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Nearer, My God, to Thee
Author: Sarah F. Adams; Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr. Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 2,481 hymnals First Line: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Refrain First Line: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Lyrics: 1 Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
Refrain:
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee.
2 There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. [Refrain]
3 Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. [Refrain]
4 Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. [Refrain]
5 There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. [Refrain] Scripture: Genesis 28:11-12 Used With Tune: BETHANY Text Sources: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Nearer_My_God_to_Thee); The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/n/m/nmgtthee.htm); Faith Publishing House, Echoes from Heaven, 1976 (55)
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Draw Thou My Soul, O Christ
Author: Lucy Larcom Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 76 hymnals First Line: Draw Thou my soul, O Christ, closer to Thine Lyrics: 1. Draw Thou my soul, O Christ, closer to Thine;
Breathe into every wish Thy will divine;
Raised my low self above, won by Thy deathless love,
Ever, O Christ, through mine let Thy life shine.
2. Lead forth my soul, O Christ, one with Thine own,
Joyful to follow Thee through paths unknown;
In Thee my strength renew; give me Thy work to do;
Through me Thy truth be shown, Thy love made known.
3. Not for myself alone may my prayer be;
Lift Thou Thy world, O Christ, closer to Thee;
Cleanse it from guilt and wrong; teach it salvation’s song
Till earth, as Heaven, fulfills God’s holy will. Used With Tune: ST. EDMUND (Sullivan) Text Sources: At the Beautiful Gate, 1892
Draw Thou My Soul, O Christ
I'm But a Stranger Here
Author: Thomas R. Taylor Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 625 hymnals First Line: I'm but a stranger here, Heav'n is my home Lyrics: 1. I’m but a stranger here, Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand round me on every hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.
2. What though the tempest rage, Heav’n is my home;
Short is my pilgrimage, Heav’n is my home;
Time’s cold and wild wintry blast soon shall be over past;
I shall reach home at last, Heav’n is my home.
3. There at my Savior’s side Heav’n is my home;
I shall be glorified, Heav’n is my home.
There are the good and blest, those I loved most and best;
There, too, I soon shall rest, Heav’n is my home.
4. Therefore I murmur not, Heav’n is my home;
Whate’er my earthly lot, Heav’n is my home;
And I shall surely stand there at my Lord’s right hand.
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home. Used With Tune: ST. EDMUND (Sullivan)
I'm But a Stranger Here
GABRIEL'S MESSAGE
Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 36 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: Edgar Pettman; John Wickham Tune Sources: Basque carol Tune Key: g minor Incipit: 51324 32125 51324 Used With Text: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
GABRIEL'S MESSAGE
BETHANY
Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 958 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: Lowell Mason Tune Sources: Timeless Truths (http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Nearer_My_God_to_Thee); The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/n/m/nmgtthee.htm); Faith Publishing House, Echoes from Heaven, 1976 (55) Tune Key: F Major Incipit: 32116 65132 32116 Used With Text: Nearer, My God, to Thee
BETHANY
ST. EDMUND (Sullivan)
Meter: 10.10.12.10 Appears in 223 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: Arthur Seymour Sullivan Tune Key: G Major Incipit: 11117 25565 53332 Used With Text: I'm But a Stranger Here
ST. EDMUND (Sullivan)
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould Hymnal: The Presbyterian Hymnal #16 (1990) Meter: 10.10.12.10 Lyrics: 1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “O lowly maiden Mary."
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
2 “For know a blessèd mother you shall be,
All generations praise continually,
Your Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold."
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
“To me be as it pleases God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
4 Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Topics: Annunciation Scripture: Luke 1:26-28 Languages: English Tune Title: GABRIEL'S MESSAGE
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924 Hymnal: Christian Worship (1993) #24 (1993) Meter: 10.10.12.10 Lyrics: 1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
"All hail," said he to meek and lowly Mary,
"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria!
2 "I come from heav'n to tell the Lord's decree:
A blessed virgin mother you shall be.
Your Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold,
"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria!
3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
"To me be as it pleases God," she said.
"My soul shall praise and magnify his holy name."
Most highly favored maiden, Gloria!
4 Of her Immanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria! Topics: Advent; Advent Languages: English Tune Title: GABRIEL'S MESSAGE
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Author: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924 Hymnal: Breaking Bread (Vol. 39) #42 (2019) Meter: 10.10.12.10 Lyrics: 1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
"All hail," said he, "O lowly maiden Mary,"
"Most highly favored lady!" Gloria!
2 "For know a blessed Mother you shall be,
All generations praise continually,
Your Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold."
"Most highly favored lady!" Gloria!
3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
"To me be as it pleases God!" she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name."
"Most highly favored lady!" Gloria!
4 Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn;
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
"Most highly favored lady!" Gloria! Topics: Seasonal Music Advent Languages: English Tune Title: GABRIEL'S MESSAGE
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Robert Lowry
1826 - 1899 Meter: 10.10.12.10 Composer of "SOMETHING FOR JESUS" in The Cyber Hymnal Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, March 12, 1826. His 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. At the age of seventeen he joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and soon became an active worker in the Sunday-school as teacher and chorister.
At the age of twenty-two he gave himself to the work of the ministry, and entered upon a course of study at the University of Lewisburg, Pa. At the age of twenty-eight he was graduated with the highest honors of his class. In the same year of his