev. W. F. Thomas, son of Rev. B. C. Thomas,
Rev. A. Banker, d.d., and Mrs. J. E. Hirris have each
furnished the translation of one English hymn. Rev.
Mr. Thomas was educated at Brown University and
Newton Tlieological Institution. He arrived in
Burma in 1880, and took charge of the Henzada Sgau
Karen mission which was founded by his father. He
speaks Karen and Burman as vernaculars, and resem-
bles his father in character, energy and consecrated
service. Dr. Bunker was born in 1836, educated at
Vfaterville Colleo;e and Newton Theoloi»:ical Institu-
tion, and sailed for Burma in 1865. He has spent his
time in arduous and successful service in the northern
half of the Toungoo Karen mountains. Mrs. Harris'
home now is in Hamilton, N. Y.
There are six native Karen hymn writers. Moung
Loonee, who is about thirty-eight years old, was care-
fully educated under the care of the Yintons and
speaks English fluently. He is a medal scholar in law,
and is an advocate in Rano-oon. No other Karen has
ever undertaken the translation of English hymns
with success. Twelve of his sixteen hymns are
marked as translations. The metre and general char-
acter of these hymns are reproduced in Karen in an
excellent manner.
Sau Quala is the author of nine hymns. His
history is exceedingly interesting. He has been
called the second Karen apostle. His conversion was
due to the first sermon of Ko Thah Byu, the first
Karen apostle. He was ordained in 1846, and in
December, 1853, he went to Toungoo, where he
ranged the mountains and jDreached the gospel.
Eighteen hundred and sixty were baptized in one year
and nine months, and twenty-eight churches were
organized. After more than ten years' labor on the
Karen mountains, he returned to Tavoy, where he
spent the remainder of his life, which was at one time
clouded by a fall into sin. He died in 1880, at a
AND THEIR HYMNS. 607
goodly age. His hymns are original and are written
in the pure, native Karen style which was adopted by
Dr. Mason for his hymns.
Sau Eh Hpau wrote two hymns. According to
Rev. Dr. Vinton, he was a Maulmain Karen preacher.
A Karen of a similar name lived at Mergui at one
time, and was the anthor of a number of hymns
which the native Christians refused to sing after his
apostasy.
Sau Pa La, the author of one hymn, was a preacher
in the Maulmain district, and died about 1864. He
was spiritually awakened several years before hearing
of Christianity. It is said that on his first visit to Dr.
Judson he remained all day as an inquirer, listening
intently to the truth, and having earnestly professed his
belief in it was baptized at the close of the day by
the missionary. Sau Pa La wrote a long poem which
was printed in a book by itself. It gives a history of
the Gospel, and very many of the hymns in Dr.
Mason's Karen hymn book were taken from this poem.
Sau Sa Theu, also called Chetthamg, was the author
of a hymn. He visited America with Dr. Wade. On
his return to Burma, he eventually became a govern-
ment official of low rank and died in 1852. These
three hymn writers adhered to the native Karen style
of poetry.
Kah Cher the writer of one hymn is a native of
Shwaygyeen. He was educated in America and since
his return to Burma has been engaged in quiet and
effective mission and school work at Shwaygyeen.
He is about thirty-eight years old.
PGHO KAREN" HYMJfS.
Rev. D. L. Bray ton is the principal writer and
translator of hymns in the Pgho Kareu hymn book.
He was born in Vermont, educated at Brown Univer-
sity, and sailed for Burma, October 28, 1837. He has
translated the Bible into Pgho Karen and has been
608 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
the antlior of most of the Christian literature in that
lanyruao-e.
o ~
SIIAISr HYMNS.
Of the eighty-seven hj'^mns in the Shan hymn book,
seventy-nine have been prepared by Rev. J. N. Gush-
ing, D.D. Of these four are original hymns. The
others are translations or adaptations of English
hymns. Dr. Gushing was born in Attleborough, Mass.,
May 4, 1840. He was graduated in 18G2, at Brown
University, and at Newton Theological Institution in
1865. Two years, 1866, and 1867, he spent a Newton
as instructor in Hebrew. He then entered the service
of the American Baptist Missionary Union, and was
assigned to Burma. His principal work has been in
connection Avith the Shan mission. He has translated
the Scriptures into the Shan language, and in many
ways done much to advance the work of the Mission-
ary Union in Burma. In recognition of his scholarly
worth Brown University, in 1881, conferred upon him
the degree of doctor of divinity.
One hymn was translated by Rev. F. H. Eveleth.
He was born in Durham, Me., March 21, 1843, was
graduated at Golby University in 1870, and at Newton
Theological Institution in 1873. He arrived in Burma,
in the spring of 1874, and has performed a valuable
service as a missionary of the Union.
Three hymns were prepared by Shway Wa, who is
a native of the principality of Mone. For a number
of years he was the chief scribe of the Saubwa of
Theinnee. He is a man about thirty-five years old
and is a good Shan scholar. He has been the princi-
pal native assistant of Dr. Gushing in the prepara-
tion of his translation of the Scriptures into Shan.
Shway Wa was baptized in 1882, and has thus far led
a consistent Ghristian life. During Dr. Gushing's
absence in America, Shway Wa acted as chief Shan
interpreter in connection with the English occupation
AND THEIR HYMNS. 609
of Upper Burma. Recently, much against the wishes
of EngUsh officials he has voluntarily resigned his
position as interpreter, and a salary of one hundred
rupees a month, to assist in the revision of the Shan
Scriptures at a salary of thirty rupees a month.
Two hymns by Toonla are translations of Burman
hymns. He was born at Toungoo after his parents
had immigrated thither from Shanland. He was edu-
cated in the Shan mission school, and was baptized in
1871. He is about thirty years old, and has been a
preacher, although not always a consistent Christian.
He is now in the employ of the English government
as an interpreter.
Saug Myat, who prepared a translation of two
Burman hymns, was a native of Mone. He was a man
of some natural ability, but before the close of his
life fell into grievous sin. Professing penitence he
died in 1835, at about the age of thirty-five years.
39
610 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN ASSAM.
The Assamese are not a musical people, but our
missionaries from the beginning of their labors among
them have sought to cultivate in the converts a love
for Christian song. The first Assamese hymn book,
compiled by Dr. N. Brown, was printed in 1845. A
revised and enlarged edition, containing one hundred
and eighty-two hymns, was published in 1850. A
third edition, containing two hundred and seventy-
nine hymns, followed in 1860. The last edition,
enlarged to three hundred and fifty-two hymns, and
thirty-two Sunday-school hymns in a supplement, was
published in 1873. Rev. Nathan Brown, d.d., whose
early missionary life was spent in Assam, — he reached
Assam in March, 1836, and remained there until 1855
— contributed to the Assamese hymn book eighty
hymns, viz., thirty-two originals and forty-eight trans-
lations. Many of Dr. Brown's hymns are still great
favorites with the Assamese, especially the two hymns
which he gave to the Burmese,
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
and
The clay is past and gone,
also the following,
" Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,"
" All hail the power of Jesus' name,"
" Arise, my soul, arise."
Dr. Brown's translation of
Now I lay me down to sleep,
is still in use by the Assamese children.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 611
Rev. Miles Bronson, d.d., who reached Assam a little
more than a year later than Dr. Brown, and settled at
Gowahati, contributed to the Assamese hymn book
two or three original hymns, and about eighteen trans-
lations, among them some of the more recent English
hymns, as " Hold the fort," and " He leadeth me."
Rev. William Ward, who became a missionary to
Assam in 1851, brought out the edition of 1860, and
added scores of original and translated hymns.
Among them are the following :
" In the cross of Christ I glory,"
" I 'm not ashamed to own my Lord,"
" Come, thou fount of every blessinjx,"
" Kearer, my God, to thee,"
" Jesus, I my cross have taken,"
" When I can read my title clear,"
*' Today, the Savior calls."
Among other contributors are the following : Rev.
C. F. Tolman, Maria Bronson Cotes, Rev. A. H. Dan-
forth and Oliver T. Cutter. Mr. Danforth translated
Jesus, lover of my soul,
and Mr. Cutter
There is a happy land.
Of the native hymn writers Nidhi Levi Farwell
ranks first. He was the first Assamese convert, and
was baptized by Dr. Bronson, June 13, 1841. He was
for many years the chief assistant in the mission press
work. He wrote one hundred and thirteen hymns, o£
which only six or seven were translations. His wife,
Abby, wrote one hymn, and Mrs. Bronson's school girl,
Sophia, also one "hymn. Batiram Dass one of the
early converts, and afterward a preacher, wrote
twenty h3'mns.
612 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Eight liymns in the collection were taken from the
Bengali hymns of Carey and Marshman. Thirty-three
were contributed by the preachers pundits, native
Christians of Sibsagor, Nowgong and Gowahati.
A revision of the Assamese hymn book is already
called for, and Rev. P. H. Moore of Nowgong has
undertaken the work. It will contain about fifty new
hymns in Assamese. These are mostly translations
from English hymns contributed by Assamese Chris-
tians, Sardoka, Kandura, and others j also by some of
the missionaries.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 613
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THER HYMNS IN CHINA.
Under date of February 8, 1888, Rev. S. B. Par-
tridge, of Swatow, where he has been stationed since
1873, as a missionary of the American Baptist Mis-
sionary Union, sent me a package of hymn books in
Chinese. The books were numbered one, two, three,
four. In a letter which accompanied the package, Mr.
Partridge wrote : " Fifteen years ago we were using No.
1, which had been in use some years. It was printed
from Avooden blocks. I cannot tell by whom the
hymns were written, nor by whom the book was com-
piled. Dr. Ashmore collected a number of hymns
from various sources, which in 1875, I arranged, and
to which I added a few and had No. 2 printed. No.
3 is practically the same as No. 2, but was changed
by Rev. W. K. McKibben to adapt it to the Hakka
dialect. Miss Fielde had a part of the same book put
in a simple style, to be used as a primer in teaching
women. About three years ago, feeling the need of
a larger collection of hymns, we concluded to adopt
the hymn book which R. H. Graves, d.d., had pre-
pared. In order that we might have a few hymns
that our church members were familiar with, I com-
piled a supplement. Two or three hymns in the sup-
plement were written by the teacher who is our assis-
tant in the theological school. Many of the hymns
in this supplement are translations, or adaptations, but
I cannot tell you by whom the work was done. I
think, however, that very little of such work has been
done by Baptists, except what has been done by Dr.
Graves, whose hymn book I consider a most valuable
addition to Chinese church literature."
614 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
Dr. Graves, who is a missionary of the Southern
Baptist board stationed in Canton, published in 1876,
a hymn book in Chinese, entitled " Songs of Praise to
the Lord." It contained about two hundred and
eighty-six hymns, of which about twenty were origi-
nal hymns by Dr. Graves, and between sixty and
seventy were translations, by Dr. Graves, of familiar
English hymns. The remaining hymns in the collec-
tion were selections from other Chinese hymn books,
being mostly translations of hymns in the English and
German languages, with some hymns composed by
missionaries and Chinese converts. In its arrange-
ment Dr. Graves' book followed the arrangement of
the " Baptist Hymn and Tune Book," issued by the
American Baptist Publication Society.
Dr. Graves was born May 29, 1833, in Baltimore,
Md., was graduated at St. Mary's College, in his native
city in 1851, and was baptized by Dr. Richard Fuller,
of whose church he became a member, and under
whom he studied for the ministry. He was ordained
as a missionary to China in April, 1856, and reached
Canton, in August of the same year. Here, and in
the vicinity of the city, he has labored. For a number
of years past, he has been pastor of the Chinese
Baptist church in Canton. On account of the ill-
health of his wife. Dr. Graves is at present in the
United States.
In a note written since his return to this country,
Dr. Graves says : " Dr. Hartwell informs me that a
small collection of hymns, was published in the
Shanghai colloquial dialect by Rev. A. B. Cabaniss of
the Southern Baptist mission, also a larger one by Rev.
T. P. Crawford of the same mission, and this, I am
informed, has been enlarged by Rev. Dr. M. T. Yates.
Our English Baptist brethren have a collection, I
believe, in Mandarin colloquial."
Rev. J. R. Goddard, who has been a missionary of
the American Baptist Missionary Union at Ningpo
AND THEIR HYMNS. 615
since 1867, writes under date of January 23, 1888 :
" Here at Ningpo, and in the stations connected with
the eastern China mission, we use a hymn book pre-
pared about twenty-five years ago, and revised three
or four times since, principally by members of the
American Presbyterian mission. It contains transla-
tions and original hymns by members of all the mis-
sions here. The contributions from Baptist sources,
however, are very few. Dr. Knowlton prepared three
translations, one of the hymn beginning, ' 0 Lord,
thy perfect word,' another, ' The morning light is
breaking,' and the third, ' Today, the Savior calls.'
S. P. Barchet, m.d., at present in connection with our
mission, made a translation of the hymn, ' Jesus is our
Shepherd.' These are all the Baptist contributions."
A small Chinese hymn book was pul^lished in Bangkok
in 1838. The first hymn in the collection was com-
posed, it is believed, by Siang, a Chinese preacher at
Bangkok. Several editions of this small book have
been printed, the last in 1881, containing one hundred
and thirty-five hymns and six forms of prayer, the
first of which is the Lord's prayer.
Rev. Fung Chek, who is now pastor of the Chinese
Baptist church in Portland, Oregon, has published a
collection of hymns consisting of translations by him-
self of some of the hymns in " Gospel Hymns " and
some familiar Sunday-school hymns, together with five
or six hymns of his own. Fung Chek is a native of
a village near Canton, where he was baptized in 1871.
He spent. several years in California, and was ordained
in 1880, in Portland, Oregon.
The following is a literal translation of one of Dr.
Graves' hymns, written to the tune of " Happy Land."
It is entitled " The Baptism of Jesus."
Jesus left Galilee
And came to the river Jordan.
He did not tliink 100 li too far.
What was his object?
616 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
He said "I must be baptized,
And fulfil all righteousness.
Thus he showed his humility
And bowed beneath the wave.
When he was baptized he rose from the water;
The heavens were opened to him.
He saw the Spirit like a dove
Descending from heaven;
A voice came from heaven saying,
" This is the Son of my eternal love;
He always does what pleases me."
He saves men from woe.
We imitate the Lord Jesus,
And walk in his steps.
We should follow our Lord's example,
And not dare to disobey.
May God give us his Holy Spirit
To fill our liearts with joy and peace.
That we may always glorify God,
May he daily give us strength.
Perhaps the world may persecute,
Perhaps friends renounce us.
Day by day ridicule and obstruct us,
And despise our names;
But if God is pleased with us
Why need we fear the world's words.
Tho' our bodies may have to shed their blood
Our souls will be filled with peace.
The following is a translation of an original hymn
by Rev. Fung Chek. It is entitled " The Uncertainty
of Earthly Things :"
Earthly things are uncertain as the waves;
Now comes gladness, then comes sadness.
Do not say that joy is true joy;
And true grief is not unending grief.
Grief usually proceeds from joy.
In the midst of joy there is always a sting of grief.
All comes from our first parents breaking God's law;
After generations became the slaves of sin.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 617
Thanks to God's helpful grace,
Who sent his Son to bear our crimes,
To deliver us from sin and to save us,
That our souls may dwell in bliss.
When our souls are in heaven at God's side,
Contrition and sighs will all be over;
Our joyful songs will never cease
Of praise to the Savior's bleeding love.
618 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN JAPAN.
Peoperly speaking Baptists in Japan have had
three hymn books. The first, in Roman characters
and kata kana, or square letters in parallel lines, was
published about the year 1874. The second, in Roman
characters and hira gana, the script or running hand
(in separate books), was published in 1876. The third in
hira gana (only the page captions, names of tunes, etc.,
being in" the Roman characters) was published in part
in 1884, or 1885, but was not completed until after the
death of Dr. Nathan Brown in 1886. It makes a
volume of three hundred and eighteen pages. In the
preface Rev. Albert A. Bennett says :
" Should any honor be attached to the preparation
of the present hymn book, it belongs to the late Dr.
Nathan Brown. Years ago, when it was commonly
said that ' the Japanese cannot sing,' he commenced
work on hymns for them, and his rendering of the
Lord's Prayer was probably the first Christian hymn
in their language. The first hymn book that he pub-
lished, was a very modest little volume, but it from
time to time gave place to larger ones, and the present
edition is supposed to be the largest collection of Jap-
anese hymns yet published. On this, Dr. Brown
labored till his palsied hand could no longer hold a
pen." One day, while at work on his Japanese hymn
book. Dr. Brown remarked, " I have got as far as the
hymns on heaven." It was a fitting time for the aged
saint to bring his labors to an end, and closing a long
and useful life he passed over into the celestial
country. For a sketch of his life see pages 319 — 322.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 619
" In some cases," says Mr. Bennett in his reference
to this hymn book, " an initial letter has been affixed
to indicate the author's name, or the book from which
the hj^mn was taken. Dr. Brown exerted himself to
ascertain the names of composers and translators, but
the information he obtained was comparatively meagre,
and it is feared that some of that meagre information
has been lost."
The hymns in this collection are very largely trans-
lations, or adaptations of well-known English hymns
such as
" Rock of Ages cleft for me,"
*' Jesus, lover of my soul,"
" jSTearer, my God, to thee,"
" Blest be the tie that binds,"
" Sun of my soul, thou Savior dear,"
" There is a fountain filled with blood,"
" From Greenland's icy mountains."
The collection contains, also, quite a number of the
familiar " Gospel Hymns."
Beside Dr. Brown, who is credited with fifteen
hymns, the Baptist writers represented in this collec-
tion are Rev. W. J. White, English Baptist missionary,
Miss Clara A. Sands, of the American Baptist Mission-
ary Union, and the following natives : K. Nakagawa,
K. Ikeda, Rev. T. Suzuki, Rev. S. Torigama, and Rev.
T. Kawakatsu.
Mk. White, who has three hymns in the collection,
was born April 19, 1848, at Brockhurst, a suburb of
the ancient town of Gosport, in the south of England.
In 1870, he went to Japan, and was engaged six years
in educational work. In order to prepare himself for
missionary work, he then returned to England and
entered the Pastor's College connected with the Met-
ropolitan Tabernacle in London. After a short course
of preparatory study, Mr. White offered himself to
620 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS
the committee of the Baptist Missionary Society, and
Was cordially accepted as a missionary October 8, 1877.
September 6, 1878, he was designated for the work in
Japan at a meeting held at Brockhurst, and on the 18th,
of the same month he sailed for his field of labor. On
his arrival in Japan, he entered upon his missionary
career in Tokio, where he has since labored with many
evidences of the divine blessins;.
Miss Sai^ds, represented in the collection by five
hymns, was born in Southport, N. Y., July 27, 1844,
and was educated in the Female College at Oxford,
Ohio. In October, 1873, she was baptized at Sal-
amanca. N. Y., and September 2, 1875, she was
appointed a missionary of the American Baptist Mis-
sionary Union to Japan. She reached Yokohama the
same year, and there she has since labored with great
diligence and success.
K. Nakagawa, who has six hymns in the collection,
was for a long time one of the teachers in the school
connected with the mission at Yokohama, but was at
leno;th excluded from the church on account of his
inconsistent walk. He has recently expressed a desire
to return, and it is hoped that he may yet sing again
the hymns of faith and hope which he wrote while a
member of the mission.
K. Ikeda has three hymns in the collection. He is
engaged in missionary work as a native preacher at
Odawara, and is an earnest Christian worker.
Rev. T. Suzuki, who has nine hymns in the collec-
tion, is pastor of the native church at Kobe, and
assists Mr. Rees in his mission work. He is an earnest,
prayerful man, and, humanly speaking, was converted
through hearing a sermon by the lamented Rev. J.
Hope Arthur. Mr. Arthur could poorly speak the
language and Mr. Suzuki could poorly understand
what was said ; but the Spirit was present to aid and
to enlighten, and caused the listening Japanese to
know the Word that became flesh.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 621
Rev. S. Torigama, the author of two hymns in the
collection, is the pastor of the church at Tokio, and
assists Mr. Fisher in his work. He is a devoted Bible
student, and a consecrated worker.
Rev. T. Kawakatsu, was the earliest of the Japa-
nese ordained Baptist preachers, although the youngest
of the three. He was Dr. Brown's assistant in the
translation of the New Testament, and is now pastor
of several of the native churches. He is an exceed-
ingly useful member of the mission, and is greatly
beloved by all the brethren. He has eight hymns in
the collection.
The following is hymn No. 70 in Roman characters :
Yesu Kimi, ten yori kono yoni kudari,
Yudayauo kunino Betereliemuuizo
Umai'eshi tokiwa, yadorase tamuno
lyemo, nedokomo, nanimo nakariki.
Makotonaru kana, Yesu Kimi tomedo
Hitowo tomasantote madj^u shiku naritezo
Umayano nakani umare tamaishiga
Madzushiki samawoba shinobi tamayeri.
Kano toki warera Yudayani oraba,
Warerano iyewo Kimini sasagento
Kakaru omoiwo nasu mono araba,
Kokorowo akete, Kimini sasageyo.
Imaya Yesii Kimi iyewo motomezu
Kokorono iyewo motome tamayeba
Kokorowo akete Kimini sasageyo,
Kimiwa yorokobi kokoroni yadoran.
622 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
AND THEIR HYMNS IN AFRICA.
The missionaries connected with the EngHsh Bap-
tist Mission in Congo-land have a hymn book, contain-
ing about twenty hymns, printed at the Edwin Wade
Printing Press, Underbill Station, Congo River. Other
hymns have been prepared, and are in use, but only
these have been printed. Rev. J. 11. Weeks, of San
Salvador, writes : " We have nearly forty hymns, but
we have printed only those which we have repeatedly
tested and found correct. When a hymn is first trans-
lated, we use it at our stations for some time, alter it
if it is needful until it is as near perfect as we can get
it, and then we print it." Some of the hymns in this
collection are originals, and some are translations of
well-known English hymns. All have been prepared
since 1880. The translations in the collection were
made by Rev. T. J. Comber, Rev. W. H. Bentley, Rev.
J. H. Weeks, Rev. H. Dixon, and two natives, Kavungu
and Mantu. The original hymns were composed by
Rev. T. J. Comber, Rev. W. H. Bentley, and Rev. J.
11. Weeks. Among the translated hymns are
" What a friend we have in Jesus,"
" Around the throne of God in heaven,"
" Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,"
Rev. T, J. Comber was one of the pioneers of the
Congo mission, entering upon his work in 1878. Other
members of his family have been engaged in mission
service in Africa. His sister died at Cameroons. His
brother, Dr. Comber, at Ngombe, Congo. Another
brother is still connected with the Congo mission.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 623
Rev. T. J. Comber died on the steamship Lulu Bohlen,
June 27, 1887, off Loango, a French settlement several
miles north of Banana, and was buried at Mayumba,
two hundred miles north of the mouth of the Congo.
Among his last words were these :
" Oh Christ, thou art the fountain,
The deep spring- well of love;
The springs of earth I 've tasted " —
His companion failed to catch what followed. Dan-
gerously ill with remittent fever, Mr. Comber was
placed on board the Lulu Bohlen, in hope that a sea
voyage would restore him to health. But his work
was done, and submissively he yielded to the Father's
will. With gifts and graces that fitted him in a
marked degree for successful missionary work, he per-
formed a service, in laying the foundation of the
Congo Mission, that will long be remembered in Africa
as well as in his native land.
The hymn book in use in the mission on the Congo
conducted by the American Baptist Missionary Union
was printed in London in the early part of 1885, by
some English friends of Rev. C. E. Ingham, one of
the oldest Congo missionaries. It contains eighteen
hymns. Of these, eight were by Henry Craven, six
by C. H. Harvey, two by H. J. Petterson, one by N.
Westlind and one by C. B. Banks. Most of these
hymns are translations of familiar English hymns.
Among them
" One there is above all others,"
Mosi O kala wingi mbote.
" Hark, the herald angels sing,"
Yina zimpovi yimbilanga.
" Sing them over again to me,"
Yimbila diaka mambu.
Henry Craven was one of the pioneer missionaries,
and left London for the Congo in January, 1878. He
624 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS
established a station at Palabala the same year. In
1883-4, assisted by J. B. Barfield, he prepared the
first Ki-Kongo grammar. Having suffered much from
sickness, he took a trip in 1884, to Kabenda on the
coast, and north of Banana. There he died shortly
after his arrival, and was buried in the little God's
acre near the sea.
C. H. Harvey joined the mission in 1880, and has
proved a most valuable member of this heroic com-
pany. He has labored at Matadi, Palabala, Banza
Manteke and Lukungu, where he is now stationed.
He possesses a superior knowledge of the Ki-Kongo
language, into which in 1886, he translated the Gospel
of Mark.
H. J. Petterson is a Swedish Baptist missionary,
who has done valuable pioneer service on the Congo.
He established the Equator Station. At present he is
connected with the Swedish Baptist mission at Mu-
kimbungu.
Nils Westlind, also a Swedish Baptist Missionary,
has translated the Gospel of John into the Ki-Kongo
language, and is the author of valuable notes on the
Ki-Kongo. He, too, is now connected with the Swedish
Baptist mission at Mukimbungu.
C. B. Banks accompanied Petterson to Equator Sta-
tion from Stanley Pool, and is now at this important
inland station.
Other hymns have been prepared since the hymn
book now in use was published in London. Rev.
Henry Richards, whose work at Banza Manteke is with-
out a parellel in the history of African missions, has
translated several hymns. Among others
" Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,"
Unkadila nsungi fuku yi.
" Jesus Christ is risen today,"
Jisus uful ukidi wan.
AND THEIR HYMNS. 625
Mr. Richards went to the Congo in 1878. After trav-
eling considerably, and aiding in building Lukungii,
he finally established a station at Banza Manteke,
where he has remained, and where he has witnessed
almost Pentecostal blessings. Here he buried his first
wife, Mary Richards, November 13, 1881. He has
translated the Gospel of Luke into Ki-Kongo. His
hymns, with added hymns by Mr. Harvey, were
printed at Palabala by Mr. Clark, Herbert Probert and
the late Mr. White.
J. McKiTTRiCK has made one or two excellent
translations. He has written one or two hymns, also,
in the Kilolo language at the equator.
In 1886, J. B. Eddie composed several hymns in
Kilolo at the Equator Station. Like Dr. Sims he has
great linguistic powers. He has a good knowledge of
Kiyousi, and speaks with facility the Ki-Kongo. At
present he is preparing a dictionary of the Kilolo.
40
APPENDIX.
ENGLISH BAPTIST HYMN BOOKS
AND THEIR COMPILERS.
Most of the Baptists in England, until about the year 1673,
were opposed to congregational singing. Of the General Baptists
this was true for a long time after this date. Rev. "W. R. Stevenson,
in an article in the General Baptist Magazine for January, 1887,
says: " For one thing they were afraid of forms, forms of praise as
well as forms of prayer. They also urged that the praises of God, in
order to be accepted, must be sincere, but in a mixed congregation
of believers and unbelievers, many would be sure to utter words of
praise with their voices, whilst their hearts were not engaged, which
would be hypocrisy. If under the prompting of a spirit of gratitude
to God, a brother in their assemblies felt moved to sing by himself a
psalm of thanksgiving, they could not gainsay, provided he confined
himself to the words of Scripture, but more than this they could not
admit."
About the year 1673, however, Benjamin Reach, pastor of a small
particular Baptist church in London, whose meeting-house was at
the corner of Goat Street, Horsle3'-do wn, Southwark, introduced the
practice of singing a hymn at the Lord's Supper. A few years
later, on days of thanksgiving, the singiug of a hj^mn was made a
l^art of the service. At length, about the year 1690, it was voted
after some discussion to sing a hymn every Lord's Day. It was
agreed, however, that the hymn should be sung at the close of the
prayer after the sermon, so that those who were unwilling to join in
this part of the service might " go freely forth." This arrange-
ment was not altogether satisfactory to either party, and to convince
his anti-singing members, and in reply to Isaac Marlowe, a member
of the church, who had just printed a tract in opposition to singing,
Benjamin Reach, iu 1691, published a book, entitled " The Breach
Repaired in God's "Worship; or Singing of Psalms, Hymns, and
Spiritual Songs proved to be a Holy Ordinance of Jesus Christ."
627
628 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
The same 3-car lie published a hymn book entitled " Spiritual
Melody." It contained three hundred hymns of his own composi-
tion, which had been sung in "divers congregations" in earlier
years, but were now brought together at the " earnest request and
desire of several Christian friends." This was the first Baptist
hymn book published in England But in Mr. Reach's church there
were still those who were unwilling to admit that the "Singing of
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs " was " an ordinance of Jesus
Christ"; and on this account they withdrew from the church in
Ilorsley-down, and organized the Maze Pond church, February 9th,
1G9.3, in the house of Luke Leader, in Tooley street, Southwark.
There were six brethren and thirteen sisters who met to spend the
day in fasting and praying, "and to settle themselves in a church
state." After their withdrawal, Keach and his church passed a vote
" that they who are for singing may sing as above said." In 1709,
the Maze Pond brethren declined to unite with the brethren at
"Whilechapel, because of their "mixed communion and singing."
At length, however, in 1735, Mr. Abraham West, who had been
called to the pastorate of this songless body, made it a condition of
his acceptance of the call, that a psalm or hymn should be sung at
the beginning of public worship, and at the conclusion of the Lord's
Supper. "With this one psalm or hymn the service was enriched
during the next nineteen years. In 1758, it was found that there
were only two brethren and two sisters who were opposed to singing
and they declared their willingness that the church should have lib-
erty in this matter. Accordingly it was agreed that there should be
singing after, as well as before the sermon, and on all other proper
occasions.
In IGUl, Joseph Stennett, pastor of a Sabbatarian Baptist church
in London, published a collection of hymns entitled, " Hymns in
Commemoration of the Sufferings of our Blessed Saviour, Jesus
Christ, Composed for the Celebration of his Holy Supper." Dr.
Hatfield (Poets of the Church p. 574) refers to the fact that Dr.
Watts, in one of his hymns, borrowed several stanzas from a hymn
in this volume by Stennett, and adds: " Watts, at this time, had pub-
lished nothing; and doubtless, with his great propensity to verse
making, made himself familiar with this humble volume from the
very year of its publication. Stennett, therefore, was probably one
of Watts' models, as well as his pioneer." A second edition of
Stennett's Hymns appeared in 1705, and the number of hymns,
APPENDIX. 629
which in the first edition was thirty-seven, was now increased to
fift3^ In 1709, appeared the second edition of Mr. Stennett's " Ver-
sion of ' Solomon's Song of Songs.' " In 1712, Mr, Stennett published
twelve hymns on " Baptism."
In 1750, Rev. Benjamin Wallin, pastor of the Baptist church in
Maze Pond, published a volume entitled " Evangelical Hymns and
Songs in Two Parts." The hymns are one hundred in number. Five
hj'mns in Denham's Selection are taken from this collection.
In 1708, John Xeedham, pastor of a Baptist church in Bristol,
published " Hymns Devotional and Moral, on Various Subjects.
Collected Chiefly from the Hol)^ Scriptures, and Suited to the Chris-
tian State and Worship." The volume contained two hundred and
sixty-three hymns, some of which are still in use.
In 17G9, was published at Bristol, the first " Selection " of hymns
prepared for use in Baptist churches in England. It was compiled
by John Ash, ll.d., Baptist minister of Pershore, in Warwickshire,
and Caleb Evans, d.d., pastor of Broadmead Chapel, Bristol, and
president of the Baptist. College in that city. It was entitled "A
Collection of H3'mns Adapted to Public Worship," and contained
four hundred and twelve hymns. The authors of the hymns
throughout are indicated by initial letters. The best English hymn
writers up to that time are represented in this collection, among tbem
Stennett, Beddome, Wesley, Watts, Steele, and Addison. Miss
Steele's hymns, sixty-two in number, are marked T for Theodora.
The New Connexion of General Baptists was founded in 1770,
partly of churches which seceded from the Old Connexion because
of the spread of Socinianism in that body, and partly of churches in
Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Xottinghamshire, which
had sprung up as the result of the Methodist revival, and had been
led by their study of the Scriptures to adopt Baptist sentiments.
Their leading minister was Dan Taylor, then resident in Yorkshire,
and by him the first General Baptist hymn book was compiled and
published in 1772. Its title is " Hymns and Spiritual Songs, mostly
collected from various Authors; with a few that have not been pub-
lished before. Halifax. Printed by E. Jacob, 1772." The preface is
signed " The Compilers." Who assisted Mr. Taylor is not now
known. In Dan Taylor's memoir the book is spoken of as his work.
It contains two hundred and ninety-three hymns, with a few doxol-
ogies.
Rev. John Fawcett published, in 1782, his " Hymns Adapted to the
630 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Circumstances of Public "Worship and Private Devotion." The col-
lection comprised one hundred and sixty-six hymns-, which had been
written at different stages of Dr. Fawcett's ministry.
In the following year, 1783, Rev. Richard Burnham, who during
his London pastorate had written many hymns for his own congre-
gation, published his " Xew Hymns on Divine Subjects," of which
a third edition appeared in 1794, and a fourth " Hymns Particularly
Designed for the Use of the Congregation Meeting together in
Grafton Street, Soho," in 1796. This last edition contains three
hundred and eighteen hymns. At the close is added the " Covenant
of the Baptist church meeting together in Grafton Street, Soho."
A collection of hymns by Samuel Deacon appeared in 1785. A
second edition, entitled " Barton Hymns. A New Composition of
Hymns and Poems; Chiefly on Divine Subjects, Designed for the
Amusement and Edification of Christians of all Denominations;
more particularly those of the General Baptist Persuasion," was
published in 1797. Mr. Deacon, who was a clock-maker in Barton,
was also an ordained General Baptist minister, and pastor of the
church in Barton.
The hymns of Rev. Samuel Medley were first printed as leaflets,
commencing in 1786. In 1789, Mr. Medley published a small volume
containing seventy-seven of his hymns, and iu 1791, a larger volume
followed. In 1800, the year after his death, a still larger volume,
containing two hundred and twenty hymns, appeared with the title
" Hymns — The Public Worship and Private Devotions of True
Christians, Assisted in some Thoughts in Verse: Principally drawn
from Select Passages of the "Word of God."
In 1787, Dr. John Rippon, who succeeded Dr. Gill as pastor of the
Particular Baptist church. Carter Lane, Tooley street, London,
published his well-known " Selection of Hymns from the Best
Authors; including a great Number of Origiuals. Intsnded to be an
Appendix to Dr. "Watts' Psalms and Hymns." Evidently there were
those in Baptist churches, who were ardently attached to the hymns
and Psalms of Dr. "Watts, and did not wish to have them displaced.
In his preface Dr. Rippon deems it needful to say: "This Selection
was never intended, either directly or indirectly, to set aside Dr.
"Watts, in any Congregation upon Earth; on the contrary, it is hoped
that he will be more used than ever. And that he may be so, his
Hymns and Psalms keeping their former Place, a Number of Hymns
has been introduced from his L3'ric Poems, Sermons, and Miscel-
APPENDIX. 631
lanies, into this Volume, not only greater than has yet appeared in
any Collection of Hymns for Public Worship; but I believe, exceed-
ing what has been printed in all of them put together. These, I
flatter myself, will be highly acceptable to the real friends of Dr.
Watts." Dr. Kippon accordingly made no selection from Dr.
Watts' Psalms and Hymns, but turned his attention to other collec-
tions, consulting " more than ninety printed volumes of Hymn-
Books, Hymns, Psalms," etc, examining all the collections he could
obtain in England and America. Referring to the Bristol collection
of Ash and Evans he says: " I will not say all the honorable Things
which my Mind dictates concerning it, but I will say, that it is by no
Means inferior to any Collection of Hymns that I have seen; yet as
Dr. Watts is but seldom used where the Bristol Collection is intro-
duced, mine will not be likely to clash with it."
Nearly one fourth of the hymns in the Selection were original.
Especially was the compiler indebted to Dr. S. Stennett, Rev. D.
Turner, Rev. B. Beddome, and Rev. B. Francis, all eminent Baptists.
But a place was also given to the hymn writers of other denomina-
tions. " It has not been my Enquiry," says Dr. Rippon " whose
Hymns shall I choose, but what Hymns; and hence it will be seen,
that Churchmen and Dissenters, Watts and Tate, Wesley and Top-
lady, England and America, sing Side by Side, and very often join
in the same Triumph, using the same Words, and when Christ has
been the Subject of the Song, we have been ready to say,
Europe, and Asia shall resound,
With Africa, his Fame;
And thou America, ia Songs
Redeeming Love proclaim."
The Selection, as first published, contained five hundred and eighty-
eight hymns. The tenth edition, issued in 1800, contained sixty
additional hymns. When the Selection had been in use upward of
half a century it was still further enlarged by the addition of nearly
four hundred hymns. This " Comprehensive " edition was in use
in Mr. Spurgeon's church in London, until his own " Hymn Book"
was introduced in 1866.
In 1792, Rev. Charles Cole, for fifty-four years the pastor of the
Baptist church at Whitechurch, in Hampshire, published " A Three-
fold Alphabet of New Hymns. I. On the Public Ministry of the
Word; II. On Baptism; III. On the Lord's Supper; to which is
added a Supplicatory Supplement." The preface is dated May 20,
1789, and the book was advertised in Rippon's Register, Vol. I,
1790.
632 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Rev. Joseph Swain, who, in 1791, took charge of a church in East
street, Walworth, near Surrey Gardens, London, published, in 1792,
a volume containing one hundred and ninety-two hymns, under the
title, " Walworth Hymns," to which was added " A Short Essay on
Church Fellowship and Social Religion,"
In 1791, the General Baptist Association passed a resolution
recommending the preparation of another hymn book, and appointing
a committee for that purpose. Of this committee Mr. John Deacon,
minister of Eriar Lane, Leicester, was an active member, and Dan
Taylor, chairman. The book appeared in 1793. The title was
" Hymns and Spiritual Songs," selected from various authors, Lon-
don, printed for the editors and sold by D. Taylor, Union street,
Bishopsgate. This book contained six hundred and thirty-two
hymns. It cannot have met with general acceptance, for in 1800,
Mr. John Deacon published another hymn book on his own respon-
sibility entitled, " A New and Large Collection of Hymns and
Psalms, selected from more than forty different authors," London,
H. D. Symonds, Paternoster Row. This book has six hundred and
fifty-one hymns. A second edition, enlarged, was published in 1804.
The collection gradually won its way among the General Baptist
churches, and in 1829, the proprietor submitted it to the revision of
a committee appointed by the Association in order that, if possible, it
might be made generally acceptable. As thus revised it was adopted
by the Association of 1830, and so became the hymn book of the Con-
nexion. The preface is signed by W. Pickering, J. Goadby and J.
Jones, three prominent ministers of that day.
In 1801, Jonathan Franklin published his " Hymns and Spiritual
Songs, Composed on various Texts of the Holy Scriptures, and on
Different Divine Subjects For the Use of the Baptist church at
Croyden, Surrey," of which Mr. Franklin was pastor. The collec-
tion contained two hundred and seven hymns. The third edition,
1823, contained two Imndred and thirty hymns and one hundred and
fifty added hymns " designed as a Supplement to Jonathan Frank-
lin's Hymns."
In the preface to his " Hymns Doctrinal and Experimental," pub-
lished in 1801, Rev. W. Augustus Clarke, minister of Buuhill-Row
Chapel, London, says: "In the year 1788, by the desire of a great
number of subjects of the grace of God, which was given them in
Christ Jesus, I published a Book of Hymns, with spiritual remarks
on each Hymn, which work, under the sweet operations of the Divine
APPENDIX. 633
Spirit, was made a blessing to many precious souls in England, Ire-
land and America; but the preceding work being out of print, a door
is opened by my dear little church, who live and walk in the new
commandment, for this composition. O that the Lord may accom-
pany its spiritual contents to all his dear children, is the most arduous
wish of your willing, but unworthy servant." The full title of the
collection of 1801, is as follows: " Hymns Doctrinal and Experimen-
tal for the Free-Born Citizens of Zion, who know their election of
God, and Glory in the Evangelical Truths comprised in the Gospel of
a Finished Salvation. By W. Augustus Clarke, appointed to Min-
ister to the Lazaretto, yet Smyrna Church of God, in Christ Jesus,
Bunhill-Kow Chapel." The collection contains tAvo hundred and
sixty-one hj-mus.
In 1809, John Stevens, pastor of Meard's Court Soho, published
" AITew Selection of Hymns, including also several Original Hymns
never before offered to the Public." This and the second edition
(1812) contained four hundred and sixty-five hymns. The third
edition (1825) had an appendix of one hundred and two h3-mns, and
the twelfth (1SG8) one of three hundred and sixty-five hymns. The
edition of Stevens now in use was editel in 18S1, by J. S. Anderson.
Thus enlarged and improved, it contains nine hundred and seventy
hymns. Of these thirty-four are by Stevens himself. This hymn
book is now used by eleven chapels in London.
In 1813, John Bailey, " minister of the Gospel at Zoar Chapel,
Great Alie Street, Goodman's Fields," London, pu])lislied his
" Siou's Melody; a Selection of upward of Six Hundred Hymns for
Social and Public "Worship, with some originals, never before pub-
lished." This collection contained six hundred and thirty-two hymns
and a few doxologies. The names of the authors of the In-mns are
not given.
In 1814, James L'pton, pastor of the Baptist church in Church
Street, Blackfriars (now Upton Chapel, Lambeth) published a " Col-
lection of Hymns Designed as a Supplement to Dr. Watts' Psalms
and Hymns." A third edition appeared in 1818.
In the same year (1814) William Gadsby iDublished a Selection of
Hymns which was enlarged in 1833, by the addition of a supplement.
Hart's Hymns and a second supplement were added in 1840-7, making
the whole number of hymns in the book eight hundred and eighty-
two. It now contains eleven hundred and thirt3'-eight hymns and is
used in twenty-six Baptist churches in London, beside many in the
634 BAPTIST IIYMN^ WRITERS.
Provinces. Mr. Gadsby also published a Selection of Hymns for
Sunday-schools.
In ISIS, Rev. James II. Evans, who had withdrawn from the
Church of England, and in that year became pastor of the Baptist
Chajjel in John Street, Gray's Inn Road, London, published a hymn
book containing one hundred and seventy-nine hymns, of which
twelve were his own. The third edition, published in 1822, con-
tained two hundred and eleven hymns. The " Psalms and Hymns"
was still further enlarged in 1838, and contained four hundred and
fifty-one hymns. The last edition appeared in 1813. In the same
year, 1818, " A Selection of Hymns adapted for Divine Worship,"
compiled by Christopher Anderson, was published in Edinburgh.
In 1823, Rev. AV. W. Home, pastor of the Hephzibah Chapel,
London, published his " Sion's Harmony of Praise, a Selection of
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, for Public, Social and Private
"Worship, from the Best Hymn Writers; with a Variety of Original
Pieces." Of the seven hundred and fifty-two hymns in the collec-
tion, ninety-eight were by Mr. Home. " Of my own compositions,"
he says in his preface, " I wish to say nothing more than that I am
happy to class Avith those whom I have denominated choristers,
enlivened and consoled with the blessed hope that I shall shortly
join the everlasting song above, in strains unknown to mortals,
ascribing unbounded and ceaseless glories to Father, Son, and
Spii'it, to whom be all praise for ever and ever." Mr. Home's hymn
book reiiched a third edition.
Mr. Home's book was followed in 1824, by ,'"A Selection of Hymns,
including many Originals; for the Use of the Church and Congre-
gation Meeting for Divine Worship in Meeting-House Walk, Snow's
Fields, Borough. By George Francis, Minister of the Gospel," Of
the four hundred and eight hymns in this collection sixteen are orig-
inal. " The books that we have hitherto generally used," says the
conipiler, " have been Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns and Dr. Rip-
l)on's Selection; but it has veiy frequently occurred that manv
excellent Hymns have necessarily been introduced, either as appli-
cable to the sermon, or by particular desire, at which time the Con-
gregation are without Books; and when they have been found
precious to the soul, great enquiry has been made to know from
whence they have been taken." Hence this selection from the
hymns of Bcrridge, Buriiham, Hart, Kent, Medley, Xewton, etc.
In 1828, appeared the " Xew Selection of Hymns." It was com-
APPENDIX. 635
piled by Drs. Steane, Murch, and Price. It is stated in the Baptist
Magazine that Rev. W. Groser, who for a number of years was
editor of the Baptist Magazine, was requested by the committee to
act as editor. In 1838, appeared the seventeenth edition enlarged,
entitled •' A Selection of Hymns for the Use of Baptist Congrega-
tions." It is probable that Mr. Groser was the editor of this
enlarged edition. In the preface the announcement is made: " The
Trustees of the Hymn Book which was published ten years ago
under the title ' A Xew Selection,' have had great reason to rejoice
in the success which has attended the undertaking. More than sixty
thousand copies have been sold." A supplement, entitled " Praise
Waiteth, " was issued in 1871.
A " Selection of Psalms and Hymns," by Rev. Baptist W. Xoel,
was published in 1832, while he was connected with the Church of
England. A second edition appeared in 1838, the third in 181:8, and
an enlarged edition in 1853, with an "Appendix to be used at the
Baptism of Believers."
In 1833, Rev. John Howard Hinton j^ublished his " Hymns by a
Minister," a collection of one hundred and sixteen hymns. These
and many other hymns were written by Mr. Hinton to accompany
his sermons.
Rev. Edward Mote published in London, in 1836, his " Hymns of
Praise, a New Selection of Gospel Hymns, Combining all the excel-
lencies of our Spiritual Poets with many Originals. For the use of all
Spritual Worshipers." There were sixhundred and six hymns in this
collection. A second edition appeared in 1843. The third edition
(1853) contained nine huadred and twenty-two hymns.
" The Saint's Melody, containing more than eleven hundred
hymns founded on Gospel Truth. With some Originals, by the late
David Denham," was published in 1837. Mr. Denham, at that time,
was pastor of the Baptist church in Margate, Kent. The collection
contained eleven hundred and forty-five hymns.
In 1838, Rev. John Stenson, pastor of the church worshiping in
Carmel Chapel, Westbourne street, London, published "•The Bap-
tists' Hymn Book, being a collection of upward of one thousand
hymns, including a considerable number of originals." The original
hymns, one hundred and seven in number, are by Mr. Stenson, and
close the collection.
Meanwhile among the General Baptists a desire had been mani-
fested for a new hymn book, embodying hymns of a more recent
636 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
date than those in use. Such a compilation was made by Key. J. B.
Pike and Rev. E. C. Pike, sons of Rev. J. G. Pike, of Derbjt, founder
of the General Baptist Missionary Society. It was submitted to a
committee, adopted by the Association, and published in 18.51. The
title given to it was " The New Hymn Book." It was published
under the direction of the General Baptist Association.
In 18.38, appeared "Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social and
Private Worship, prepared for the use of the Baptist Denomination."
The publisher of the selection was Mr. John Hodden. His son, Mr.
John Hodden, jr., conceived the idea of a new hymn book, and he
and his brother-in-law, Rev. T. Waterman, a Congregational minis-
ter, made a collection of hymns which they deemed suitable. This
collection they transferred to Dr. S. G. Green, Dr. N. Haycroft, Rev.
"W. F. Burchell,Rev. J. T. Wigner, Mr. B. L. Green and Mr. George
Rawson, who revised, enlarged and considerably altered the " Selec-
tion." It was then vested in trustees and published. Mr. Rawson
was at that time a solicitor in Leeds, an accomplished literary man,
a Congregatioualist, and the author of a number of excellent hymns,
some of which first appeared in this collection. Mr. Wigner and Mr.
Burchell, for awhile, supervised the successive editions of the " Selec-
tion," but for a long time past Mr. Wigner alone has had the position
of editor and secretary to the trustees. A new edition was issued in
1867, with the names of the authors of the hymns. A supplement,
compiled by Mr. Wigner, was added in 1878, and a revised edition
was published in 1887. When the supplement was added, the trus-
tees could say this collection " has long been a favorite book amongst
our people, as is evident from the fact that during that period
[twenty years], more than one million copies have been sold; and
further, that out of the i:u-ofits arising from the sale of the book,
a sum of more than ten thousand pounds has been given to the
widows and orphans of deceased Baptist ministers." The latest
edition contains twelve hundred and seventy -one hymns.
" Our Own Hymn Book," compiled by Mr. Spurgeon, was pub-
lished in 1860. " Our congregation," says Mr. Spurgeon, in his
preface, " has long used two hymn books, namely, the comprehensive
edition of 'Dr. Rippon's Selection,' and 'Dr. Watts' Psalms and
Hymns.' Despite the judgment of many to the contrary, we believe
that the store of spiritual songs contained in these two volumes is
not excelled, even if equalled, by any compositions extant; and Ave
should most probably have been very well content with these books
APPENDIX. 637
had it not been for difficulties connected with the remarkable com-
plex arrangement of their contents. To strangers it was no small
task to discover the hymns selected for singing, for, in the first place,
there were two books, which was in itself an evil; but the matter
was made worse by the fact that these two volumes were each a
puzzle to the uninstructed; Eippon with its parts innumerable, and
Watts with first, second and third books." And so Mr. Spurgeon
prepared this book, taking the hymns for the most part from the
original works of the authors and as far as practicable just as they
were written. By the aid of various Avriters, especially "Watts, the
English and Scotch versions, Mr. Lyte and Miss Auber, the Psalms,
in whole or in part, are presented in forms suitable for congrega-
tional singing. In his work, Mr. Spurgeon had the assistance of the
late Mr. D. Sedgwick, especially in the matter of authorship, dates
and general correctness of the text; his large collection of hymn-
books and his marvellous acquaintance with hymnology rendering
him an invaluable helper. In this collection, as might be expected,
the older English Baptist hymn writers are well represented. There
are ten hymns by S. Stennett, nine by Dr. Fawcett, eleven by John
Ryland, eighteen by Anne Steele and fifteen by Benjamin Beddome.
The collection contains ten hundred and fifty-nine hymns.
"The Xew Hymn Book," published in 1851, under the direction
of the General Baptist Association, in the flight of j'^ears at length
became " old," and in 1876, a proposition for another book was sub-
mitted to the Association, and a committee consisting of Eev. W. R.
Stevenson, m.a., Rev. T. Goadby, B.A., and Rev. J. C. Jones, 31. A.,
was requested to prepare it. In the following year, the brethren
reported that the first draft of their work was ready, and requested
the appointment of seven other ministers to act as advisers. The
whole ten went completely through the selection that had been made,
adding to and rejecting, and at the commencement of the year 1879,
the volume was published with the title, "The Baptist H3'mnal,"
London, E. Marlborough & Co., 51 Old Bailey. Rev. AV. R. Steven-
son acted as editor. The title, " Baptist Hymnal," rather than
" General Baptist" was chosen under the impression that there were
churches in the larger sections of the Baptist body which would be
glad to adopt the book, if there was nothing in the title to prevent.
The impression has proved correct, the book being now used by a
number of important churches, both in England and Scotland, uncon-
nected with the General Baptists.
638 BAPTIST HYMJq" WRITERS.
AMERICAN BAPTIST HYMN BOOKS
AND THEIR COMPILERS.
[Biographical notes of compilers' who were also hymn writers are here omitted, and
will be found under hymn writers.]
The iiymx book which the Pilgrims brought to the new world, in
1620, was Ainsworth's version of the Book of Psalms. It was
entitled " The Book of Psalmes; Englished both in Prose and Metre.
With Annotations opening the words and sentences by conference
with other Scriptures. By Henry Ainsworth." Ainsworth was an
English Separatist, and for a while he was pastor of the English
church in Amsterdam. His version of the Psalms was used at
Plymouth until 1692. The church at Salem retained it until 1667,
and the church in Ipswich about as long. But " The Bay Psalm
Book," as it is generally known, published in 1610, superseded Ains-
worth in most of the churches. It was the first book published in
the colonies, and was entitled " The Psalms in Metre; Faithfully
translated for the Use, Edification, and Comfort of the Saints in
publick and private, especially in 'New England." Prominent divines
of Massachusetts Bay, among whom were Rev. Thomas Weld and
Rev. John Eliot of Roxbury, and Rev. Richard Mather, of Dorches-
ter, had a part in the, preparation of this version of the Psalms. A
second edition was published in 1647. But there were already those
who thought that even this version could be improved, and the Avork
of revision and improvement was entrusted to President Dunster of
Harvard College, who " was helped as to the Poetry " by Mr.
Richard Lyon, This revised edition appeared in 1650, and passing
through edition after edition it maintained its place in the churches
of the colony for more than a century, and was extensively used in
England and Scotland, where it was reprinted, and passed through
many editions.
Before this version was published, and probably to prepare the
way for it, Rev. John Cotton published a treatise entitled " Singing
of Psalms a Gospel Ordinance," the design of which evidently
was to meet the objection then made to a metrical version of the
APPENDIX, 639
Psalms, that by the word singing in the Scriptures nothing more is
meant than thankfulness and joy in the heart. Mr. Cotton insisted
that the " singing of Psalmes with a lively voyce is an holy duty of
God's worship." He also maintained that " not only the Psalmes of
David, but any other spiritual songs recorded in Scripture may law-
fully be sung in Christian Churches," and that " any private Chris-
tian, who hath a gift to frame a Spiritual Song, may both frame it,
and sing it privately, for his own private comfort," but not other-
wise. "Women, however, he thought should not take part in the
service of song; only the men. If it is not " permitted to a woman
to speake in church, 1 Cor. xiv. 34, how then shall they sing? " Mr,
Cotton asks.
During the latter part of the seventeenth century, and early in the
eighteenth, the cultivation of music in New England was almost
wholly neglected, and it is said that at the time Mr. Cotton wrote his
treatise only three or four tunes could be sung in the churches, Nor
were these three or four tunes sung alike by different persons, but
according to a contemporary i-ecord, " as every unskilful throat saw
fit," " like five hundred different tunes roared out at the same time,"
and " so hideous and disorderly as is bad beyond expression." In
1720, Rev. Thomas Symmes, of Bradford, Mass., published a sermon
on " The Reasonableness of Regular Singing," in the hope of
revivin<T " the true and ancient mode of singing psalm tunes accord-
ing to the pattern of our New England psalm books." Previous to
1721, no music had been published in the colonies except that
appended to " The Bay Psalm Book." In 1721, the year following
Mr. Symmes' sermon. Rev. Thomas "Walter, of Roxbury, Mass.,
published a small work entitled, " The Grounds and Rules of Musick
Explained; Or an Introduction to the Art of Singing by Note." A
second edition was published in 1723, and it passed through many
successive editions, until it was supplanted by the works of Bayley,
Billings, and others. But this effort to introduce "a new way," as
it was called, met with much opposition. Some insisted on singing
in the " old way" still, and a disagreeable jargon was the result.
In 1758, appeared in Boston "The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual
Songs of the Old and New Testaments, faithfully translated into
Eno-lish Metre. Being the New England Psalm Book Revised and
Improved." This was the work of Thomas Prince, who -was pastor of
the Old South Church, Boston, from 1717, until his death, October 22,
1758. His revision of " The Bay Psalm Book " was published only
640 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
a few months before his death. The preface bears <Jate May 26,
1758. A second edition of this work appeared in 1773.
Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns were already coming into use in
this couutrj'^ when Prince's revision first made its appearance. In
1741, Dr. Franklin published in Philadelphia an edition of Dr.
Watts' " H3-mns." An edition of Dr. Watts' " Psalms" appeared
m Boston the same year. These Psalms or Hymns found their way
into some of the scattered Baptist churches along the Atlantic sea-
board. In the New England Baptist churches in all probability the
singing was not unlike that in the churches of the " Standing
Order "; but the influences that retamed " The Bay Psalm Book " in
use in the Puritan chui'ches were not as forceful in Baptist churches.
When Isaac Backus, in his diary, in an account of his ordination as
pastor of the Baptist church in Middleborough, Mass., June 23, 1756,
says, " We concluded with singing the first part of the 132 Psalm,"
the reference, I am inchned to think, was not to " The Bay Psalm
Book," but to Dr. Watts' version.
The first American Baptist hymn book, entitled "Hymns and
Spiritual Songs, Collected from the Works of Several Authors," was
printed at Newport, R. I., in 17G6, by Samuel Hall, and was sold by
William Rogers and Clarke Brown. Only two copies of this book,
so far as I can learn, are in existence at the present lime. One is in
the Library of Brown University, in the Harris Collection of Ameri-
can Poetry, and the other is in Newport, R. I., in a collection of
local publications. The book opens with sixteen hymns for use in
connection with the ordinance of Baptism. These are followed with
seventy-four hymns on the Lord's Supper. The rest of the collec-
tion consists of " Hymns and Spiritual Songs," forty-eight in number.
The compiler is unknown. The names of the authors of the hymns
are not given, but one of the " hymns for baptism," number xiv, —
"on the Six Principles of Christ's doctrine" — was evidently the
work of a Rhode Island Baptist. Among the " Supper Hymns " are
the familiar lines by Watts,
"Jesus invites h:s saints,"
" T' was on tbat dark and doleful night,"
"Tlie promise of my Father's love,"
" How condescending and how kind,"
" Jesus is gone above the skies,"
" When I survey the wondrous cross,"
" Nature with open volume stands,"
♦' How sweet and awful is the place."
APPENDIX. 641
The next American Baptist hymn book was published in Phila-
delphia in 178i, by Enoch Story, jr. It was entitled " A Choice Col-
lection of Hymns from Various Authors Adapted to Public Worship.
Designed for the Edification of the Pious of all Denominations, but
more particularly for the Use of the Baptist churches in Phila-
delphia."
This was followed by " Hj-mns on Different Spiritual Subjects, In
two Parts. Part I, containing xxvi Hymns on various Subjects
suitable for Christian Worship. By Benjamin Cleavland. Fourth
Edition, Part ii, containing xxxii Hymas. By Anna Beeman,
of Warren, Connecticut. And xxiv Hymns by Amos AYells.
To which is added a number of Hymns by diffarent Authors. Partic-
ularly adapted to Baptist Worship. Norwich. Printed by John
Trumbull, m.dcc.xcii." Hon. J. H. Trumbull, of Hartford, Conn.,
who has the only copy of this hymn book, of which I have heard, and
who furnishes me with the above title, says the margin of the page
where the date of publication appears is much worn, and that the
date may be xciii, instead of xcii. The words, " Fourth Edition,"
seem to refer to Mr. Cleavland's " Hymns," which, perhaps, were
first printed by themselves, in Nova Scotia, whither Mr. Cleavland
removed fi-om Connecticut after the expulsion of the Acadians, and
where he remained until his death, in 1811. He was the author of
the beautiful hymn,
O could I find from day to day.
None of the hymns of Anna Beeman and Amos Wells are now in
use, but a hymn on baptism, by the former, consisting of sixteen
stanzas, " composed about the time she was baptized," commencing,
"What think you, my friends, of the preaching of John,
is found in some of the collections in use in Baptist churches about the
beginning of the present century.
In 1790, appeared the " Selection of Psalms and Hymns, Done
under the appointment of the Philadelphian Association. By Samuel
Jones, D.D., and Burgis Allison, a.m." The first reference to this
book is in the minutes of the Philadelphia Association under date of
April, 1788. The record is as follows: " Our brethren Samuel Jones,
David Jones, and Burgis Allison are appointed a committee to pre-
pare a collection of Psalms and Hymns for the use of the associated
churches." Eight of the hymns in this selection are from the New-
port Collection of 1766. Many were taken from Rippon's " Selec-
642 BAPTIST HYMN" WRITERS.
tion " of 1787. A second edition was published in 1801, and the
third in 1807. The fourth edition (1818) contained forty-eight added
hymns in an appendix. Rev. Samuel Jones, d.d., was born in
Glamorganshire, "Wales, Januaiy 14, 1735, and when two years of
age he was brought to this country l)y his parents. He was educated
at the College of Philadelphia, and in 17G3, became pastor of the
Lower Dublin Baptist church, a position which he held until his
death February 7, 1814. He was probably the most influential Bap-
tist minister in the Middle Colonies, and aided in the founding of
Ehode Island College, now Brown University. Rev. Burgis Allison,
D.D., was born in Bordentown, N". J., August 17, 1753, studied for
the ministry under Rev. Samuel Jones, was ordained pastor of the
church in Bordentown, and was one of the most accomplished and
useful of the ministers of his time. He died February 20, 1827.
An American edition of Rippon's " Selection " was published at
Elizabeth Town, N. J., in 1792. I have not seen a copy of this
edition, but one was recently sold in London in a collection of old
hymn books, in an advertisement of which this edition of Rippon's
" Selection," with place and date, was expressly mentioned. Befox*e
my order reached London, the collection had been sold.
In 1793, " A Collection of Evangelical Hymns. By John Stanford,
M.A., " was published in Kew York, " printed by Thomas and James
Swords, No. 27, Williams Street." Dr. Stanford was born in AYands-
worth, Surry, England, October 20, 1754. By study of the Scriptures
he was led to unite with the Baptists. He was ordained in 1781, and
having served as pastor a few years at Hammersmith, he came to
this country in 1780, and opened a select school in New York. He
believed he had a call to teach as a means of support, and to preach
gratuitously. In the lecture room of his school he held religious
services, the result of which was the organization of a church in
1795. In 1807, he began to preach in the New York Almshouse,
and having been appointed chaplain of the City Hospital and Alms-
house, he was at length made Chaplain of the State Prison, various
asylums and other institutions, in connection with which he per-
formed a service for his master which extended over twenty years,
and was full of blessing to multitudes. In 1829, Union Collpge con-
ferred upon him the degree of doctor of divinity. He died Janu-
ary 14, 18.34. Dr. Stanford's " Collection of Evangelical Hymns "
was designed to assist the devotions of his own congregation. It
contained two hundred hymns, including selections from Watts,
APPENDIX. 643
Steele, Beddome, Stennett, Medle}', Xeedham, Pawcett, Eobinson,
Topladj^, Doddridge, Hart aud the best English hymn writers of his
time.
The " Hymns " of Rev. Richard Burnham were published in Lon-
don in 1783. An American edition printed by Thomas Hall, was
published in Boston in 1796, under the auspices of Rev. John Asp-
lund, Mr. Asplund was a native of Sweden, but in 1775, crossed
over into England. For a while he served in the British navj^; then
deserting he came to this country and settled in North Carolina.
Here he was converted and in 1782, he united with the Baptist
church at Ballard's Bridge, Chowan County. Subsequently he
removed to Southampton, Ya., where he was ordained. For the pur-
pose of gathering statistics concerning American Baptist churches
he traveled extensively, and in 1791, he published his first " Baptist
Register." A second followed in 1794. In 1807, he was drowned in
attempting to cross Fishing Creek, Va.
In 1707, appeared " Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs: for the use
of Religious Assemblies and Private Christians. Being a Collection
by Joshua Smith, and others. Eighth Edition. "With large additions
and alterations. By William Northup, V.D.3I., Norwich: Printed and
Sold by John Sterry & Co., m.dcc.xcvii." So far as I am aware no
copy of an earlier edition of this collection of hymns is in existence.
The ninth edition was published at Norwich, in 1799, and the
eleventh in 1808. Concerning Joshua Smith, I can only learn that
he became a member of the Baptist church in Brentwood, N. H.,
June 17, 1792. In later editions, the names of the compilers are
Joshua Smith and Samuel Sleeper. The latter, also, was a member
of the Brentwood church. I have seen a copy of the eighth edition
printed at Exeter, N. 11., in 1801. In 1803, an edition of Smith and
Sleeper's "Divine Hymns," with thirty-two additional hymns, was
printed for Thomas Clark, Portland, Me. This was the first hymn
book used by the First Baptist church, Portland, whose meeting-
house was ready for use in July, 1803. In none of the editions I
have seen are the names of the authors of the hymns given. The
second hymn is entitled " Christ the apple tree," and commences
The Tree of life, my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit, and always green.
The trees of nature, fruitless be,
Compar'd with Christ the appletree.
This beauty doth all things excel.
By faith I know, but ne ' er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In. Jesas Christ the appletree.
644 BAPTIST IIYMX WRITERS.
Rev. F. ^r. Bird, the well-known hymnologist, informs me that this
hyniu of seven stanzas first appeared in the London Spiritual Maga-
zine, August, 17G1, ascribed to " E. H." A few of the hymns in this
collection are still in use.
" The Christian's Pocket Companion: Being a Collection of Hymns
and Spiritual Songs for the use of Christians, a number never before
published. Selected by .John Courtney, sr.," was published m Rich-
mond, Va., in 1805, printed by John Courtney, jr. Only an imper-
fect copy of this hymn book has come into my possession, and for
this I am indebted to Rev. H. A. Tupper, d r>., of Richmond, Va.
From the preface I learn that this first edition of Courtney's Hymns
contained one hundred and eighty-one hymns, and " one hundred
and seventy-eight pages of choice Spiritual Songs." A revised edi-
tion entitled, " A Selection of Il3-mns from Various Authors,
Adapted to Public Worship and Social Meetings. By John Court-
ney. With an Appendix," was published in Richmond, in 1831. Mr.
Courtney was born in 1744, in King and Queen Co., Ya. Of his
early history little is known. His conversion occurred at the time of
the great revival under the preaching of John Waller, Lewis Craig,
James Childs, John Shackleford, Robert Ware, Iverson Lewis, and
others. Having been ordained, he was pastor, till 1788, of the Upper
College church, now Rehoboth, in King William Co., and then for
thirty-six years he was pastor of the First Baptist church in Rich-
mond, Va. In addition to his pastoral labors, for a time at least, he
" wrought with his own hands ministering to his necessities," and
to the necessities of his family. " Faithfulness, affection, disinterest-
edness and zeal " says an old register of the church, " marked his
whole career." He died in Richmond, December 18, 1824.
A collection of hymns, compiled by Rev. Archibald Maclae,
[Maclay], was published in New York in 1806. It was entitled " A
Selection of Hymns for Public Worship," and contained three hun-
dred and fifty-eight hymns. In later editions the work was enlarged.
Dr. Maclay was born in Killearn, Scotland, May 14, 1778. In 1802,
he was preaching in a Congregational church at Kirkcaldy in Fife-
shire. In 1804, he accepted an appointment as a missionary to the
East Indies, but on account of govermental interference he was
compelled to change his plans, and he made his way to New York,
where he organized a Congregational church. He was at length led
to embrace Baptist views, and having organized the Tabernacle
church, he became pastor, and served the church until 1837. For
APPENDIX. 645
many years subsequently he was connected with the American and
Foreign Bible Society and the Bible Union. He died May 2, 18G0.
Another New York Baptist minister, Rev. William Parkinson,
pastor of the First Baptist church, published, in 1809, " A Selection
of Hymns and Spiritual Songs. In two Parts. Part i, containing the
Hymns. Part ii, containing the Songs. Designed (especially the
former part) for the use of Congregations. As an Appendix to Dr.
Watts'Psalms and Hymns." The collection contained four hundred
and twenty hymns, a few doxologies, and one hundred and forty-nine
spiritual songs, of which a few were written by Mr. Parkinson him-
self. In most congregations at that time, says Mr. Parkinson, "Watts'
Psalms and Hymns were in constant use. Rippon's " Selection," also,
Avas greatly admired. But a new selection seemed desirable, espec-
ially to furnish " a greater variety and more correct edition of what
are called Spiritual Songs."
In 1812, appeared " A New Selection of Hymns. Designed for
the Use of Conference Meetings, Private Circles, and Congregations,
as a Supplement to Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns. By William
Collier, a.m., minister of the Gospel in Charlestown [Mass]." This
collection contained four hundred and ninety-nine hymns. The
names of the writers are not given, although the compiler seems to
have used Rippon's " Selection " in the preparation of his work.
Mr. Collier was born in Scituate, Mass., October 11, 1771. He was
graduated in 1797, at Brown University, and received ordination in
Boston, July 11, 1799. After pastorates in Newport, R. I., New
York city, and Charlestown, Mass., he was appointed " minister at
large " in Boston, and in this service, eminently useful, he spent the
remainder of his days. He died suddenly, March 19, 1843.
The first edition of " The Cluster of Spiritual Songs, Divine Hymns
and Social Poems: Being Chiefly a Collection. By Jesse Mercer,"
was published at Augusta, Ga., in pamphlet form. There were three
editions before 1817. Subsequently, the "Cluster" was published
in Philadelphia, the fifth edition, corrected and enlarged by an
appendix, and containing six hundred and seventy-six hymns, in
1835. Mercer's " Cluster" has had a place in the service of song in
some of the Southern Baptist churches, nearly, if not quite, to the
present time.
A collection of hymns compiled by another well-known Baptist
divine in Georgia, Rev. Hosea Holcombe, was published in 1815.
Mr. Holcombe was a native of North Carolina, where he was born
646 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
about 1780. He entered the ministry, and served a while in upper
South Carolina. Afterward he settled in Jefferson Co., Ala., and
was prominent in laying the foundations of the Baptist cause in that
State, making the whole State his field. For six years he was presi-
dent of the Convention. He was interested in education, missions,
and was ready for every good work. Of a number of centennial
pamphlets, he was the author,. and he also wrote a " History of the
Alabama Baptists," which was published in 1840. He died in 1841.
" A Selection of Hymns, from the Best Authors, designed for
the Use of the Baptist and Methodist Denomination of Christians.
By Elders Paul Himes and Jonathan Wilson," was published at
Greenfield, Mass., in 1817. It contained two hundred and seventeen
hymns.
In most of the churches, however, "Watts' Psalms and Hymns still
held a place. Few wished to have them displaced. But a better
arrangement was demanded. In 1819, appeared " An Arrangement
of the Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts,
D.D., to which are added Indexes, very much enlarged and improved.
To facilitate the use of the whole in finding Psalms or Hymns suited
to particular subjects or occasions. By James Winchell, a.m.. Pastor
of the First Baptist church in Boston. Boston. Printed and sold by
James Loring No. 2, Cornhill." To the Psalms and Hymns was
added a " Selection of more than Three Hundred Hymns, from the
most approved authors on a Great Variety of Subjects. Among
which are all the Hymns of Dr. Watts, adapted to Public and
Private Worship, not found in the editions now in use." In pre-
paring this edition Mr. Winchell derived much assistance from the
re-arrangement of Watts' Psalms and Hymns made by Dr. Rippon
of London some years earlier. Winchell's Watts was welcomed
with growing favor, and for many years it was in use in most of the
Baptist churches in New England. Rev. James Manning Winchell
was born at North East, Dutchess County, N. Y., September 8,
1791. He was a student in Union College three years, and then he
spent a year at Brown University, graduating in 1812. For a year
he supplied the pulpit of the Baptist church in Bristol, R. I. Then
he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Boston,
where he was installed March 30, 1814. Greatly beloved by his
people and by a wide circle of friends, Mr. Winchell died of con-
sumption February 22, 1820. lu 1832, AVinchell's Watts was enlarged
APPENDIX. 647
by the addition of two hundred hymns, increasing the number of
hymns on missionary and other subjects.
About the same time that Winchell was preparing to publish his
arrangement of Watts, Rev. Starke Dupuy, another highly esteemed .
young Baptist minister, who, in 1812, at Frankfort, Ky., established
'•The Kentucky Missionary and Theologian," the first Baptist peri-
odical in the Mississippi Valley, published in western Tennessee his
"Hymns and Spiritual Songs." Twice this hymn book was revised
by Mr. Dupuy, and so popular did it become that many editions were
printed and sold. Rev. J. M. Peck, then of Rockspring, 111., had the
editorial charge of a "revised, corrected and enlarged" edition of
Dupuy's Hymns, which was published in 1843, by John P. Morton
& Co., Louisville, Ky. In his preface, Mr. Peck says: " Elder Starke
Dupuy was a worthy, pious and devoted minister of the Gospel in
Kentucky and Tennessee for many years,— much respected by the
Baptist denomination to which he belonged, and by Christians
generally."
About the same time, also, Rev. S. M. Noel published his " Selec-
tion of Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs." The second edition,
" carefully revised and extensively improved by Silas M. Noel and
Jeremiah Vardeman," was published at Frankfort, Ky., in 1821.
The " Selection " was from the hymns of Watts, Cowper, Newton,
Doddridge, Steele, Stennett, Swain, Beddome, and others. " In one
particular, at least," say the compilers in their preface, " this collec-
tion differs from all that we have noticed. No attempt has been
made to improve the work of these Poets. All interpolations and
alterations have been carefully excluded " Rev. Silas M. Noel,
D.D., was born in Richmond, Ya., Aug. 13, 1783. He received a
classical education and entered upon the profession of law at Frank-
fort, Ky. After a few years of successful practice, however, he was
ordained and became pastor of the Big Spring Baptist church in
Woodford Co. In 1813, he edited and published " The Gospel Her-
ald" at Frankfort, Ky. About the year 1817, he was appointed
judge of the circuit court. After several, years upon the bench, he
returned to the work of the ministry. He is said to have baptized
more people than any other preacher in Kentucky. His last pastor-
ate was at Lexington, where he died. May 5, 1839. Rev. Jeremiah
Vardeman wa.s born in , Kentucky, in 1775, and was ordained
about the year 1801. He organized Baptist churches in Bardstown,
Lexington, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., and later, with Spencer Black, in
648 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Palm3'ra, Mo. In 1834, he presided at the first meeting held in
Missouri with reference to general missionary work. It is said that
he baptized more than eight thousand persons. He died May 8,1842.
The first American edition of the " Psalms and Hymns of Dr.
Watts, arranged b}'^ Dr. Rippon; with Dr. Rippon's Selection," was
published in Philadelphia in 1820. In this Philadelphia edition of
1820, there was so much abbreviation in the table of first lines, that
in many cases it was exceedingly difficult, and in some cases impossi-
ble, to distinguish the hymns. A second edition, with larger type
and various improvements, especially a new table of first lines,
appeared in 1827. This new edition was recommended by several
Baptist pastors in Philadelphia to " all Baptist churches throughout
the country," as "the best book of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual
Songs in use among Christians." In 1842, an edition " corrected and
improved " by Rev. C. G. Sommers, pastor of the South Baptist
Church in iNTew York, and Rev. John Dagg, President of the Ala-
bama Female Atheneum, was published by J. B. Lippincott & Co.,
Philadelphia.
In 1821, appeared " A Selection of Hymns for Conference and
Prayer Meetings. By Thomas B. Ripley, pastor of the Baptist
church in Portland" [Me.] It was printed in Portland by Th.
Todd & Co. None of the hymns were selected from Watts, " for it
was supposed that those who might procure this Selection would be
familiarly acquainted with his hymns." For the same reason only a
few were taken from the supplement to WinchelPs arrangement of
Watts. The collection comprised one hundred and fifteen hymns.
A second edition, revised and enlarged, was published in Bangor,
Me., in 1831.
The fifth edition of " The Pawtucket Collection of Conference
Hymns," by David Benedict, a.m.. Pastor of the Baptist church in
Pawtucket, R. I., was published in 1822, by Miller and Hutchens,
Providence. I have not been able to ascertain the date of the first
edition. The seventh edition, somewhat enlarged was published in
183^^, and the eighth edition in 1843. The fifth edition contains one
hundred and fifteen hymns.
In l'<2o, Rev. Absalom Graves, published his " Hymns, Psalms
and Spiritual Songs, including some never before in Print." Mr.
Graves was born in Culpepper County, Va., November 28, 1768.
Converted in his twentieth year, he united with the Baptist church
at the Rapidan meeting house. In 1797, he crossed the AUeghanies
APPENDIX. 649
and settled in Boone County, Ky., uniting with the Bullittsburg
Baptist church. In 1810, he was licensed to preach. In April, 1812,
he was ordained, and with Chichester Matthews as an associate he
entered upon the pastorate of the Bullittsburg church. Here his
useful and successful labors were continued until nearly the close of
1825, when on account of failing health his ministry came to an end.
He died August 17, 1836. One of his last efforts in the service of
Christ was the arrangement of his selection of hymns. The collec-
tion comprised two hundred and seventy hymns and one hundred
and eleven spiritual songs. Rev. J. A. Kirtley, d.d., who for more
than thirty years has been pastor of the Baptist church at Bullitts-
burg, Ky., thinks that some of the hymns in this collection " never
before in print " were written by Mr. Graves.
" The Young Christian's Companion. Being a Selection of Hymns
Particularly Adapted to Private Devotion and Conference Meetings,"
compiled by Bev. G. F. Davis, pastor of the Baptist church in South
Beading, Mass., was published in 1826. A second edition was pub-
lished in 1827. Mr. Davis was born in Boston, Mass., March 17,
1797. AVhile serving an apprenticeship in Worcester, he was con-
verted and united with the Baptist church. He commenced to
preach when seventeen years of age, and June 13, 1816, he was
ordained. In 1818, he became pastor of the Baptist church in South
Beading, where he remained until 1829, when he removed to Hart-
ford, Conn. Here he was assistant to the pastor of the First Bap-
tist church, and afterward pastor of the church. Weslej'an University,
in 1835, conferred upon him the degree of doctor of divinity. He
died, greatly lamented, Sept. 17, 1836.
The American edition of Dr. Rippon's "Selection," which was
published in Philadelphia, in 1820, was appended to Rippon's
arrangement of AVatts' Psalms and Hymns. But there were those
who preferred the " Selection " without the Psalms and Hymns, but
with such added h3-mns, from other sources, as were now obtainable.
Accordingly, in 1827, Woodward's revised and corrected edition of
Rippon's " Selection," with the names of the tunes adapted to the
hymns, and an appendix from the Olney Hymns, with additional
hymns, original and selected, was published in Philadelphia, under
the editorial supervision of Dr. William Staughton.
" The Dover Selection of Spiritual Songs, With an Appendix of
Choice Hymns on Various Occasions; Compiled by the Recommen-
dation of the Dover Association," by Rev. Andrew Broaddus, of
650 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Caroline, Va., was published in 1828. In his preface the compiler
says: "It is chiefly a selection of those compositions generally
termed ' Spiritual Songs, ' is principally intended for popular use and
not as a standard book for the desk, or the leader of the hymn in
public worship." A second edition, containing two hundred and
four hymns, and sixty-seven in the supplement, appeared in 1829,
an evidence of the popular favor with which the Selection was
received.
In 1829, at Exeter, IST. H., John C. Gerrish published "A Selection
of Hymns; including a few Originals, Designed to aid the Friends of
Zion in their Private and Social "Worship. By Enoch W. Freeman.
Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lowell, Mass." "The work
of revival which has been carried forward in this town for more than
three years past," says the compiler, " and which is still progressing,
seems to call for a greater number and a more extensive variety of
hymns than are usually found in collections of this kind. . . Care has
been taken to select those hymns which are best adapted to be sung
in 'times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.'" The
number of hymns in the " Selection " was two hundred and eighty-
six.
There was published, also in 1829, at Albany, N". Y., "A Selec-
tion of Favorite Hymns, with Historical Sketches of Church History,
through every Century of the Christian Era. By J. A. Burke. To-
gether with the Articles of Faith, Practice and Discipline of the
First Baptist Church in Albany." The historical sketches and arti-
cles of faith were printed in 1828, and were bound up with the hymns
in the following year. Mr. Burke was a deacon of the First Baptist
church in Albany, and became one of the constituent members and
a deacon of the Pearl street, now the Emmanuel church.
The first Baptist hymn book, so far as I am aware, in which there
is any recognition of the Sunday-school, was printed in Boston in
1829. It was entitled, " Choice Hymns, for Social and Private
Devotion and Lord's Day Schools. Selected by Jonathan Howe."
Mr. Howe was a printer, and a member of the First Baptist church,
Charlestown, Mass., of which at the time Rev. Henry Jackson
was pastor. A committee of the church, of which Mr. Jackson was
chairman, commended the selection.
In what year the first edition of" Dossey's Choice " was published,
I have not been able to ascertain. Tlie third edition appeared iu
1830, and a fourth in 1833. The title in full is as follows: " The
APPEN^DIX. 651
Choice: in Two Parts. Part i, containing Psalms and Hymns. Part
II, containing Spiritual Songs. Designed for Public and Private Wor-
ship, By AVilliam Dossey, Pastor of the Baptist Church on Society
Hill, S. C. Philadelphia. Printed for the Compiler. By Martin and
Boden." The third edition contained seven hundred and forty-six
hymns, and the copyright was in the name of William T. Brantley.
This book for many years had an extensive circulation in the south.
" A collection of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. By Luke
Barker, m.d.," was published in Xew York in 1831. The collection
comprised four hundred and seven h3'mns. Dr. Barker was a highly
respected member of the medical profession. He was, also, an
ordained Baptist minister, and for a while was pastor of the Laurens
Street Baptist church, in New York city. At one time he was asso-
ciated with Rev. J. L. Thompson, a returned missionary, in the
conduct of the Gospel Witness, a Xew York Baptist paper. He died,
after a short illness, Dec. 13, 1849.
In 1832, Rev. B. M. Hill, pastor of the First Baptist church, in
'New Haven, Conn., published his " Hymns of Zion: Being a Selec-
tion of Hymns for Social Worship, compiled chiefly for the use of
Baptist churches." Dr. Hill was born in Newport, R. I., April 5,
1793. In 1818, he was ordained as pastor of the Baptist church in
Stafford, Conn., and served the church three years. In 1821, he was
called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Xew Haven,
Conn., where his ministry was greatly blessed. In 1830, he accepted
the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Troy, N. Y. Ten vears
later he became corresponding secretary of the American Baptist
Home Mission Society, a position which he filled with honor and use-
fulness twenty-two years. He died in New Haven, Conn., Jan. 15,
1881.
Also, in 1832, appeared the "Manual of Christian Psalmody: A
Collection of Psalms and Hymns, for Public Worship. Boston: Per-
kins, Morris & Co." This was a Baptist edition of " Church Psal-
mody." Rev. Rufus Babcock, jr., then pastor of the First Baptist
church in Salem, Mass., recognizing the superior merits of this new
hymn book, compiled by Lowell Mason and David Greene, adapted
it to the tenets of Baptist churches. Professors Chase and Ripley,
of Newton Theological Institution, commended it " to the favorable
regard of the public," adding, " we trust that the time is not far dis-
tant, when a book like this will exert its happy influence in all of our
churches."
652 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
In 1834, Rev. Staunton S. Burdett, of Pleasant Hill, S. C, pub-
lished "The Baptist Harmony, being a Selection of Choice Hymns
and Spiritual Songs for Social Worship." " The number of precious
revivals of I'eligiou," says Mr. Burdett, " and the great increase of
members to our churches, and the constitution of many new churches,
make a great demand for a suitable new Hymn Book. And at the
present, when there is so much doing for the spread of the glorious
gospel of the blessed Redeemer, by means of the various benevolent
institutions of the day, it is of importance that we should have
Hymns suitable for the different occasions." The collection con-
tained five hundred and four hymns. A new edition was published
in 1842.
H. Miller's " 'New Selection of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs,
from the best Authors, Designed for the Use of Conference Meet-
ings, Private Circles and Congregations," was published in Cincin-
nati in 1835. The " Selection " had an extensive sale, and the
thirteenth edition was printed in 1842. It contained one thousand
and twelve hymns. Mr. Miller was the grandfather of H. Thane
Miller of Cincinnati. He came from England in early life, and soon
after his marriage settled in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where Henry
Miller jr., (father of H. Thane Miller) and two daughters were born.
Subsequently he removed to Cincinnati, O., where he engaged in
business. Much of his time he gave to church work. He was pas-
sionately fond of music, especially church music. " To be useful to
to all," he says in his preface, " is the highest aim of my ambition,
but especially to the poor and distressed of the household of faith.
I wish all who love Christ, did more sensibly enjoy the happiness
that results from singing the praise of God."
In 183.J, at Concord, N. H., Stevens and Young published " The
Conference Manual, Containing a Selection of Devotional Hymns
for Social, Religious Meetings." It was compiled by Rev. Ebenezer
E. Cummings and Rev. Edmund AVorth, and contained two hundred
and ninety strictly devotional hymns. Dr. Cummings was born at
Claremont, ]Sr. II., November 9, 1800. He was graduated at Water-
ville College, Waterville, Me., in 1828, and September 17, of that
year he was ordained pastor of the Baptist church in Salisbury, ]^.
II. In March, 1833, he removed to Concord, N. H., where he
became pastor of the First Baptist church. In this position he
remained until June, 1850. Subsequently he labored in Xewark, X.
J., Springfield, Mass., and Pittsfield, N. H. January 11, 1854, he
APPENDIX. 653
became pastor of the Pleasant street, Baptist church in Concord, N.
H. His pastorate of this church continued fourteen years. lie died
in Concord, February 22, 1886. Mr. "Worth was born in AVest Xew-
bury, Mass., October 12, 1804. Graduating from the theological
department of the Literary and Theological Institute at Xew Hamp-
ton, N. H., in 1830, he was ordained in October following at Hebron,
N". H. In Januar}^ 1831, he became editor of the New Hampshire
Baptist Register, published at Concord, and in that position he
remained until 1815, when the Register was united with the Chris-
tian Reflector, Boston. For one year he conducted the Xew Hamp-
shire department in the Reflector. In 1864, he commenced pastoral
labor in Fisherville, ]Sr. H., now Penacook, where a Baptist church
was organized. Hei*e he remained until 1856, when he accepted a
call to the pastorate of the Baptist church atlvennebunk Tillage, Me.
Here he still prosecutes his ministry, full of years and widely
esteemed, the oldest Baptist pastor, and the longest settled Baptist
pastor, in Maine.
The first edition of " Select Hymns, Adapted to the Devotional
Exercises of the Baptist Denomination. By James H. Linsley and
Gustavus F. Davis," was published in Hartford, Conn., in 1836.
Mr. Davis was the compiler of " The Young Christian's Companion "
(1826) already noticed. Rev. James H. Linsley was born in iN'orth
Branford, Conn., May 5, 1787. He was graduated at Yale College in
1817. After teaching a while be began to preach and was ordained
an evangelist at Meriden, Conn., in 1831. He preached at Milford
and Stratford, but his health failed in 1836, and he was laid aside
from ministerial labors. He died December 29, 1843, greatly
lamented by a wide circle of friends.
The same year, Isaac Truil, IN". Carolina and Lucas & Deaver,
Baltimore, published "Christian Melodies, or a Collection of Hymns,
Adapted to the Devotions of the Closet, the Family and the Church.
By Stephen P. Hill, Pastor of the First Baptist church, Baltimore."
The aim of the compiler was to bring together in one volume what
he regarded as the best hymns. The collection contained six hun-
dred and fifty-four hymns, including twenty-four originals by the
compiler.
Also, in 1836, appeared the first edition of " The Virginia Selection
of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs; from the most Approved
Authors, Adapted to the Various Occasions of Public Worship and
Social Meetings. In three Parts, Selected and Arranged by Andrew
654 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Broaddus," the compiler of the Dover Selection. In 1842, appeared
a third edition, revised and enlarged by the addition of one hundred
and eighty hymns, the first edition having been found defective " in
regard to the number and variety of hymns for the common occasions
of public service"; and he adds, "a few of them, particularly of
those which are generally termed " Spiritual Songs," may not be
capable of standing the test of a refined criticism. On this point let
it suffice to say, that as the book is designed for popular as well as
for pulpit use, some allowance must be made for popular liking —
some sacrifice at the altar of devotional feeling."
From the press of J. Howe, Boston, appeared, in 1839, "Kevival
Hymns, Selected with Alterations. By John Butler." This little
collection of one hundred and twenty-nine hymns was evidently com-
piled for the purpose of having, in a convenient form, hymns adapted
to evangelistic uses. Kev. John Butler was born in Nottingham
West, X. H., April 1.3, 1789. In 1810, he was ordained as pastor of
the Baptist church in Hanover, Mass. After a pastorate of fourteen
years, he removed to "Waterville, Me., where he established a school
for 3'oung ladies. He was subsequently pastor at East Winthrop and
North Yarmouth. Oct. 15, 1835, he resigned his pastorate at North
Yarmouth, and during the remainder of his life, he devoted himself
to evangelistic work, especially among the feeble chui'ches. He died
at the home of his son, in Franklin, Ohio, July 1 , 1856.
" Hymns for the Vestry and Fireside," compiled by Rev. S. S.
Cutting, D.D., followed, in 1841. This collection was published in
Boston by Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, and was designed " to meet a
well known want of the churches — the want of a hymn book for
vestry and family use, differing from a collection for church service,
rather in the number than in the quality of the hymns ; one preserv-
ing truth and fervor of sentiment, and at the same time excluding
such hymns as are offensive to good taste; in a word, one composed
of evangelical poetry, suitable to be sung, and adapted to the occa-
sions of worship already named." Admirably, this collection of
three hundred and eighty hymns was adapted to meet this want.
" The Baptist Hymn Book; Original and Selected. In two Parts.
By W. C. Buck, Pastor of the East Baptist church, Louisville, Ky.,"
was published in Louisville, in 1842. The first part contained eight
hundred and sixty-eight "Hymns," and the second part about two
hundred " Songs." Withiu two years, about ten thousand copies of
this hymn book were sold, chiefly in the states of the Mississippi
APPENDIX. 655
valley, and in 1844, a new " carefully revised and stereotyped edi-
tion," appeared "with a few choice hymns added to the second
part," making the number two hundred and eleven. In this enlarged
form, "The Baptist Hymn Book" long held a place in the Baptist
churches of the Middle, Western and Southern States.
In 1843, J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, published "Hymns
for Social Meetings; Selected by A. T>. Gillette." Dr. Gillette was at
this time pastor of the Eleventh Baptist church in Philadelphia. He
loved the social meetings of the church, and in this collection, con-
taining two hundred and one hymns, were included, for the most
part, well known favorites, especially adapted for use in prayer
meetings.
In the same year, Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, Boston, published
"The Psalmist; a new Collection of Hymns for the use of Baptist
Churches. By Baron Stow and S. F. Smith." This collection was
designed to take the place which Winchell's Watts and Watts and
Eippon had long held in the New England and Middle States. The
compilers aimed to make a selection that should " tend to the eleva-
tion of evangelical taste, the interest of worship, and the diffusion of
a more fervent piety." The collection proved to be one of marked
excellence. A committee of eminent Baptist ministers, residing in
different parts of the country, recommended it to the churches in the
hope of uniting the Baptists of the United States in its use. In the
Baptist churches of the North, "The Psalmist" was received with
great favor. In the South, however, the omission of hymns that had
acquired great local popularity proved a hindrance to its circulation.
To remedy this defect, an edition of " The Psalmist," with a supple-
ment containing one hundred and six hymns, compiled by Richard
Fuller and J. B. Jeter, " with special reference to the taste and wants
of the South," was published about four years later. In 1848, " The
Social Psalmist," designed for use in prayer and conference meet-
ings, containing three hundred and fifty hymns, followed. When the
Psalmist was published, Rev. S. F. Smith, D.D., was already recog-
nized as one of the first of American hymn writers. Rev. Baron
Stow, D.D., stood in the front rank in the Baptist ministry, in New
England. He was born in Croydon, N. H., June 16, 1801, graduated
at Columbian College, Washington, D. C, in 1825, and was ordained
as pastor of the Baptist church in Portsmouth, N". H., Oct. 24, 1827.
Nov. 15, 1832, he was installed as pastor of the Baldwin Place Baptist
church, Boston. After sixteen years of service, he resigned, and soon
656 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
after accepted a call to the pastorate of the Eowe Street Baptist church,
now the Clarendon Street Baptist church, Boston. Here he closed a
ministry of marked power and influence, in 1867. He died Dec. 27,
1869, leaving a stainless record as a man and a Christian minister.
Eev. Richard Fuller, D.D., was a prince among preachers. He was
born at Beaufort, S. C, April 22, 1804. He was graduated at Har-
vard College, in 1824, and engaged in the profession of law. On
recovering from a severe illness, he entered the Episcopal church.
Subsequently, on account of a change of views, he united with the
Baptists. In 1833, he was ordained as pastor of the Beaufort Baptist
church. In 1847, he became pastor of the Seventh Baptist church,
Baltimore, where, as hitherto, his ministry was eminently successful.
He died Oct. 20, 1876, in the triumphs of faith, greatly lamented.
Rev. J. B. Jeter, d.d., another distinguished southern Baptist
minister was born in Bedford Co., Va., July 18, 1802. He was
ordained in 1822, and in 1827, he became pastor of the Mar-
atico Baptist church, in Lancaster Co., and of the Nicomico Bap-
tist church in Northumberland County. In 1836, he accepted the
pastorate of the First Baptist church, Richmond. Here he remained
until 1849, when he became pastor of the Second Baptist church in
St. Louis, Mo. In 1852, he returned to Richmond as pastor of the
Grace Street Baptist church. He was the author of several memoirs
and religious works, and in his later years he was senior editor of
the Religious Herald. He died February 18, 1880. His ability and
piety were widely recognized.
The well known evangelist, Rev. Jacob Knapp, published at Utica,
N. Y., in 1845, " The Evangelical Harp," a collection of hymns
adapted to evangelistic services. Elder Knapp, as he was generally
designated, was born in Otsego, County, N. Y., December 7, 1799.
He studied at Hamilton, and was ordained August 23, 1825. He was
pastor of the Baptist church at Springfield, N. Y., five years, and at
"Watertown, N. Y., three years. He then entered upon the work of
an evangelist, to which he devoted the remaining forty-two years of
his pul)lic ministry, extending his labors over New York, New Eng-
land and the Western States, including California. He died at Rock-
ford, 111., March 3, 1874.
In 1846, Rev. J. M. D. Cates published at Nashville, Tenn., a
small hymn book entitled " The Companion. A New Collection of
Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Adapted to Devotional Exercises." A
revised and enlarged edition, containing two hundred and thirty-nine
APPENDIX. 657
hymns was published in 1848. Mr. Gates subsequently compiled " The
Baptist Companion." The only coi^y I have seen is one that belonged
to Mr. Gates himself, and as the title page is lacking I am unable to
ascertain the date of its publication. From internal evidence I infer
that it was published between 1850, and 1855. It contains four hun-
dred and ten " hymns and spiritual songs."
" The Christian Melodist, a New Collection of Hymns for Social
Eeligious Worship. By Joseph Banvard, pastor of the Harvard
Street Baptist Church, Boston," was published in Boston, by John
Putnam in 1848. It was designed for use in social religious meetings,
and was especially " adapted to seasons of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord." Dr. Banvard was born in New York City
May 9, 1810. He was graduated from Newton Theological Institu-
tion in 1835, and a few days later was ordained pastor of the Central
Baptist church, Salem, Mass. His subsequent pastorates were at
West Cambridge, Gannon street, New York, Pawtucket, E. I.,
Worcester, Mass., Paterson, N. J., Neponset, Mass., and Indepen-
dence, Mo. He died at Neponset, Mass., September 28, 1887.
A hymn book for seamen, compiled by Dr. J. H. Hanaford, was
published in Boston in 1848. In the following year Rev. Phineas
Stowe, pastor of the Bethel Baptist church in Boston, brought out a
second edition of this work, which he made his own. It was entitled
" Ocean Melodies, and Seamen's Companion. A Collection of Hymns
and music, for the use of Bethels, Chaplains of the Navy, and
private Devotion of Mariners." The eighth edition was published
in 1858.
" A New Collection of Hymns, Designed especially for Use in
Conference and Prayer meetings and Family Worship. By John
Dowling, D.D. , " was published in New York by Edward H. Fletcher
in 1849. " From most of the Conference hymn books which the
editor has examined," wrote Dr. Dowling, " a large number of
devotional pieces, cherished in the memory and the hearts of the
fathers and mothers in our American Zion,have been excluded, prob-
ably because the poetry was not regarded as of a sufficiently high
order of excellence." To restore these old favorites, such as,
" Sweet land of rest, for thee I sigh," " The Lord into his garden
comes," etc.. Dr. Dowling compiled these conference hymns.
In the same year, 1849, appeared the first hymn book published by
the American Baptist Publication Society. It was entitled " The
Baptist Harp, A New Collection of Hymns for the Closet, the Family,
42
658 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
Social Worship and Revivals," The names of the compilers of the
selection are not given, but it is understood that Rev. George B.
Ide, D.D., and Rev. Edgar M. Levy, D.D., were prominent in the
work. The Harp contained five hundred and eighty-three hymns.
Dr. Levy wa? bor:i in St. Mary's, Ga., November 23, 1822, He was
educated at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and
having studied theology under Albert Barnes, d.d., was licensed to
preach by the Chamber's Presbyterian church in 1843. In April,
1844, he was baptized by Rev. George B. Ide, d.d., the pastor of the
First Baptist church in Philadelphia. In November following he
was ordained pastor of the First Baptist church, West Philadelphia,
and continued in this position fourteen years. He then accepted a
call to the pastorate of the South Baptist church, Newark, N. J. In
1868, he resigned and returned to Philadelphia as pastor of the
Berean Baptist church. Here he remained sixteen years. At the
close of forty years of continuous pastoral labor he retired from the
pastorate to enter upon evangelistic service. Up to this time he had
baptized nearly eleven hundred candidates. His present residence is
Philadelphia,
lu 1850, at the request of various brethren and of the Board of
the Southern Baptist Publication Society, Rev, Basil Manly, d,d.,
and Rev. Basil Manly, jr., compiled "The Baptist Psalmody; A
Selection of Hymns for the Worship of God," the first edition of
which was published at Charleston, S. C. It contained one thousand
two hundred and ninety-five hymns, and at once was received with
as much favor in the Baptist churches in the South, as the Psalmist
earlier in the Baptist churches of the North. Dr. Basil Manly,
sr., was born in Chatham County, N. C, January 25, 1798. He was
graduated from the College of South Carolina in 1821, and was
ordained in 1822, His first pastorate was at Edgefield Court House,
S. C. In March, 1826, he became pastor of the First Baptist church
in Charleston, Ten years later he accepted the presidency of the
State University of Alabama, and for eighteen years he adminis-
tered its affairs with honor to himself and credit to the State, In
1855, he returned to Charleston as pastor of the Wentworth street
Baptist church. In 1859, he returned to Alabama to labor as a State
evangelist. The closing years of his life were spent at Greeaville,
S, C, where he died December 21, 1868,
" Select Hymns for Public and Private Worship, compiled by a
Committee of the Second Baptist church," Philadelphia, was pub-
APPENDIX. 659
lished about the year 1850. A second edition somewhat enlarged,
and containing three hundred and two hymns, was published in 1862.
In 1851, at Louisville, Ky., Eev. Sidney Dyer published "The
Southwestern Psalmist. " Large editions of this hymn book were
sold. A revised edition appeared in 1853, and " the seemingly sec-
tional title " was changed to " Dyer's Psalmist, a Collection of
Hymns and Sacred Songs for the Use of Baptist churches." The
collection contained four hundred and sixty-seven hymns and nine
doxologies.
"The Sacred Lute; a Collection of popular Hymns," compiled
by Rev. E. T. Winkler, pastor of the First Baptist church in Charles-
ton, S. C, and published by the Southern Baptist Publication Society,
appeared in 1855. Dr. Winkler was at that time secretary of the Pub-
lication Society. The collection contained four hundred and sixteen
hymns. A second edition, containing four hundred and seventy
hymns, was published at Charleston in 1860.
May 1, 1857, the Pierrepont Street Baptist church, Brooklyn, N. Y.,
addressed a letter through its clerk to A. S. Barnes & Co., Kew
York, publishers of " The Plymouth Collection of Hymns and
Tunes," requesting them to publish an edition of this collection
" adapted to the use of Baptist churches." The request was granted
and Rev. John Stanford Holme, pastor of the Pierrepont Street
church, prepared the new edition for publication. Original hymns
were obtained from S. P. Smith, d.d., S. D. Phelps, d.d., Hon.
Charles Thurber, Rev. Sidney Dyer, and others. About one hundred
and fifty hymns and fifty tunes were added to the collection, making
in all about one thousand and six hundred hymns and four hundred
tunes. Dr. Holme was born in Holmesburg, now a part of Phila-
delphia, March 4, 1822. He pursued college preparatory studies at
New Hampton, N. H., studied law a while in Philadelphia, then
entered Madison University, where he was graduated in 1850. Hav-
ing been ordained he was settled over the Baptist church in Water-
town, N. Y. Pour years later he accepted the pastorate of the
Pierrepont Street Baptist church, Brooklyn, l!^'. Y. Here he
remained ten years. Subsequently he organized the Trinity Baptist
church, New York, and later the Riverside Baptist church. He
died August 26, 1884.
In 1857, " The Prayer Meeting Hymn Book " was published in
Baltimore, Md., by J. F. Weishampel. It contained three hundred
and twenty-four hymns, and was compiled by William Crane, a
660 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
prominent member of the Seventh Baptist church, Baltimore, who
was born in Newark, N. J., May 6, 1790. From 1811, until 1834, he
was engaged in business in Richmoncl, Ya. He was one of the
founders of the Second Baptist church, Richmond, of the Richmond
African Baptist Missionary Society, of the Religious Herald, and of
Richmond College. In Baltimore, as in Richmond, he had a share
in every good work. For nearly fifty years he was a Sunday-school
teacher. He died in Baltimore, September 2S,18G6.
"The Sabbath Hymn Book," compiled by Dr. Lowell Mason and
two well known Andover professors, Dr. Edwards A. Park and Dr.
Austin Phelps, was published by Mason Brothers, Kew York, in
1858, and an edition with music, entitled " The Sabbath Hymn and
Tune Book," followed early in 1859. Dr. Francis Wayland, while
the work was passing through the press, was allowed full liberty to
alter or amend it for the purpose of adapting it to the wants of his
own denomination. A Baptist edition of the work was accordingly
published simultaneously with the Congregational edition. In 1866,
anew edition of " The Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book" appeared,
entitled " The New Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book," containing
many new tunes to meet the " present state of the popular taste."
The collection, which was one of great excellence, contained one
thousand three hundred and twenty-one hymns. Dr. Wayland was
born in New York, March 11, 1796. He was graduated at Union
College in 1813. After a medical course he received a license to
practice, but in 1816, he united with the Baptist church in Troy, N.
Y., and soon after entered Andover Theological Seminary. From
1817, to 1821, he was a tutor in Union College. He then accepted a
call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church, Boston. In Sep-
tember, 1826, he was elected professor of mathematics and natural
history in Union College, and in December president of Brown
University. He accepted the latter position, and entered upon his
duties in February, 1827. Here he achieved the highest success, and
until his resignation in 1855, he held a conspicuous position among
the college presidents of the land. Dr. "Wayland died in Providence,
R. I., September 26, 1865.
'* Revival Gems: a Collection of Spirit-Stirring Hymns. Specially
Adapted to Revivals. Compiled by Rev. Joseph Banvard," was
pul)lished in 1858 by John P. Jewett & Co., Boston. It contained
two hundred hymns, and was designed for use in revival seasons.
In the same year appeared "The Sacred Lyre: a New Collection
APPENDIX. 661
of Hymns and Tunes, for Social and Family Worship). By Kev. J.
Aldrich, A.M., Boston, Andrew F. Graves." Mr. Aldrich was bora
in St. Jolinsbury, Vt., September 2, 1799. He was graduated at
Brown University in 1826, and after a year of study at Newton The-
ological Institution, he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church
at West Dedham, Mass. Subsequently he had pastorates at East
Cambridge, Worcester and N^ewburyport, Mass., Philadelphia,
Penn., Baltimore, Md., and Middleborough, Mass. In 1853, he was
appointed an agent of the American Baptist Missionary Union for
the collection of funds, and he continued in the service of the Union
until his death, January 19, 1862.
Also in the same year a work of like character, with music, was
published in Boston. It was entitled " The Vestry Harp. A Col-
lection of Hymns and Tunes Adapted to Family Worshij-). Arranged
and Published by Rev. N. M. Perkins." Mr. Perkins was the son
of Rev. Aaron Perkins, r>.D., and was born in Marlborough, N. Y.,
October 20, 1820. He was educated at Hamilton, where he was
graduated in 1844. Having accepted a call to the jiastorate of the
Baptist church in Westtield, Mass., he was ordained in that place
November 20, 1844. His subsequent pastorates were at Waterbury,
Conn., Brookline, Mass., Middletown, N. Y., and Utica, N". Y. He
died at Monroe, Conn., August 21, 18G3. He was a man of fine
taste, a devoted pastor, and a forcible preacher.
Also in 1858, appeared "The Southern Psalmist." Edited by J.
B. Graves and J. M. Pendleton, and published at Nashville, Tenn.,
by the Southwestern Publishing Company. The hymns selected,
one thousand and twenty in number, were such as abound in evan-
gelical truth. Dr. Graves was born in Chester, Vt., April 10, 1820.
He was converted when fifteen j-ears of age, and united with the
Baptist church in North Springfield , Vt. Six years later, on account
of impaired health, he went to Kentucky, where for awhile he was
engaged in teaching. By request of the church with which he
united he was called to ordination. In 1845, he removed to Nash-
ville, Tenn., where ho opened an academy. Ho also took charge of
the Second Baptist church. In 184G, he became editor of the Ten-
nessee Baptist. In 1S48, he originated the Southwestern Publishing
Company, and subsequently the Southern Baptist Sunday School
Union. After the war Dr. Graves took up his residence in Memphis,
where he has continued the publication of the Tennessee Baptist,
and also engaged in book writing and publishing. Throughout his
662 BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
career he has devoted much time to evangelistic labor. Dr. Pendle-
ton was born in SpottS3'lvania County, Ya., ^N'ovember 20, 1811.
When he was a year old his parents returned to Kentucky. At sev-
enteen jears of age he was converted, and at twenty he was licensed
to preach. In 1833, he entered the Christian County Seminary,
where he studied three years, preaching on alternate Sundays for
the Hopkinsville and Bethel churches. In 1837, he became pastor
of the Baptist church in Bowling Green, Ky., where he remained
until 1857, when he was elected professor of theology in Union Uni-
versity, Murfreesborough, Tenn. This position he filled until the
civil war. He was pastor at Hamilton, Ohio, from 1862, to 1865.
Then he accepted the pastorate of the Baptist church in Upland,
Penn. In this position, highly useful and honored, Dr. Pendleton
remained until October, 1883, when he resigned in order to spend
the evening of his days with his children.
In 1859, Mr. H. D. Phinney, of Oswego, N. Y., published his
"Melodies of Zion: a New Collection of Hymns and Tunes for
Prayer, Conference, Revival, Union and Social Meetings and Family
Worship." *' It was designed," says the compiler, " to meet a want
of the churches which an experience of twenty-three years in one
church, as its servant in leading the Songs of Zion, has taught us
their need."
In 1860, Rev. James Inglis published at Detroit (Putnam, Smith &
Co.) " Spiritual Songs in the House of our Pilgrimage." It con-
tained three hundred and eighty-three hymns, in two parts. " Part I.
Hymns for the Assemblies of the Saints. Part il. Hymns of Private
Worship, Devout Meditation and Mutual Comfort and Exhortation."
Some of the hymns are by Mr. Inglis himself, but as the names of
authors are withheld throughout, they cannot now be ascertained.
The collection is dedicated to the Tabernacle Baptist church, Detroit.
The only new Baptist hymn book that appeared during the war
was " The Devotional Hymn and Tune Book for Social and Public
Worship," which appeared in 1864. It was published by the Amer-
ican Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia. The music was
arranged and adapted by William B. Bradbury. The compilers,
whose names are not given, aimed to group together the choicest
hymns and tunes, embracing the old familiar songs of Zion, and
those of more recent origin. An edition without music was also
published.
In 1807, appeared " The Sacred Harp: a New Collection of Hymns
APPENDIX. 663
and Spiritual Songs. Adapted to Devotional Exercises. By J. M. D.
Gates." Mr. Gates was the compiler of "The Gompaniou" and
" The Baptist Companion," earlier collections. This added collec-
tion, containing six hundred and eighteen hymns, had an extensive
circulation in Tennessee, and is still in use.
In the same year, Kev. Edwin Burnham, well known as an evange-
list, published " Kevival Hymns, Original and Selected." It was a
small collection — eighty-three hymns — and was designed for use in
the compilers' evangelistic meetings.
In 1SG9, a Baptist edition of " Songs of the Sanctuary," prepared
by Kev. T. S. Griffiths, Avas published by A. S. Barnes & Co., N'ew
York. This hymn book, compiled by Rev. G. S. Robinson, d.d.,
was one of great excellence, and having been made available for use
in Baptist churches it had a wide circulation. It contained one
thousand three hundred forty-two hymns. Rev. T. S. Griffiths was
born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 1.3, 1821. Having prepared for
college at Burlington, N. J., and New Hampton, N. H., he entered
Madison University, from which he was graduated in 1843. He was
ordained at Red Bank, N. J., in 1844, and has had pastorates at Red
Bank, Milwaukee, Wis., Dubuque and Keokuk, Iowa., Trenton,
Holmdel and Cherryville, N. J.
In 1870, appeared " Revival Songs. A New Collection of Hjonns
and Spiritual Songs for Closet and Family Worship, Prayer, Con-
ference, Revival and Protracted Meetings. By Rev. Emerson
Andrews, Evangelist." In this collection, published by James H.
Earle, Boston, the compiler aimed to bring together the best of the
old and new revival hymns. Mr. Andrews was born in Marshfield,
Mass., November 24, 1806. Entering the sophomore class, Union
College, he was graduated in 1834. In the spring of 1836, he was
ordained, and after preaching a while at West Troy, N. Y., he
became pastor of the Baptist church in Rome, N. Y. Here he
remained several years, and then devoted himself to evangelistic
work. Twice he visited Palestine and those places in Europe that
are of deep interest to every believer in Christ. He died in New-
berne, N. C, February 12, 18S4.
In the same year, Biglow & Main, New York, published " Songs
of Devotion. A Collection of Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs,
with music. By W. H. Doane." In this collection much attention
was paid to the music, and in the hymns the attempt was made to
meet the wants of every department of Christian labor. The work
has had a larsce circulation.
664 BAPTIST HYMX WRITERS.
On account of the success of such books as " The Plymouth Col-
lection " and "Songs of the Sanctuary," the publishers of "The
Psalmist " now recognized the necessity of meeting the demand of
the churches for a hymn book with music. No Baptist hymn book in
this country had been so extensively used as " The Psalmist," and at
first it was thought that this excellent work might be adapted to this
new want. But the editors selected b}^ the publishers, Rev. S. L.
Caldwell, D.D., of Providence, R. I., and Rev. A.J. Gordon, d.d.,
Dr. Stow's successor in Boston, at length came to the conclusion
that it was desirable to make a new collection. The result of their
labors was " The Service, of Song for Baptist Churches," containing
one thousand and sixty-nine hymns, and published by Gould
& Lincoln in 1871. It secured speedy recognition as a collection of
great merit, and has since been in use in a large number of Baptist
churches. The plates were subsequently purchased by Sheldon &
Co., New York, who added a supplement containing Gospel hymns.
In 187G, a centennial edition of the " Service of Song," containing a
less number of hymns than the earlier editions, and in reality a dis-
tinct work, was published. Rev. S. L. Caldwell, d.d., was born in
Newburyport, Mass., November 13, 1820. After graduating at AYat-
erville College, now Colby University, in 1839, he taught three years,
and then entered the Theological Institution at Newton Centre,
Mass., where he was graduated in 1815. Having received a call to
the pastorate of the First Baptist church of Bangor, Me. , he was
ordained in August, 1816. His pastorate of this church continued
until 1858, Avhen he became pastor of the First Baptist church in
Providence, R. I. Here he remained until 1873, when he was
elected professor of ecclesiastical history in Newton Theological
Institution. In 1878, he accepted the presidency of Vassar College,
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. From this position he retired in 1885, and
he has since made his home in Providence, R. I., devoting himself to
literary labors.
In the same year, 1871, the American Baptist Publication Society
published " The Baptist Hymn and Tune Book for Public Worship,"
containing nine hundred and ninety-nine hymns. It was compiled
by Rev. Henry G. "Weston, d.d., and the music was arranged by
John M. Evans. Dr. Weston was born in Lynn, Mass., September
11, 1820. He was graduated at Brown University in 1840, and stud-
ied two years at Newton Theological Institution. In May, 1843, he
was ordained at Frankfort, Ky., and for three years he served as a
APPENDIX. 665
missionary in Illinois. In 1846, he accepted the pastorate of the
Baptist church in Peoria, and remained with this church thirteen
years. He then became pastor of the Oliver Street Baptist church,
New York City. In 1868, he resigned in order to accept the presi-
dency of Crozer Theological Seminary, which he still retains. The
degree of doctor of divinity he received from Rochester University
in 1859.
In 1872, A. S. Barnes & Co., K. Y., published "The Baptist
Praise Book: prepared by Richard Fuller, E. M. Levy, S. D. Phelps,
H. C. Fish, Thomas Armitage, E. T. Winkler, W. W. Everts, Geo.
C. Lorimer, and Basil Manly." It contained thirteen hundred and
eleven hymns. A chapel edition also was published, containing five
hundred and fifty hymns and tunes. " When its preparation was
commenced," it is stated in the preface of the larger w;ork, " no
hymn and tune book for sanctuary use was available, or in prospect,
except issued by some other branch of the Christian family, and
sought to be adapted to Baptist churches; a circumstance for the .
existence of which at least no good reason could be assigned." Rev.
E. M. Levy, d.d., of Philadelphia, was the principal compiler of
this work, the other persons mentioned on the title page aiding by
way of suggestion, etc.
" The Vestry Hymn and Tune Book," edited by Rev. A. J, Gor-
don, was published also in 1872, by Henry A. Young & Co., Boston.
It contained five hundred and fifty-nine hymns, and was admirably
adapted for use in social meetings.
In 1873, Rev. J. R. Graves, d.d., iiublished at Memphis, Tenn,,
"The Kew Baptist Psalmist for Churches and Sunday Schools."
Particular attention was paid to the doctrinal sentiments of the
hymns. "In this collection," says the compiler, "there will be
found no hymns that teach the doctrine of baptismal remission or
ritual efficacy, no praises to be sung to dead relatives or friends, nor
are children taught to pray to the angels, or to desire to be angels."
In 1878, appeared "The Calvary Selection of Spiritual Songs.
With Music for the Church and the Choir," published by Scribner
& Co., New York. " Spiritual Songs," compiled by Rev. Charles S.
Robinson, d.d., had been received with favor as a work of superior
excellence, and Rev. R. S. Mac^irthur, d.d., pastor of the Calvary
Baptist church, New York, prepared this edition for use in Baptist
churches. The collection contained one thousand and eighty-six
hymns, including a few chants. The copyright of the book, after a
666 BAPTIST HYMJ^" WRITERS.
short time, was transferred by Scribner & Co. to the Century Com-
pany. Dr. MacArthur was born at Dalesville, Arg»enteuil County,
Province of Quebec, Canada, August 31, 1841. He was graduated
from the University of Rochester, N, Y., in 18G7, and from the Roch-
ester Tlieological Seminary in 1870. In June, 1870, lie accepted a
call to the pastorate of the Calvary Baptist church in New York City,
which under his leadership removed, in 1883, from Twenty-third street
to Fifty-seventh street, and erected a new house of worship at an
expense of about five hundred thousand dollars. Since 1885, he has
been one of the editors of the Baptist Quarterly Review. He is also
the weekly correspondent of the Chicago Standard, and one of the
editorial board of the Christian Inquirer.
An added hymn book, compiled by Rev. Robert Lowry, D.D., and
"W. Howard Doane, Musical Doctor, was published by the American
Baptist Publication Society in 1879. It was entitled " Gospel Hymn
and Tune Book: A Choice Collection of Hymns and Music, Old and
New. For use in Prayer Meetings and Family and Church Service,"
and was designed to take the place of "The Devotional Hymn and
Tune Book," issued in 1864. The standard hymns in this work were
mostly from " The Baptist Hymn and Tune Book," selected by a com-
mittee of the Publication Board, and submitted to the editors for
adaptation to music. To these were added some of the most recent
popular gospel hymns.
Another collection, entitled " Baptist Songs, with Music: Selected
and arranged by A. B. Cates," was published in 1879, by A. C.
Caperton & Co., Louisville, Ky. It contained two hundred and thir-
ty-eight hymns. The aim of the compiler was to embody in a small
compass, and at a moderate expense, the best and most popular old
hymns. To render assistance in starting the tunes the first line of
each hymn was set to music. A. B. Cates, now of Newman, Ga., is a
son of Rev. J. M. D. Cates, the compiler of "The Companion,"
" The Baptist Companion," and " The Baptist Harp."
In 1880, A. C. Armstrong & Son, New York, published "Songs
for the Lord's House." The hymns were selected by Rev, C. D'W.
Bridgman, D.D., pastor of the Madison Avenue Baptist church in
New York. The music was arranged chiefly by Mr. Henry Camp,
choir leader of Plymouth church, Brooklyn. The collection con-
tained five hundred and fifty-seven hymns, twenty-five doxologies,
and twenty-five pages of chants. The selection was an admirable
one, and it is to be regretted that the book is now out of print. Dr.
APPENDIX. 667
Bridgman was bom in Saugerties, N. Y., January 1, 1835. His first
pastorate was at Morristown, N. J. Thence he was called to the
pastorate of the Baptist church at Jamaica Plain, Mass. In 1862,
he accepted a call to the Emmanuel Baptist church, Albany, N. Y.
Here he remained fifteen years and four months in the enjoyment
of a ministry of enlargement and prosperity. In February, 1878,
Dr. Bridgman yielded to the earnest entreaties of the Madison Ave-
nue Baptist church, New York, and his pastoral labors have been
with this people from that time.
" The Baptist Hymn and Tune Book " contained an admirable se-
lection of hymns, but the music was unattractive. The American
Baptist Publication Society accordingly decided to undertake the
preparation of a new hymn and tune book. The committee to whom
the work of compilation was entrusted consisted of Rev. A. J. Row-
land, D.D., Rev. P. S. Henson, D.D., and Rev. L. P. Hornberger,
who were assisted by various clergymen in different parts of the
country; while the musical part of the work was assigned to W. H.
Doane, Musical Doctor, and Rev. E. H. Johnson, d.d. This new
book, entitled " The Baptist Hymnal, for Use in the Church and
Home," was published in 1883, and has since had a very large cir-
cxilation, extending to all parts of the country. Dr. Henson was
born in Fluvanna County, Va., December 7, 1831. He graduated at
Richmond College in 1848. For awhile he was engaged in teaching,
and then entered upon the practice of law. In 1855, his thoughts were
directed to the work of the Christian ministry, and he was ordained in
February, 1856. His first pastorate was with the Fluvanna church.
In 1860, he became pastor of the Broad Street Baptist church, Phila-
delphia. In 1867, he went out from this church with others, and or-
ganized the Memorial Baptist church. With this church he remained
as pastor until 1882. He then accepted a call to the pastorate of the
First Baptist church in Chicago, 111., where, as earlier, his ministry
has been greatly blessed. Rev. L. P. Hornberger was born in Phil-
adelphia, Penn., October 25, 1841. He was graduated at Madison
University in 1865, and August 20, of that year he entered upon the
pastorate of the Spring Garden Baptist church, Philadelphia. With
this church he remained nearly seven years. He was then induced
to undertake the establishment of a new church in the northwestern
part of the city, and the Gethsemane church was organized. His
ministry here, as at the Spring Garden church, was greatly blessed,
and his early death, March 27, 1884, was deeply lamented.
668 BAPTIST HYMN^ WRITERS.
In 1887, James H. Earle, Boston, published " Sought Out Songs
Compiled by Rev. A. B. Earle, d.d., Assisted by Nearly Forty Song
and Music Writers, who have Contributed to the Volume. Words
and Music. For Social and Home Religious Song, Churches, Revi-
vals, Y. M. C. A. Meetings, Out Door Services, etc." For many
years Dr. Earle has been successfully engaged in evangelistic vv^ork.
He resides in Xewton, Mass.
In the autumn of 18SS, the Baptist Book and Tract Society of the
Maritime Pi'ovinces published " The Canadian Baptist Hymnal."
The directors of the Society invited the following brethren to assist
in the work, viz.. Prof. T. H. Rand, d.c.l., Prof. E. M. Keirstead,
M.A., Rev. T. A. Iliggins, d.d., Rev. George Armstrong, D.D., Rev.
G. E. Day, D.D. , and Stephen Selden, Esq. The whole work has
been under the direct supervision of A. P. Shand, Esq., Prof. E. M.
Keirstead, m.a., and Rev. J. W. Manning, B.A., and the result is a
book that is admirably adapted for the use of the Canadian Baptist
churches.
Notwithstanding the publication of many different books in this
country since 17GG, there are for church use only three books at the
present time that have a very wide circulation, viz.: " The Service
of Song," "The Calvary Selection," and "The Baptist Hymnal."
These works are worthy of the popularity they have secured, and
have proved veiy efficient helpers in enriching " the service of song
in the house of the Lord." Other works will follow. Rev. George
C. Lorimer, d.d., of Chicago, and Rev. Henry M. Sanders, of New
York, have in preparation for use in Baptist churches an edition of
the " Carmiua Sanctorum," published by A. S. Barnes & Co., of
New York. Rev. D. C. Eddy, d.d., of Brooklyn, N. Y., also has
nearly ready for publication a book entitled " The Memorial Hymnal."
It is hardly to be expected that any one book will meet the wants
of all the Baptist churches in this country, as the wants of these
churches are not the same. Perhaps just now, in our American
Baptist churches, a good hymn book for social and evangelistic ser-
vices is the greatest need, and it is understood that the American
Baptist Publication Society will soon publish such a work.
APPEXDIX. 669
GERMAN BAPTIST HYMN BOOKS
AND THEIR COMPILERS.
The earliest of the German Baptist hymn books it is thought ■was
compiled by Prof. A. Rauschenbusch (German Department Roches-
ter Theological Seminary), and was published in Philadelphia by the
American Baptist Publication Society in ISol. It was entitled " Die
Pilgerharfe,"' and contained four hundi-ed and sixty-five hymns.
About the same time Rev. Julius Kobner, a prominent German Bap-
tist, compiled '-Die Glaubensstimme," containing six hundred and
fortj'-seven hymns. The latter collection came into general use not
only among the Baptists of Germany, but also at length of this coun-
try, superseding "Die Pilgerharfe."' Later attempts were made to
secure a new compilation, adapted for the use of the German Baptist
churches both in this country and in Germany. Mr. Kobner submit-
ted such a compilation, but it seems not to have met with favor.
About one-third of the hymns in the collection were by Kobner
himself. At the General Conference of German Baptists in the
United States, held in 1883, a hymn book committee was appointed,
consisting of J. C. Haselhuhn, H. M. Schaffer, J. S. Gubelmann, H.
L. Dietz, and L. II. Donner. The result of their labors was '• Die
Glaubensharfe," which was published by the German Baptist Pub-
lishing Society in Cleveland, Ohio, in December, 1885. It contains
seven hundred and seventy-seven hymns. Although Prof. Rausch-
enbusch declined to serve on this committee, he gave much time
to the revision of the work, and was present at the final sessions of
the compilers.
The two older books contained many of the old German " Cho-
rale," hymns by Baptist writers, also many of the hymns of the
Briidergemeinde, and the German Pietists, prominent among them
Zinzendorf and Tersteegen. The German Baptists were largely
recruited from the Pietists, and their Christian life was akin to
theirs, so that these hymns, with their contemplative character,
their introspection, their reference to personal religious experience,
satisfied for a while the needs of the German Baptists.
etO* BAPTIST HYMN WRITERS.
The demand for a new hymn book was the result very largely of
influences from without. In Germany the labors of evangelists like
Pearsall Smith, Somerville, etc., the organization of Y. M. C. Asso-
ciations, the circulation of Spurgeon's sermons, the introduction of
" Gospel Hymns," aided in this movement. There was a call for
hymns adapted to these new methods of Christian work and new
lines of Christian thought. In this country the same influences
were at work. A comparison of "Die Glaubensharfe " with "Die
Pilgerharfe " and " Die Glaubensstimme " at once discloses the fact
that in the former is to be found a large number of revival hymns,
translated from " Gospel Hymns," or modeled after them. Under
"Redemption," including " Invitation to Sinners," " Repentance,"
etc., "Die Glaubensstimme" has about twenty hymns, "Die Glau-
bensharfe " about eighty. There is considerable English music,
too, in the new book. This is partly due to a desire for rapid, lively
music, and partly it is a concession to the younger people who are
familiar with the hymns in " Gospel Hymns," and like to sing them.
The new book has rapidly made its way into use in the German
churches in the United States.
The Sunday-school hymn book in general use among the German
Baptists in this country until within a few years was " Das Singvog-
elein," arranged by Philipp Bickel. A new collection, entitled
"Die Zionsklange," was published a few years ago at Cleveland by
the German Baptist Publication Society.
Rev. J. C. Grimmell has published a small collection of revival
hymns, entitled " Die Werkstimme." It is used in prayer-meetings
and at evangelistic services.
Rev. L. H. Donner, in 1877, published " Griiss-Gott," a collection
of hymns of his own composition, with music, for use in Sunday-
schools and at family devotions.
INDEX
OF
TJie first lines of the principal Symns of the Authors noticed
in this Book,
A crowd fills the court \F. W. Goadby
Afflicted saint, to Christ draw J. Fawcett
A friend there is, your voices •/. Swain
A fulness resides, J. Fawcett
Again our weekly labors end, J. Stennett
Apain unto Jesus our Savior, J. T. Roberts
A host of spirits round the B, Beddome
Ah, wretched souls, who thrive A. Steele
Ah, wretched, vile, ungrateful, A. Steele
Aid uie, O Christ, thy cross to T. Rippon
Aid me, O thou Holy E. W. Freeman
Alas, the deep deceit and W. Parkinson
Alas, what hourly dangers rise, A. Steele
Alike in happiness or woe, B. Beddome
All night in prayer Eliz. A. Needham
All seeing, gracious Lord, U. C. Graves
All those wlio seek a throne of O. Holden
Almighty Father, gracious Lord, A. Steele
Almighty God, by thee of T. V. Tymms
Almighty God, thy H. S. Washbni-n
Almighty God, before thy throne, A. Steele
Almighty lover now appear, W. A. Clarke
Almighty maker of my frame, A. Steele
Almighty Savior, here we T. Ealdwin
Almost persuaded, now to P. P. Eliss
Alone in the world, though a W. C. Buck
Amid the joyous scenes of J. M. Evans
Amid the splendors of thystate, J. Rippon
Amidst ten thousand anxious U'. Tucker
Amidst us our Beloved C. B. Spurgeon
A mother may forgetful be, A. Steele
And can my heart aspire so high, A. Steele
And did the holy and the just, A. Steele
And have I, Christ, no love to S. Stennett
And is the gospel, peace and A. Steele
And mast I part with all I B. Beddome
And now the solemn deed is S. F. Smith
And shall I sit alone. B. Beddome
And will the Lord thus A. Steele
And will the offended God S. Stennett
Angels sang the natal day, H. M. King
Another brought through S. tV. Lyna
Another Sabbath ended, T. V. Tymms
Another six days' work is done, J, Stennett
Arise my soul, with rapture S. F. Smith
Around this social board, J. Stevens
Ascend thy throne, almighty B. Beddome
As flows the rapid river, S. F. Smith
Ashamed of Christ ! my soul, J. Needham
As on the cross the Savior hung, S. Stennett
Astonished and distressed, B. Beddome
A strength thy service cannot K. Arvine
As when in silence vernal J. Rippon
At the King's table the E. G. Taylor
At the feet of Jesus, P. P. Bliss
Auspicious morning ! hail, S. F. Smith
Awake, awake, arise, J. Needham
Awake, awake the sacred song, A. Steele
Awake, my soul, awake my A. Steele
Awake, my soul, in joyful lays, S. Medley
Awake my tongue ! thy tribute J. Needham
A weak aud weary dove with J. Dowlinq
Beautiful Star, whose heavenly J. H. Betts
Before the pool a sufferer lay, B. Manly
Before thy throne, eternal King, B. Francis
Behold he comes, the glorious J. Tritton
Behold, O Lord, at thy W. C. Buck
Behold, O Lord, my days C. H. Spurgeon
Behold, O Lord, my E. W. Freeman
Behold, the day is come, B. Beddome
Behold the lep'rous Jew, S. Stennett
Behold the light in heaven, E. T. Winkler
Behold, the Prince of Peace, J. Needham,
Behold the sin atoning Lamb, J. Fawcett
Believing souls, of Christ B. Beddome
Be our joyful song today, Selina P. Pearce
Bethesdais open, the angel has F. Denison
Be thou, O Lord, my treasure, B. Beddome
Beyond the glittering, starry sky, J. Fanch
Beyond where Cedron's waters, S. F. Smith
Blessed is the man that C H. Spurgeon
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, E. Ttimey
Blessed Savior, my W. H. Geistweit
Blest be the tie that binds, J, Fawcett
Blest Comforter divine, B. Beddome
Blest is the hour when cares S. F. Smith
Blest Sabbath, day of A. M. Poind exter
Blest Savior, we thy will obey, £. Beddome
Bought with the Savior's J. B. Cook
Brethren, I have come.once more,/. Leland
Brethren, while we sojourn here, J. Swain
Bright and joyous be our lay, B. W. Provis
Bright falls the morning IF. J. Mathams
Brightly beams our Father's P. P. Bliss
Brightness of the Father's R. Robinson
Bright star of the Savior T. Brown
Buried beneath the yielding £. Beddome
Can aught beneath a power A. Steele
Can sinners hope for heaven, B. Beddome
Cast on this earth a feeble G. Francis
Change is our portion here, J. H. Evans
Children of the King of grace, J. Sieain
Children of Zion, what harp J. Bowling
Christians, if your hearts be J. Leland
Christian worship, how invit'g, L. Kneeland
Christ, who came my soul to S. D. Phelps
Closer to thy side I cling, E. G. Taylor
Come and taste along with me, J. Leland
Come, blessed Spirit, source B. Beddome
Come, dear brethren in W. Parkinson
Come, every pious heart, S. Stennett
672
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
, friends and let our S. D. Phelps
, bapi)y souls, adore the T. Jlaldwin
, lieaveiily love, inspire my A. Steele
, Holy Spirit, come, li. Beddome
, Holy Spirit, dove divine, A. Judsim
, Holy Spirit, t'loni the G. Tyers
, hunible sinners, in whose E. Jones
joui, ye saints, with heart S. Medley
, Kinj; of Rlory, come, B. Francis
, lot our souls .adore, A. Steele
. 1ft us sliuvv our love to M. Grace
, Lord, and vpiirm each A. Steele
, Lord, dwell in my bosom, J. Doioling
, Lord, in mercy come N. Colver
, O thou Kinj; of all thy A. Steele
, praying souls, rejoice, S. Medley
, saints, adore your S. P. Hill
, sinners, saith the mighty S. Stennett
Spirit, source of light, £. Beddome
, tell us your troubles, ye J. Bower
, thou desire of all thy A. Steele
, thou eternal Spirit. B. Beddome
, thou fount of every B. Bobinson
to the place of prayer, B. TurnbuU
to the Savior now, J. M. WUjncr
trembling soul, be not S. D. Phelps
, weary souls with sin A. Steele
welcome tliis new year, T. Baldwin
ye faithful, raise the
ye saints and raise
ye souls by sin afflicted,
, ye that fear the Lord,
ye that love the Savior's
J. Hupton
J. Hupton
J. Swain
S. Stennett
A. Steele
ye who bow to sovereign J. Upton
Come
Come
Come
Come;
Come,
Come,
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come,
Come
Coiup,
Come,
Come,
Come,
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come
Come.
Come,
Dark was the hour, when Jesus J. Tupper
Deal kindly with my Master, K. G. I'aylor
Dearest of names, our Lord, our S. Medley
Dear Father, to thy mercy seat, A. Steele
Dear Lord, and shall thy Spirit A. Steele
Dear Lord, and will thy pardon'g J. Fellows
Dear Lord, how bitter is the B. Beddome
Dear refuge of my weary soul, A. Steele
Dear Savior, hear our prayer, J. M. Heices
Dear Savior, prostrate at thy ,S'. Stennett
Dear Savior, when my thoughts A. Steele
Death is no more a friglitfuT JF. W. Home
Deep are the wounds which sin A. Steele
Deluded souls ! who thinlv to J. Needhani
Depraved minds on ashes feed, J. Fawcett
Descend, celestial Dove, J. Felloios
Desponding soul, O cease T. U. Walter
Did Christ o'er sinners weep, B. Beddome
Did Jesus weep for me, S, D. Phelps
Dost thou my profit seek, B. Beddome
Down to the sacred wave, S. F. Smith
Draw near, O God, to me, C. C. Luther
Draw near, ye saints, with W. W. Home
Enslaved by sin and bound in A. Steele
Enter, Jesus bids tliee welcome, S. Dyer
Eternal (Jod, almighty A. M. Poindexter
Eternal Power, Almighty God, A. Steele
Eternal source of every good, B. Beddome
Eternal Sovereign of the skies, ./. Deacon
Eternal Spirit, heavenly dove, B. Beddome
Eternity is just at hand, A. Steele
Europe, speak the mighty name, J. Lawson
Ever gracious, loving Siivior, L. Marshall
Expand my soul, arise and sing, IK Tucker
Eye hath not seen, O human Clara B. Heath
Faint not Christian, though J. H. Eoans
Faith ad<ls new cluirms to D. Turner
Faith is of endless life A. M. Poindexter
Faith — 'tis a precious grace, Ji. Beddome
Far from those narrow scenes of • A. Steele
Far off beyond the sea I love, A. D. Gillette
Father, at thy call I come, »S. Stennett
Father, from thy throne S. D. Phelps
Father, gathered round H. S. Washburn
Father, of a race divine, J. H. Evans
Father of all, before thy J. //. Hinton
Father of mercies, bow thine B. Beddome
Father of mercies, condescend, J. Lawson
Father of mercies, God of love, S. Medley
Father of mercies, in thy word, A. Steele
Father, we bless the gentle <S'. S. Cutting
Father, whate'er of earthly bliss, A. Steele
Father, who givest us now the M. F. Heam
Fight we must, but shoula uot «/. Sivain
Fly, ye sinners, to your B. Burnham
Follow the paths of Jesus. C. B. Blackall
For the promise of the Georgia' L. Heath
Forward, brave men to the F. Denison
Fountain of mercy, God of A. Flowerdeto
Fountain of truth, and grace, J. Laivson
Free grace to every heaven-born J. Dracup
Friend of sinners, hear //. L. Morehouse
Friends for whom a Savior J. N. Bro%on
From every earthly pleasure, E. Davis
From the riven rock there G. C. Needham,
From thy/dear, pierced side, B. Beddome
From whence doth this union T. Baldwin
From yonder rocky mountains, C. Thurber
Gird thy sword on, mighty J. Byland
Glad was my soul when the F. M. Lamb
Gladsome we hail this day's D. Burns
Glory to God, whose spirit B. W. Noel
Glory to God, who reigns J. Needham
Glcry to the eternal King, B. Francis
God ill the gospel of his Son, B. Beddome
God is the fountain whence B. Beddome
God of my life, my morning song, A. Steele
God of the seas, whose rulnig B. Manly
God of the sunlight Mrs. M. G. Saffery
God of the world, near and S. S. Cutting
God with us, O glorious name, B. Manly
God's holy law transgressed, B. Beddome
(io forth, ye saints, behold B. Beddome
Go preach the blest salvation, S. Dyer
G), speak of the sainted dead, J. N. Brown
Go, teach the nations and J. Felloios
Go to the mercy seat, J. Dowling
Gracious Lord, hast thou Ifi. C. Buck
Gracious Savior, we adore S. S. Cutting
Grander than ocean's story, W. F. Shenvin
Great Foimt of Kings! E. Cushman
Great God, amid the darksome S. Stennett
Great God,at thy command, J. //. liana ford
Great God, avow this house thine J. Tyers
Great God, my Maker and my B. Beddome
Great God! now condescend, J. Fellows
Great God of providence ! thy B. Beddome
Great God, oppr ssed with B. Beddome
Great God, one thought of thee, W. C. Buck
Great God ! this sacred day of A. Steele
Great God! to thee my evening A. Steele
Great God, we in thy courts J. Felloios
Great God, whose hosts of S. Stennett
Great God! where'er we iiitch T. Bippon
Great is our guilt, our fears, A. Steele
Great King of glory, come, B. Francis
Great King of kings and Lord S. P. Hill
Great Kedeemer, let thy E. Cushman
Great Ruler of the earth and A. Steele
Great Shepherd of thine W. Parkinson
Great 'Source of boundless power A. Steele
Great Source of uncreated light, H. Paice
Green the hillside ever fair, S. S. Cutting
Hall not the Lord, my soul may .7. Byland
Hail brethren, wliile together ,S'. W. Lynd
Hail, pr'cions book divine, J. Marshman
Hail ! mighty Jesus, how divine, B. Wallin
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
673
Hail, sweetest, dearest tie tliat A. Sutton
Hallelujah, praise the L:>rd. £. R. Trestrail
Happy bejond description he, J. Xeedham
Happy, forever happy he, B. Beddome
Happy the man whose cautious /. Needham
Happy tlie man whose Lliss G. Timms
Hark, how the f^ospel trumpets .S. Slcdley
Hark, sinner, hark, Go i speaks IF. Hague
Hark, sinner, while God trom J. li. Hague
Hark, the angel hosts are F. Johnson
Hark, the cry is wafted onward, A. Kenyan
Hark, the risin:^ anthem M. Drayman
Hark, the voice of injured E. Cushman
Hark ! the voice of love and B. Francis
Hark, 'tis the oie creative M. Br ay man
Hark, 'tis the song of heaven, J. T. Wigncr
Hark, what cry arrests my ear, A. Suttnn
Hark, what melodious sounds II. S. James
Hastennig on to death's dark 11. S. James
Hast thou said exalted Jesus, J. E. Giles
Have you found the Savior E. W. Freeman
Head of the church and Lord of J. Tritton
Head of the church, to A. M. Poindexter
H.'ar, gracious God, a sinner's S. Medley
Hear, gracious God, my humble A. Steele
Hear, O my God, with pity hear, A. Steele
He comes! he comes! to judge S. Stennett
He leadeth me, O blessed J. H. Gilmore
He lives, tiie great Redeemer A. Steele
He rose, O morn of wonder, T. Brown
Heirs of unendinij life, B. Beddome
Help me, my Lord, to grow, A. S. Phelps
Help thy servant, pracious A. Broaddus
Here at thy table, Lord, we S. Stennett
Here, Lord, my soul convicted J. Rippon
Here, Lord, relieved, 1 bow in M. Belles
Here. O ye ifaithful, see, C. H. Spurgeon
His sacred head, the Holy A. M. Poindexter
Ho, all ye sons of sin and woe, J. L. Holmnn
Ho, my comrades, see the signal, P. P. Bliss
Ho, ye who thirst a living foimt,/. Russell
Holy and reverend is the name, J. N'eedhnm
Holy Bible, book divine, J. Burton
Holy Bible, choicest treasure, D. Benedict
Holy, holy, holy Lord, B. Manly
Holy, holy, holy Lord, self J. Ryland
Holy Lord, lend now thine J. M. Hewes
Holy spirit, at this hour, J. J^. Folioell
Holy spirit, hear us, JV. H. Parker
Holy wonder, heavenly grace, D. Turner
How arduous is the pre icher's J. Leland
How blest is he, how truly wise, A. Steele
How blest the hour when fa-st ,S'. F. Smith
How calmly wakes the hallow'd S. F. Smi'h
How charming is the place, S. Stennett
How did the powers of darkness J. Fawcett
How far beyond our mortal A. Steele
How tirm a foundation C Keith, R. KeeHe{?)
How free and boundless is B. Beddome
How great, how solemn is the, B. Beddome
How great the wisdom, power, B. Beddome
How helpless guilty nature lies, A. Steele
How long, great God, shall, W. Parkinson
How long and tedious are, }V. Parkinson
How long shall earth's alluring, A. Steele
How lovely, how divinely sweet, A. Steele
How lovely the emblem of faith, E. Turney
How oft, alas, this wretched, A. Steele
How precious is the book, J. Fawcett
How sadly flow the waters, R. S. James
How shall tlie sons of men, S. Stennett
How sinks my heart in death's, A G. Palmer
How soft the wortls my Savior, S. Stennett
How sweet, how heavenly is the, /. Swain
How sweet is the Sabbath, how, L. B. Allen
How sweet when worn with, iV^. Sutler
How various and how new, S. Stennett
Humble souls, who seek J. Fawcett
I am s> glad my Father in P. P. IJIiss
I am the Lord's, and he Annie S. H tivks
I am the Lord's, I bear Eliz. A. X^'edham
If Christ is mine, then all is B. Beddome
If God is mine, then present B. Beddome
L.' I must die, oh, let me die, B. Beddome
If secret fraud should dwell, B. Beddome
If there's a time completely A. G. Palmer
1 know that my redeemer lives, S. Medley
I my tbenezer raise, /. Fawcett
I need thee every liour, Annie S. Haicks
I need thee, O my God. W. F. Sherwin
lu all my Lord's appointed ways, J. Ryland
In doubt's dim twilight here /<. Manly
In duty and in suffermg too, B. Beddome
In expectatiou sweet, J. Swain
la Jordan's tide the Baptist J. Fellows
In life's joyous morning, while G. B. Ide
In loud exalted strains, B. Francis
In mounts of danger and of J. Franklin
In sins howling waste my poor J. Mercer
In songs of sublime G. Keith, R. Kcene (?)
In sweet exalted strains, B. Francis
In that far distant land, C. Swift
In the floods of tribulation, S. Pearce
In this dark and evil day, E. Pledge
In this lone hour of deep W. L. Dennis
In thy temple, God E. W. Freeman
In vain I trace creation o'er, A. Steele
In vain the giddy world S. Stennett
In vain my roving thoughts A. Steele
In vain the world's alluring A. Steele
In Zion's rock abiding, P..P. Illiss
Indulgent God, to thee I raise, T. Coles
Infinite excellence is thine, J. Fawcett
I set myself against the Lord, J. Leland
I stand, but not where once G. C. Xeedham,
I stand on Zion's mount, J. Swain
I will exalt thee, Lord of C. //. Sjmrgeon
I will sing of my Redeemer, P. P. Bliss
Jerusalem, dear land Eliz. A. Xeedham
Jesus, and didst thou leave the, A. Steele
Jesus and shall it ever be, J. Grigrj
Jesus Christ, our precious L. Mar hall
Jesus, delightful, charming Jl. Beddome
Jesus demands this heart of mine,^. Steele
Jesus! engrave it on my heart, S. Jfedley
Jesus, full of all compassion, I). Turner
Jesus hear me when I pray, A. Kenyan
Jesus, in thy transporting name, A. Steele
Jesus is our great salvation. J. Adams
Jesus, I thee believe, H. Buttericorth
Jesus, mighty King in Zion, J. Fellotcs
Jesus, my Lord, I own thee God, B. Manly
Jesus, my Lord, my God, S. T. Rand
Jesus, my Lord, my life, my all, .S'. Medley
Jesus,mylove my chief delight B. Beddome
Jesus, my Savior and my God, .s'. Stennett
Jesus, my Savior! bind me fast, B. Beddome
Jesus, my Savior, let me he, B. Beddome
Jesus! O word divinely sw^et, J. Stenne't
Jesus only would I see, E. Pledge
Jesus, poorest of the poor, C. H. Spurgeon
Jesus, Savior, thou dost Caroline Dent
Jesns, the heavenly lover, give. /. Fawcett
Jesus, thou alone canst save. W. IF. Home
Jesus, the spring of j ys divine. A. Steele
Jesus, thou art tlie sinner's 7?. Burnham
Jesus, thou source divine, A. Steele
Jesus, we own thy sovereign J. B. Cook
Jesus wept on Oiivet, E. Pledge
Jesus, when faith with fixed B. Beddome
Kind are the words that Jesus J. Xeedham
674
INDEX OF FIRST LIXES.
Lead me, 0 thou precious Z>. H. Lloyd e
Let avarice from sliore to shore, J. SttnuM
Let every creature join, A, Steele
Let every heart rejoice H. S. Washbuiii
Let party names no more, B. Bed dome
Let plenteous jrrace descend Jas. Newton
Let the most blessed he my J. Bunyan
Let us sing; the Kinf? Messiah, J Ryland
Let worldly men, t'roui shore J. Stennett
Life is a span, a fleeting liour, A. Steele
Lo, a loving friend is waiting, J.M. Wigner
Lo! now with joy we enter, J. Compston
Lo, on a mount that Burma li. IF. Cushman
Lo, the day of God is W. F. Sfierioin
Lou;; with doubts and fears If. Parkinson
Look above — the skies are C. T. Dayton
Look up, my soul, with cheerful A. Steele
Look up, ye saints, direct your J. Needham
Lord, at thy table I behold, J. Stennett
Lord (rod of our salvation, J. Tritton
Lord, hast thou made me know J. Faivcett
Lord, how mysterious are thy A. Steele
Lord, how shall wretched sinners A. Steele
Lord, I delight in thee, J. Itt/land
Lord, I deserve thy deepest wrath, /i. Manly
Lord, I read of tender mercy, T. V. Tymms
Lord, I would dwell with C. H. Spurgeon
Lord, in huml>le sweet Jl. T. Daniel
Lord in thy churches ever dwell, C. Cole
Lord, in thy great, thy A. Steele
Lord, in thy presence here we J. L. Hohnan
Lord in the temples of thy grace, A.Steele
Lord, let ine live for thee. Annie S. Hawks
Lord, i-ord, my heart K. T. Winkler
Lord, make my conversation C. H. Spurgeon
Lord of every land and nation, 11. llobinsov,
Lord of my life! O may thy A. Steele
Lord of Hosts, how lovely fair, D. Twner
Lord, teach a little child to pray, J. By land
Lord, thou hast been thy children's A.Steele
Lord, thy church, without a C. H. Spurgeon
Lord, we adore thy boundless A. Steele
Lord, we early come to meet thee, G. B. Ide
Lord, what thy providence A. Steele
Lord, when I reail the traitor's J. Byland
Lo"d, when my thoughts, A. Steele
Lord, when our raptured thought A. Steele
Lonl, with a grieved and B. Beddome
Lost one, wandering on in J. M. Wigner
Majestic sweetness sits enthroned, .§.,9^ejMie/<
Make haste, O God, my soul C. H. Spurgeon
Make us by thy transforming, A. Steele
Maker of land and rolling sea, D. C. Eddy
Meekly in Jordan's holy stream, .*>. F. Smith
Men of God, be up and doing, B. Grace
'Mid scenes of coii fusion and Z>. Dcnham
Mighty God, while angels bless B. Bobinson
Mighty Lord, all lords Georgiana L. Htath
'Mong all the priests of Jewish S. Stennett
Morn awakes and woodlands T. Oondby
Mortals awa'ce, with angels join, S. Medley
Most gracious to fulfil thy word..S'. F. Smith
Mother, has the dove that E. C. Judson
Must I go, and empty handed, C. C. Luther
My blessed Savior, is thy love, J. Stennett
My captain so'uids the alarm of <S'. Stennett
My Christ an friends in bonds of J, Blam
My country, 'tis of thee, S. F Smith
My Father, O my Father hear, J. H. Evans
My friends, tlie parting hour is /. N. Brovni
My God, my Father! blissful name,vJ. Steele
My (Joil, oh could I make thee, A Steele
My God, 'tis to tliy meit-y-seat, A. Steele
My gracious Redeemer I love, B. Francis
My heart, (Xiod, be wholly W. J. Mat hams
My heart is pierced with S. S. Burdett
My hope is built on nothing less, E. Mote
My Maker and my King, A. Steele
My rising soul, with strong B. Beddome
My sin is great, my strength is B. F. Colby
My soul shall wait upon the M. H. Hawley
My soul, the Lord adore, »S'. P. Hill
My times of sorrow and of joy, B. Beddome
My tremblilig soul to Jesus J. H. Gilmore
Nearer home, oh blessed C. C. Luther
Nearer, O Christ, to thee, C. H. Bowe
Night her solemTi mantle spread8,.S^.i''.,S'OTi<A
No more, dear Savior, will I S. Stennett
No mortal ties can be W. Parkinson
No night in heaven, eternal T. L. Bailey
No night shall be in heaven, no G. Bobins
No one knows but Jesus, ir. //. Doane
No room in thy heai t, H. L. Morehouse
No tie so strong or sweet B. W. Provis
Not all the nobles of the earth, .S'. Stennett
Now begin the heavenly J. Langford (?)
Now faintly smile day's hasty A. Steele
Now far above these starry D. Turner
Now I know the great R. Burnham
Now I resolve with all my A. Steele
Now in song of grateful praise, S. Medley
Now in this consecrated E. T. Winkler
Now let the slumbering chord J. Byland
Now let us raise one last G. W. Anderson
Now let us raise our cheerful A. Steele
Now the Savior stands a pleading,/. Leland
O be not angry. Lord, H. Paice
O blessed Savior, is thy love, J. Stennett
O charge the waves to bear our W. Ward
O church of Christ, our H. Butterworth
O could I find from day to day,/?. Cleavland
O'er Columbia's widespread D. Benedict
Oft have I turned my eye S. Stennett
O Father, Lord of earth J. W. Willmarth
O for a sweet, inspiring ray, A. Steele
O gracious God, in whom I live, A. Steele
O glorious God, eternal and J. B. Mulford
O God, my helper ever near, J: Fawcett
O God, the prayer of thy Mrs. S. A. Collins
O God, the refuge of my soul, A. Steele
O God, thou hast cast off thy C. H. Spurgeon
O God, through countless J. D. Knowles
O God, who art through all the T. Goadby
O happy service that invites, W. C. Richards
Oh! could I speak the niatctiless S. Medley
Oh ! could our thoughts and A. Steele
Oh, for a stainless record, A. A. Bennett
Oh ! for a sweet inspiring ray, A. Steele
Oh! for the death of those, S. F. Smith
Oh! how divine, how sweet J. Needham
Oh, love divine, oh matchless E. Turney
Oh! may my heart l>y grace J. Fawcett
Oh, not my own these verdant S. F. Smith
Oh ! what amazini;- words of S. Medley
O Jesus, blessed Jesus, J. T. Roberts
O Jesus, meek and lowly, J. F. Smythe
O let our thoughts and wishes A. Steele
O Lord and will thy pardoning .7. Fellows
O Lord, awakened liythy Jlnttic .U. Conrey
O Lord, I would delight in thee, J. Ryland
O Lord, if in the book oi life, B. Beddome
O Lord of glory be my light, T. V. Tijmms
O Lord, our Strength and F. H. lihbarts
() Loril, revive thy work, J. T. Wiqner
O Lord, tlioii art my Lord, B. Beddome
O Lord, thy perfect word, B. Beddome
O Lord, thy tender mercy hears, A. Steele
O Love beyond conception great, IF. Tucker
O my soul is cast down, J. Dowting
<) my soul, what means this J. Faivcett
On liritain, long a favored isle,iJ. Beddome
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
675
On Jordan's stormy banks I ,S. Stennett
On the banks beyond the i iver, L. liaxtei-
On the wings of faith uprising, J. ,Sicaiii
Once I was estranged from J. H. Hinion
Once more dear God of grace, W. Gachby
Once more we leave the busy J. L'uu/ley
One sole baptismal sign, Jl. Robinson
Onward herald of the G. W. Anderson
Onward speed thy conquering ,S'. F. Smith
O our Redeemer God, A. M. Poindexter
O Savior, I am blind, S. S. Cutting
O shall I wear a starless crown, L. Baxter
O shout for the day of the W. C. Buck
O sinful soul, what hast thou J. /?. Hague
O sinner, canst thou yet defer, J. B. Hague
O sinner idly dreaming, E. T. Winkler
O sinner, the Savior is W. F. Siienoin
O sinner, why so thoughtless J. Bippon
O sinners, to the Savior go, W. Dossey
O Spirit of the Lord, J. B. Hague
O Spirit stay, fly not away, A. J. Rowland
O that like Mary I Sarah B. Thresher
O thou, in whose presence my J. Sxcain
O thou most holy Oie, E. Pledge
O thou my soul, forget no Krishnu Pal
O thou that hearest let our J. H. Hinton
O thou that hearest prayer, J. Burton
O thou who once in J ordan's T. B. Ripley
O thou whose hand has F. IV. Goad by
O thou whose tender mercy A. Steele
O thou whose wisdom gives /?. JF. Cushman
O thou with whom a >/'. C Wilkinson
O wliat iunazing words of grace, S. Medley
O when the tear is gushing, G. B. Ide
O who can comprehend tlie S. Deacon
O why, ye redeemed, should R. W. Cushman
Our country's voice is M. F. Anderson
Our Father, God, who art in A. Judson
Our fathers Friend and God F. W, Goadby
Our few revolving years, B. Beddome
Our God invites the wanderers B. Manly
Our hearts have heard, O C'. H. Spurqeon
Our hymn of thanks we sing S. S. All sop
Our land with mercies E. T. Winkler
Our Savior bowed beneath the A. Judson
Our si"8 on Christ were laid, J. Fawcett
Out of the depths of doubt and </. Ryland
Parched by the noontide heat, G. B. Ide
Peri.<.it me, Lord, to seek thy A. Steele
Pilgrims we are and strangers, J. Burton
Planted in Christ the living S. F. Smith
Praise the Lord, with C. H. Spurgeon
Praise the Redeemer, almighty W. Groser
Praise the Savior, all ye nations, B. Francis
Praise to thee, the great Creator, J. Fawcett
Praise ye the Lord, his praise J. H. Etjans
Praise ye the Lord, let praise, A. Steele
Prayer is the breath of God in B. Beddome
Precious Savior, dearest W. H, Doane
Prince of Life, enthroned In T. Goadby
Proclaim, saith Christ, my James Netcton
Proclaim the lofty praise, S. B. Judson
Prophetic era, blissful day, E. Steane
Prostrate at Jesus' Jeet behold O. B. Ide
Prostrate, dear Jesus, at thy S. Stennett
Rejoice, the Savior reigns, J. Ryland
Kejoice ye saints, rejoice and J. H. Evans
Religion is the chief concern J. Fawcett
Remember thy Creator, W. L. Dennis
Remember thy Creator, S. F. Smith
Repeat the story o'er and o'er. P. P. Bliss
Repent, repent, the liaptist cries, J. B. Cook
Restless thy sjiirit. poor A. Broaddus
Return my soul, enjoy the rest, J. Stennett
Ride forth, victorious" Prince of R. Grace
Ring out your pure liosannas, T. Brown
Rise,0 my soul,pursue the path,/. Needham
Risen Lord, thou hast rec'd, C. H. Spurgeon
Rouse ye at the Savior's call , E. W. Freeman
Ruler of worlds, display thy B. H. Draper
Saints, obey your Loril's S. S. Burdett
Savior, like a bird to thee W. H. Doane
Savior, source of every bless'g, R. Uobinson
Savior, thy dying love, S. D. Phelps
Savior, we seek the watery Maria G. Sajf'ery
Savior, who from the chosen spot,./. Tritton
Savior, while my heart is teu'ier, J. Burton
Say not, O wounded heart, W. P. Balfern
5-ee a poor sinner, dearest Lord, .S'. Medley
See, gracious God, before thy A. Steele
See, Jesus stands with open arms, A. Steele
See how the fruitless fig-tree J. Harbotile
See how the willing converts J. Stennett
See th.at ship, her sails now T. Baldwin
Send.O send. the glorious gos'l,C. T. Dayton
Send thy blessing. Lord, we A. Broaddus
Shall Je-iius descend from the D. Turner
Should bounteous Nature kindly S. Stennett
Shout, for the blesse<l Jesus li. Beddome
Sinner, why so idly standing, J. B. Mulford
Sinners are bending, U. Turnbull
Sinners, the voice of God J. Faiccett
Sinners, y(ni are now addressed,!^. Fountain
Sing O heavens, and earth H. M. King
Sing to the Lord, whose W. W. Home
.Sing to tlie Lord with heart and J. Tritton
Sing, ye saints, adm re and J. Rylo'iul
Sister, thou wast mild and S. F. Smith
Sleep on, but not forever, R. Grace
So fades the lovely blooming A. Steele
So fair a face bedewed with B. Beddome
Softly fades the twilight ray, S. P\ Smith
Soldiers of Christ, in truth B. Manly
Son of God, for thee we Eliz. A. Needham
Sons of day, arise from i'. D. Phelps
Source of eternal joys divine, A. Steele
Sovereign grace, o'er sin W. W. Home
Sovereign of all the worlds R. Funnan
Sovereign of worlds, display £, II. Draper
Sovereign Ruler of the skies, J. Ri/land
Spirit of glory and of grace, J. Tritton
Spirit of holiiiess, descend, S. F. Smith
Spirit! no restless wing, S. S. Cutting
Spirit of peace and holiness S. F. Smith
Sprinkleu with reconciling B. Beddome
Stern winter throws his icy chains, A. Steele
Strait the gate, the way is tf. Beddome
Stretched on the cross, tlie Savior A. Steele
Sure,the blessed Comforter is nigh, .J. Steele
Sweet day of rest with pure .S'. ,S'. Burdett
Sweet is the hour of pmyer, S. I). Phelps
Sweet Sabbath School, more C. R. Blackall
Sweetly the holy hymn, C. H. Spurgeon
Take the name of Jesus with yon,Z. Baxter
Tell us, ye servants of the W. Staughton
Thanks to tliy name. O Lord, that J. Dracup
The blessed Spirit, like the B. Beddome
The counsels of le 'eeming grace, ,S'. Stennett
The darkness now is o'er, Em,ma Trmiey
The day of praise is done, A. Steele
The day of wrath ! That day W. S. McKenzie
The day is past and gone, J. Leland
The foes of Zion quake for C. H. Spurgeon
The God of grace delights to W. W. Home
The God of love will sure A. Steele
The Golden Land is shining, E. H. Jackson
The great Redeemer we adore, J. Stennett
The happy mom has dawned E. G. Taylor
The holy eunuch, when bapt'd, B. Beddome
The Holy Ghost is here, C. H. Spurgeon
The icy ijhains that bound the J. Needham
The liiugs of earth are in C. U. Spurgeon
676
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
The Lord, he is our Sun and S. Reach
The Lord, the God of };lory, A. Steele
The nia I of sorrows now we J. II. Erans
The mighty HoA will not D. Heddome
Tlie mind was formed to mount, A. Steele
The mornuig: llirlit is breaking, S. /'\ Smith
The Prince of salvation in S. F. Smith
The sacred day of rest, J. M. D. Cafes
The Savior calls — let every ear, A. Steele
The Savior lives, no more to die, 5. Medley
The Savior, oh what endless A. Steele
The soldier keejis his wakeful N". Barnahy
The solemn service now is done,.S'. F. Smith
The sun an<l stars may cease to T. Hrnirn
The sun, that lii^lits yon broad.-l/'. A. Collier
The time will surely come, H T. Daniel
The truth of God shall still B. Keddome
The wandering star, and fleet'g B. Beddome
The weary dove in search of rest,J. Dowling
The wondering nations have A. Steele
There is a Friend, who 's JF. L. Dennis
There is agate that stands ajar, L. Baxter
There is a God ! all nature A. Steele
Th re is a heaven of perfect bliss, E. Daris
There is a hope, a blessed liope,i/. H Ilaw'ey
There is a land mine eye hath G. nob<Hs
There is a light which fthines from H. Manly
There is a little lonely fold. M. O. Safftry
There is a place of sacred rest, li. TurnbulL
There is a world of perfect bliss, B. Bcddnme
There's not a bird with lonely B. W. Noel
They are gathering homew'd MaryE. Leslie
Tliey who seek a throne of grace, O. Holden
They all have met in heaven at last.G. B. Ide
Thine oath, anl promise, E. turnham
Thiuk, O my s ml, the dreadful J. Leland
This is thine earthly temple, C. T. Dayton
This morning let my praise It. T. Daniel
This rite our blest Redeemer 5. D. Phelps
This world would be a K. Heddome
Thou hast said, exalted Jesus, J. E. Giles
Thou Lord of all above, B. Beddome
Thou lovely source ot true delight,.-!. Steele
Thou only centre of my rest, A. Steele
Thou only sovereign of my heart, A. Steele
Thou refuge of my weary soul, A. Steele
Thou sacred Spirit heav'idy dove,/. />. Cook
Thou whose dwelling place so J. Clement
Through nature's temple, large J. Slatter
Through uuuiy climes, o'er many G. B. Ide
Thus far ray God hath led me on",/. Fnwcett
Thus it became the Prince of /. Norman
Thus was the great Redeemer S. Stennett
Thus we commemorate the day, /. Stennett
Thy gracious presence, O my A. Steele
Thy life I read, my dearest Lord,S. Stennett
Thy people. Lord, we meet. It. Grace
Thy presence, gracious God, /. Fan^Cftt
Thy strength, O Lord, makes C. H. Spiiryeon
Thy way, O God, is on the sea, /. Faircett
Time is winging us away, /. burton
'Tis done — tli' important act is S. F. Smith
'Tis faith supports my feeble B. Beddome
'Tis faith that lays tlie sinner B. Bfddome
'Tis finished, so the Savior cried, .S. Stennett
'Tistirstof all thyself to know, T. Baldwin
'Tis Iieaven begun below, /. Swain
Tis sweet in the trials of J. W. Smith
'Tis sweet to know when M. Brayman
'Tis sweet when morning )/'. A. Smith
'Tis the great Father we Maria G. SaflWy
' Tis the promise of (Jod, full P. P. Bliss
To Christ, the Lord, let every S. Stennett
To earth descend, O Holy E. T. Winkler
To God, my Savior and my King,.**'. Stennftt
To (iod the universal King, S. Stennett
To Jesus now my taitht'ul heart, S, tV.Lynd
To Jesus, our exalted Lord, A. Steele
To Jorda.i's stream the Savior S. Deacon
To our Redeemer's glorious name, .1. Steelf
To praise the ever bounteous /. Needhain
To the ark away, or perish, G. B. Id\
To thee, Almighty God, we bring, A. Steela
To thee, O Lord, belongs SaraJt /;. Thresher
To thee this temple we devote, </. li. Scott
Today the Savior calls, S. F. Smith
Triumphant Christ ascends on A. Steele
Unto him, unto him, who is /. N. Breton
LTnto our God on Judah's hill, M. lirayman
Up to thy throne, O God of love, J. B. Cook
Wait, O my soul, thy Maker's B. Beddome
AVandering pilgrims, mourning /. Leland
Weep for the lost! the Savior N. Colter
Weeping will not save me, R. Lowry
Welcome days of solemn meet'g,.?. F. Smith
Welcome, this happy hour, in /. DowVmr/
AVhat S'^enes of horror and of /. Faivceit
What though the clouds Ilattie M. Conrey
What wisdom, majesty ami S. Stennett
WhenAbram's servant to procure,/. It y land
When hloomingyouth is snatched^. Steele
When by the tempter's wiles B. Beddome
When Christ, tli' incarnate E. W. Freeman
When, faint and weary, toiling, <S'. Dyer
When fainting in the sultry waste, A. Steele
AVhen first the God of boundless S Stennett
When floating on life's Lucij S. Dougherty
AVhen God revealed his grand /. Leland
AVhen I survey life's varied scene, A. Steele
When Israel through the desert B. Beddome
AVhen musing sorrow weeps theiJ. W, Noel
AVhen o'er our laud hung S. D. Phelps
AVhen sins and fears prevailing A. Steele
AVhen some kind sheplierd from /. Need ham
AVhen sorrows round us roll, B. Beddome
When the Lord from heav'u Q. C. Needham
AVhen the mountains of sin J, B. Smith
AVhen the Savior awelt below, /. Byland
AVhen thickly beat the storms of G. liobins
AVhen thy mortal life is fled, S. F. Smith
AVhen verdure clothes the fertile A. Steele
AVhen wandering through H. S. }f'((Khbuni
AAMien wearied with the long ('. W. Ray
Where art thou soul ? I hear A. J. Gordon
Where is my God? does he retire? ^. Steele
AVhere two or three, with sweet S. Stennett
Where'er the angry passions, A. Steele
AVhile beauty clothes the fertile A. Steele
While carnal men, with all B. Beddome
AVhile in the howling shades of J. Lawson
AVhile in ihis sacred i-ite of S. F. Smith
AVhile my Kedeeraer's near, A. Steele
AVhile on life's stormy sea, S. D. Phelps
AVhile othi rs strive and hope, A. Steele
While through this A. M. Poind exter
AVhile verdant bill andblooming A. Steele
AVIiither can a sinner flee, W. Groser
AVho can forbear to sing, J. Swain
AV'ho shall condenm to endless B. Beddome
Why fix thy love on shadows, G. B. Ide
AVhy, O my soul, why weepest B. Beddome
Why should a living man S. Stennett
AVhy sinks my weak desponding A. Steele
AVine is a mocker, so the word, S. W. Lynd
AVith broken heart and contrite C. Eiven
AVith uratitude, () gracious A. J. Rotvland
With hunililc heart and tongue, /. Fawcett
AVith melting heart and weeping/. Fawcett
AVith my substance 1 will honor, B. Francis
AVith tears of anguish I lament, i\ Stennett
AVith thee. Great (iod, the stores D. Turner
AVith willing hearts wo tread, S. F. Smith
Witness ye lueu and angels B. Beddome
INDEX OF NAMES.
677
Ye angels, bless the Lord, B. Beddome
Ye Christian heroes go B. U. Draptr
Ye daughters of Zioti! declare, J. Swain
Ye eartlily vanities, depart A. Steele
Ye heavy-laden souls, S. Deacon
Ye humble souls, complain no A. Steele
Ye glittering toys of earth, adieu, A. Steele
Ye luimlile souls, approach your A. Steele
Ye men and angels witness B. Beddome
Ye sons of God awake to W. Staughton
Ye trembling souls, dismiss B. Beddome
Ye worlds of light, that roll so B. Bedilome
Ye wretched, hungry, starving A. Steele
Yes, I would love thee, blessed D. Turner
Yes, my native land I love thee,.S. F. Smith
Yes, she is gone, but do not Af. F. Anderson
Yonder— amazing sight! I see, S. Stennett
Zion, a mourner long.
B. Beddome
INDEX OF NAMES.
[The • is used to indicate the page on
100*
638
Adams, John,
Ainsworth, Henry,
Alden, Xoah,
Aldrich, J.,
A 1 ford. Dean,
Allen, Lorenzo B.,
Allen, Thoiuits,
Allen, William,
Allison Jiurgis,
Allsop, S. S.,
Anderson, George W.,
Anderson, J. S.,
Anderson, Maria Frances,
Anderson, Thomas D.,
Andrews, Emerson,
Armitage, Thomas,
Armstrong, G.,
Armstrong. Mis. H. M.,
Armstrong, W. F.,
Arthur, James H.,
Arvine, Kazlitt,
Ash, John,
Ashmore, W.,
Asplund, John,
Babcock, Rufus, jr.,
Backus, Isaac,
Bailey, G. S.,
Bailey, John,
Bailey, Rosa A.,
Bailey, Thomas L.,
Baldwin, Thomas,
Balfern, W. P.,
Banks, C. H.,
Banvard, Joseph,
Barchet, S. P.,
Barker, Luke,
Barnaby, IS.,
Barrows, B. W.,
Bartow, Theodosius,
Bates, G. J).,
Batt, W. J.,
Baxter, John C,
Baxter, Lydia,
Bayley, John,
Beck, Dr. Josef,
Beddome, Benjamin,
Beddome, John,
Beeman, Anna,
Belcher, Joseph,
174, 175
Benedict, David,
Bennett, A. A.,
Bennett, Cephas,
Beutley, W. H.,
229
386, G61
146
355*
597, 598
355
041
190*
389,* 403
136
403*
493
CG3*
495, 665
668
605
603
620
408*
39, 65, 629
613
96, 643
651
640
263
633
598
419*
226,* 280, 288
183*
623, 624
279, 301, 657,* 660
615
651
196*
517
326
587
477
338
338*
156
7
49,* 102, 139. 637
41,49
224, 641
53,59,65, 73, 80, 83, 118,
254,* 048
322, 516,* 618, 619
598
622
which biographical details are found.]
Betts, John H., jgi*
Bickel, Philipp, 539,* 544 545, 670
Bmder, Carius, 7*
Bird, F. M., 236. »82 644
Blackall, C. R., '4^*
Blain, John, 28'>*
Blaurer, Thomas, fg
Blaurock, George, 17*
Bliss, Philip P., 480,488*
Boardman, George Dana sr., 303
Boardman, George Dana, 439*
Bodenbender, Conrad, 540*
"oj'es, Lucius, 803, 312
Bolles, Matthew, 238*
Booth, Abrahiun, 140
Bower, Jacob, 26'>*
Bradbury, \Vm. B., 429, 473, 662
Bradford, John, 114
Brantley, William T., 651
Bray man, Mason, 263, 273 36''*
Br.ayton, D. L., ' 5^7
Bridgman, C. D'W., 666*
Briggs, George ]Sr., 400
Bright, Edward, 394
Broaddus, Amlrew, 234, 245,* 649, 654
Broadus, J. A., 343
Bronson, Miles, gn
Brown, John Newton, 298*
Brown, Nathan, 319,* 517, 596, 610, 618, 619
Brown, S. B., 3,;
Brown, Theron, 4g5#
Brunsdon, Daniel, 125
Bryman, IMason, gq")*
Buck, William C, 272,* 274, 363, 654
Buckley. Justus, 276
Bunker, A., 606*
Bunyan, John, 27*
Burder, J., 592
Burdett, Staunton S., 295 * 652
Burnham, Edwin. 395* 663
Burnham, Richard, 95,* 135, 630 643
Burke, J. A., 650
Burns, Dawson, J95*
Burns, Jabez, 195
Burton, John, J30*
Butler, John, 422,654*
Hutler, John W., 577
Butler, Nathaniel, 422*
Butler, Washington, 473
Butterworth, Hezekiah, 496*
Bwin, Moung Shway, 599
Byu, Ko Thah. 606
Carey .William, 68, 103, 117, 120, 123, 303,
583, 584, 585.
678
INDEX OF NAMES.
Cary, Phoebe,
425
Cabaniss, A. B.,
614
Caldicott, T. F..
301, 581
Caldwell, S. L.,
360, 664*
Cauipbell, Mrs. W. VT.,
592
Carmen, I. N.,
511
Cates, A.. B.,
666
Cates, J. M. D., 378
,* 656, 657, 6G3, 666
Chamberlain, John,
587
Cliamberlam, Mellen,
297
Chase, Irah,
287, G51
Child, J. B.,
483
Ch6k;, Fung,
C15, 616
Cher, Kah,
607
Clark, Charles,
211*
Clarke, W. Augustus,
92,* 632
Cleavland, Benjamin,
223,* 611
Clement, Je^se,
380*
Clifford, John H.,
297
Clopton, A. W.,
342
Clough, Mrs. J. E.,
592
Coburn, Louise H.,
527, 541, 543, 547
Colby Henry F.,
501*
Cole, Charles,
63,* 631
Coles, Thomas,
139*
Collier. Mary Ann,
349*
Collier, William,
349, 645*
Collins, Mis. S. A.,
445*
Colver, Nathaniel,
277,* 408
Colwell. T. M.,
521
Comber, T. ,T.,
622,* 623
Compston, John,
192*
Cornpston, Samuel,
193
Cone, Speiieor H..
327
Conrey, Harriet M.,
495*
Constant, S. S.,
544
Cook, Joseph B.,
252*
Cotes, Maria B.,
611
Cotton, John,
638
Courtney, John,
644
Cr«ne, "\Villiam,
659, 660*
Craven, Henry,
623, 624
Crawford, T. P..
614
Crawley, A. R. R.,
597
Crawley, Mrs. Laura,
598
Cretin, J. B.,
568
Cross, E. B.,
604
Crozer, John P.,
416
Cummiiigs, Ebenezer £.
652*
Gushing, J. N.,
608
Cuslnnan, Elisha,
265,* 352
Cushman, Robert W.,
292*
Cutter, Oliver T.,
(ill
Cutting S. S.,
294, 328, 357,* 634
Dagg, John,
Danforth. A. H.,
648
611
Daniel Robert T.,
248*
Das, Makunda,
589
Dass, Batiram,
611
Davis, Eliel,
173*
Davis, G. F.,
238, 649*
Day, G. E.,
668
Dayton, Caroline T.,
315*
Deacon, John,
107,* 632
Deacon, .Samuel,
93,* 107, 630
Denck, John,
9, 12. 14, 20
Denison, Frederic,
405 * 4,56
Den ham, David,
149,* 635
Dennis, W. L.,
350*
})ent, Caroline,
179*
Dhar, (!unga.
589
Dietz, H L.,
650,* 609
Dixon, H.,
622
Doane, William H., 445,
448, 455,* 663, 666,
6t)7
Doke, Shway,
600
Donner, L. H.,
669, 670
Dossey, William,
257,* 651
Dougherty, Lucy S.,
410*
Dowling, John,
173,
317,* 657
Downie, Annie H.,
591
DoTVTiie, David,
591
Dracup, John,
86*
Draper, Bourne H.,
13«*
Drumniond, Henry,
141
Dnffield. S. W.,
90, 231
Dupuy, Starke,
647*
Dyer,"Sidney,
373,* 659
Eames, John,
49
Earle, A. B.,
668
Eckman, E. P.,
561
Ediie, J. B.,
625
Eddy, Daniel C,
413
* 442, 668
Eliot, John,
638
Elven, Cornelius,
159*
Evans, Caleb, 39, 65, 67, 82, 98, lOS
, 117, 629
Evans, Hugh,
65,98
Evans, JauiPS H.,
141,* 634
Evans, John,
109
Evans, John M.,
424*
Evans, Kate F.,
597
Eveleth, F. H.
608*
Everts, W. W.,
665
Fanch, James,
36,* 40
Farwell, Nidhi Levi,
611
Fawcett, John,
79,* 12E
, 629, 637
Feddersen, J. D.,
548*
Fellows, John,
59*
Fenn A. R.,
576
Fielde, Adele M.,
613
Fish, H. C,
665
Fleischmann, C. A.,
534*
Fletcher, Alexander,
156
Flowerdew, Alice,
108*
Folwell, J. N.,
437*
Forsy'h, John,
137
Foskett, Bernard,
49
Foster, John,
104,139,140,185
Fountain, John,
120,* 583
Francis, Benjamin,
66,
* 140, 571
Fr.ancis, George,
153,* 634
Franklin, Jonathan,
111,* 632
Freeman, Enoch W.,
290,* 650
Fi'ick, Lienhart,
10
Frost, C. C,
.521
Fuller, Andrew, 103, 104
105, 117
118, 243,
586
Fuller, Richard,
611, 655,
656,* 665
Furm.an, James C,
253, 258
Furman, Richard,
233*
Gadsby, John,
59
, 100, 129
Gadsby, William,
128,
* 135, 633
Gallaher, James,
91
Geistweit, William H.,
519*
Ge >is, Benjamin L.,
597, 598
George, William,
891
(Jerok, Carl,
553
Gibbons, Thomas,
126
Gibbs, Philip,
97
frifford, Andrew,
76
Gilbert, Timothy,
278
Giles, John E.,
175*
Giles, W.,
175
Gill, John,
98. 99, 1.53
Gillett*, A. D., 294,
310, 323,
» 397, 655
Gil more, David Chandler
533
Gilmore, Joseph Henrv,
471,* 568
Glaidt, Oswald,
8
(i lover, Sanniel,
265
Goadby, Frederic W.,
218*
Goadby, Joseph,
198, 218
INDEX OF NAMES.
679
Goadby, Thomas,
198,
* 218, 637
Goddard, J. R,,
614
Gordelier, Charles,
90
Gordon, A. J.,
4S2,* 505
, 664, 665
Gough, John B.,
173
Grace, Robert,
167*
Grafton, Joseph,
312, 329
Grant, William,
125
Graves, Absalom,
261, 648*
Graves, Henry C,
449*
Graves, J. R.,
661,* 665
Graves, R. H.,
613, 614, 615
Greeu, B. L.,
636
Green, S. G.,
636
Greene, David,
651
Griffith, Thomas J.,
573
Griffiths, D.,
160
Griffiths, T. S.,
663*
Grigg, Joseph,
68
Griumiell. J. C,
555,* 670
Groser, William,
150,* 635
Gubelmann, J. S.,
669
Guill, George,
Guinness, H. Grattan,
33
504, 568
Guy ton, R. F.,
588
Hackett, H. B.,
462
Hague, John B.,
372*
Hague, William,
325,* 435
Hall, R.,
52, 104, 11-
, 130. 203
Hanaford, J. H.,
354
401,* 057
Hansen, S.,
563, 564
Har bottle, Joseph,
160*
Harris, John P.,
57 !
Harris, Joseph,
571, 572
Harris, Mrs. J. E.,
606
Harris, Mrs. M. V.,
605*
Harris, Norman,
605
Harris, W. L.,
320
Harvey, C. H.,
623, 624
Haselhuhn, J. C,
546,* 669
Hastings, H. L.,
89, 284, 39E
, 507, 523
Hastings, Thomas,
330, 331
Haswell, J. M.,
5". 16*
Haswell, J. R.,
594,* COO
Hatfield, Edwin P., 59, 76, 99, 105, 115. 302,
62»
Hawks, Annie S., 477*
Hawley, H. H., 356, 392,* 443
Hearn, IMarianne F., 206*
Heath, Clara B., 454*
Heath, Georgiana L., 508*
Henson, P. S., 667*
Hetzer, L., 9, 14,* 17
Hewes, John M., 300*
Hickey, James, 577*
Higgins, T. A., CG8
Hill, B. M., 403,651*
Hill, Lucy S., • 410*
Hill, Stephen P., 312,* 653
Hill, Thomas F., 403
Himes, Paul, 646
Hinton, James, 163, 175
Hinton. John H., 147,* 635
Holcombe, Hosea, 645
Holden, Oliver, 235*
Holman, Jesse L., 260*
Holme, J. Stanford, 385, 659*
Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 329
Home. William W., 131,* 634
Hornberger, L. P., 667*
Hovev, Alvah, 531
Howa'rd. John, 58,147
Howe, Jonathan, 650
Hpau, Sau Eh, 607
Hubbard, John, 56
Hubmeier, 8, 15
Hughes, Joseph.
18
Huntingdon, Countess of.
74, 86
Hupton, Job,
114*
Hut, Hans,
8, 12,* 15
Hyatt, John,
156
Ide. George B., 308,
* 403, 428, 658
Ikeda, K.,
619, 620
Ingalls, Lovell,
596*
Ingham, C. E.,
623
Inglis, James,
662
Ivimy, Joseph,
40, 174
Jackson, Edward H.,
209*
Jackson, Henry,
650
James, J. Sexton,
421
James, Richard S.,
420*
Jameson, Melvin,
322
Jennings. Francis,
36
Jensen, N. P.,
565
Jensen, O. C,
565
Jeter, J. B.,
655, 656*
Jewett, Lvman,
592
Jewett, Jfrs. Lyman,
590, 593
Johnson, E. H.,
667
Johnson, Franklin,
21, 24, 485*
Johnson, W. B.,
234
Jones, Abner,
138
Jones, Daniel.
572
Jones, Edmund,
53*
Jones, John R.,
571
Jones, John Taylor,
331
Jones, Lewis,
573
J'lnes, Philip,
53
Jones, Robert,
572
Jones, Samuel,
641
Judson, Adoniram, 267,* 302, 324, 366, 397,
398, 440, 503, 597, 600, 607
Judson, Ann H.. 268, 288, 303
Judson, Edward, 271,331
Judson, Emily C, 270, 324, 396,* 595, 598
Judson, Sarah B., 270, 302,* 366, 397, 398, 595
Kawakatsu, T., 619, 621
Keach, Benjamin, 30,* 627, 628
Keene, Caroline, 88
Keene, R., 87
Keirstead, E. M., 668
Keith, George, 87
Keller, L., 16
Kennard , J. H. , 424, 437, 517
Kenyon, Archibald, 368*
Kincaid, Eugenio, 437
King, Henry M., 301, 492*
Kingsbury, William, 88
Kirkham, Thomas, 88
Kirtley, J. A., 649
Knajjp, Jacob, 159, 656*
Knapp, W. I., 574*
Kneeland, Levi, 307*
Knowles, James D., 287*
Knudsen, L., 565
Kobner, Julius, 526, 530,* 553, 562, 669
Koopman, G., 551
Kupfer, S., 528*
Kyau, Moung, 600, 601
Lacey, C,
Lamb, F. M.,
Lamson, William,
Langf ord, John,
La, Sau Pa,
Larsen, M.,
Larsen, N.,
Lawson, John,
Leavitt, Joshua,
Lees, J.,
Lehmann, G. W.,
589
614, 520*
440
84*
607
564
564
144*
175
193
B25*
680
IXDEX OF NAMES.
Leland, John,
Leonard. L. G.,
Leopold, John,
Leslie, Andrew,
Leslie, Marv E.,
Lew, E. M.",
Lewis, Thomas,
Linfrley, James,
Liiisley .himes H.,
Llewellyn, Thomas,
Lonsdale, A. \V.,
Loonee, Moung,
Loriiiier, G. C,
Lowry, Robert, 369. 386, 387, i
457,"477, 47S, 518, 666
Lloyde, D. llayden,
Lugyee, Mouug,
Liinn, J. S.,
Luther, C. C,
Lynd Samuel W.,
IMac Arthur, R. S.,
Macaulay, Lord,
Maclay. Archibald,
IMahanty, Daniel,
Maler, Alartin,
Manly, Basil sr.,
Manly, Basil jr..
Manning, J. W.,
jMantz, Felix,
Marsh, John J5.,
Marsh, AV. H. H.,
Marshall, Leonard,
Marshman, J.,
Mason, Francis,
Mason, Lowell,
Massey, H. V.,
Mitliams, Walter J.,
Mather, Richard,
Mathews, G. P.,
McAll. R. W.,
McKenzie, "William S.,
McKibben, W. K.,
McKittricU, J.,
Mercer, Jesse,
Medlev, Samuel,
Miller", H.,
Miller, H. Thane,
Miller, J.,
!Min Moung Oung,
Moore, P. H.,
Moorhouse, Henry,
!Morehouse, Henry L,,
Morrison, D.,
Morton, Sarah J.,
!Mosser, Henry,
>Iote, Edward,
Mouni: Moung Shway,
-Alulford, John B.,
jMiiller, (Jeorge,
Munzer, Thomas,
Murdock, J. N.,
Myat, Saug,
Myrland, E. L.,
Nakagawa, K.,
>'eale, Jolm Mason,
Neale, R. H.,
Keedhani, Elizabeth A.,
Needliani, George C,
Xeedham, John,
Nelson, Jlenry A.,
Xewton, I.s:iac.
Newton, .James,
Nielson. Niels.
Noel, Baptist W.,
Noel, Gerard T.,
229*
601
n*
201*
201*
668,*" 665
53
170*
238, 653*
64
508
606
665, 668
, 428,* 446
479*
601
564
512*
285*
324, 665
29
644*
5'JO
18*
239, 343, 658*
343, 425,* 658, 665
668
2,* 15
494
498
334*
120, 122,* 125, 584
604,* 607
331, 332, 651, 660
296
221*
638
520
567
345, 461*
613
625
230,* 645
75,* 630
652
652
72, 75, 76, 86, 134
599
612
504
474*
433
503
180
155,* 635
600
517*
534
12
337, 462
609
565
619, 620
115
277, 352
506*
503*
41,« 44, 109, G29
54
75
64*
562
142, 164,* 635
166
Noel, Silas M.,
647
Norman, John,
96*
Oncken, J. G-.,
525, 530, 553
Paice, Henry,
127*
Pal, Krishnu,
123, 584*, 585
Palmer, Albert G.,
360*
Palmquist, G.,
559*
Palinquist, P.,
559, 560
Park, Edwards A ,
660
Parker, William H.,
216*
Parkinson, William,
53, 249,* 645
Parmly, W. H.,
438
Parsons, John,
587
Partridge, S. B.,
613
Pearce, J. H.,
586
Pearce, Samuel,
116,* 140
Pearce, Selina P.,
510*
Peck, John M.,
277, 363, 647
Pendleton, J. M.,
662*
Perkins, J ,
331
Perkins, N M.,
661*
Peterson, Frank,
5(!1
Petterson, H. J.,
623, 624
Phelps, Arthur S.,
523i^
Phelps, Austin,
660
Phe.ps, S. Drvden,223,384
,* 473, 523, 659,665
Phinney, H. D.,
662
Pike, E. C,
636
Pike, J. B.,
636
Pike, J. G.,
636
Poindexter, Abram M.,
341*
Pratt, S. H.,
612
Prince, Thomas,
639
Probert, Herbert,
625
Provis, B. W.,
188*
Pryor, John,
344
Purushottam, Chondari,
591
Quala, Sau,
606
Rand, Silas T.,
- 344*
Rauschenbusch, A.,
528, 536,* 556, 669
Rauscheubusch, Walther,
556*
Rawson, Eiisha,
226
Rawson, George,
636
Hay Charles W.,
459*
Reed, Andrew,
87, 188
Rees, Morgan John,
571
Reichenliach, H. A.,
564
Rice, Luther,
342
Richards, Henry,
624
Richards, William C,
399*
Ricker, George,
290
Ricker, Joseph,
469
Riedemann, Peter,
19*
Ripley, Henry J.,
280, 651
Ripley, Thomas B.,
2»0.* 048
Rippon, John, 41, 68, 89,
98,* 112, 125, 155,
630, 631
Rippon, Thomas,
154*
Robaits, Frederick H.,
208*
Roberts, James T.,
219*
Robey, John,
179
Robins, Gurdon,
370*
Robins, Henry E.,
370
Robinson, C,"S.,
91, 665
Robinson, Robert,
69,* 203
Robinson, William,
72
Rockwell, A. F.,
393
Root, George F.,
489
Howe, Charles H.,
469*
Rowland, A. Jiidson,
498,* 667
Russell, John,
274*
Russen, David,
35
Ryland, Jobu,
102,* 117, 137, 140
INDEX OF NAMES.
681
Ryland, John Collett,
Ryland, Robert,
Saffery, John,
Saffery, Maria Grace,
Saliu, Shem,
Saiilens, Reuben,
Sakeliarios, Adaline J.,
Sakellarios, D. Z.,
Samal, Kartick,
Sanlers. H. M.,
Sands, Clara A.,
Saiikey, Ira D.,
Sashiah, R.,
Sattler, Miohael,
Saunders, David,
Schaffer, H. M.,
Schiemer. Leonhart,
Schlatter, Hans,
Scott. Jacob R.,
Sears, Barnas,
Sedgwick, Daniel,
Selden S.,
Shailer, William H.,
Shand, A. P.,
Sharp, Daniel,
Shawl 00, Moung,
Sherwin, W. F.,
Shuck, J. L.,
Simmons, J. B.,
Simons, Mrs. C. J.,
Slatter, James,
Sleeper, Samuel,
Smith, D. A. W.,
Smith, Elias,
Smith, J. Byington,
Smith, Jo.shua,
Smith, J. Wheaton,
101, 102, 179
133
133*
590
567, 568*
580*
580, 581
590
668 *
619, 620*
489
590
4,* 15
571
669
376*
5*^5
74, 88, 104, 115, 637
068
377
668
228, 333
6fil
386, 434,* 498
421
517
594*
1.52*
643
330, 603*
138
444*
225, 643
415*
Smith, Sanmel F., 329,* 410, 509, 567, 655, 659
Smith, W. A., 51i*
Smith, William, 367
Smythe, James F., 200*
Sommers, Charles, G., 373, 648
Sorensen, Peter,
Sow, Ah,
Speck, Gregor,
Spencer, James,
Spurgeon, C. H.,
Spurge on, James A.
Stadling, J.,
Stanford, Charles,
Stanford, John,
563
601
544*
391*
98, 159, 203,* 504, 638
204
560
163
642
Staughton, William, 242,* 280, 285, 287, 649
Steane, Edward,
Stebbins, George C.
Steele, Anne,
Steele. Wni.,
Stennett, Edward,
Stennett. Joseph,
Stennett, Samuel,
Stenson, John,
Stevens, E. A.,
Stevens. E. O.,
Stevens, Harriet C,
Stevens. John,
Stevenson, W. R.,
Stilson , Lyman,
Storyj Enoch jr.,
Stout, J<ihn,
Stow, Baron,
Stowe, Phineas,
Strigel, Franz,
Sutton, Amos,
Suzuki, T.,
Swain, Joseph,
Swift, Carlos,
163*
449, 452, 510, 513
46,* 637
46
33
32,* 50, 56, 628
33, 56,* 637
16^,* 635
594*
594*
598
135,* 153, 633
41,79,6:i:, 637
596,* 599
641
258
329,331,410,483,65.0*
280, 352,* 402, 657
13
171,* 588
619, 620
112,* 632
443*
Synnnes, Thomas,
639
Syoo, Ah,
601
Taylor, Dan,
107, 629, 632
Taylor, Edward G.,
451*
Taylor, I-aac,
147
Taylor, Moses,
601
Therrien, A. L.,
569
Then, Sau Sa.,
607
Thomas, H. C,
603, 60tj
Thomas, Jesse B.,
363
Thomas. W. F.,
606*
Thonjas, William H.,
572
Thresher, Ebenezer,
297, 502
Threslier, J. B.,
501
Thre-her, .^^arah B.,
500*
Thurber. Charles,
297,* 659
Tilley, Thomas,
107
Timms, Gill,
168*
Tobey, T. W.,
4-1
Tolman, C. F.,
611
Tommas, John,
64
Toonla,
6119
Torigama, S.,
619, 621
Trestrail. Elizabeth R.,
179*
Trestrail, F.,
179
Tritton, Joseph,
185*
Trumbull, J.,
221
Trumbull, J. H.,
223
Truv6, T.,
560
Tucker, Eben,
338
Tucker, William,
61*
Tupper, H. A.,
644
Tupper, James,
406*
Turnbull, Robert,
266, 336*
Turner, Daniel,
36, 38,* 97
Turney . Edmund,
382*
Turney, Emma,
187*
Turney. G. L.,
187
Tyers, John,
146*
Tymias, Thomas V.,
212*
Upham, A. G.,
513
Upton, James,
110,* 633
Vance, D. B.,
379
Vardeman, Jeremiah,
647*
Vincent, J. H.,
447
Vinet, A.,
570
Vinton, Calista,
602*
Vinton, J. B.,
603
Vinton, Justus H.,
602, 605
Wade, J.,
593, 597*
Wagner, George,
Walker, John,
6*
58
Walker, Thomas,
89
Wallin, Benjamin,
44,* 64, 629
Wal'in, Edward,
44
Walter, Thomas,
639
Wa.ter, Thomas U.,
310*
Ward, William.
124,* 268, 611
Washburn, Henry S.,
365*
Wa, Shway,
608
Wattson, Thomas,
472
Wayland, Francia,
327, 660*
Weeks, J. H..
622
Weld, Thomas,
638
AVells, Amos,
224, 641
Wesley, Samuel,
34
Westlind, N.,
623, 624
Weston, Henry G.,
664*
Westrup. Thomas M.,
577*
White. AV. J.,
619*
Whitetield, George,
61, 66, 69, 70
■Whittemore, George H.,
293
Whittier, John G.,
361, 408
682
IN^DEX OF NAMES.
"Wigner, J. T.,
Wigner, John M.,
Wilkinson. William C,
Williams, ISenjaujin,
AVillis, N. P.,
Willmarth, James AV.,
Wilson. Jonathan,
Wilson, Samuel,
Wincliell, James M.,
Windolf Hermann,
Winkler, Edwin T.,
Wood, N. M.,
170, 181,* 636
214*
•1G7*
73
397
4S1*
646
49,50
99, G4(.*
552*
416,* 659
423
Woodbridge. W. C,
\Voolsey,T. T.,
Worth, E'lmund,
Wrathall, William,
Valman, C. H.,
Yat -s, M. T.,
Yohan, T. ,
Young, Edward,
Zeuner, Charles,
Zwick, John,
332
389
652, 653*
86
519
614
592
225
334
16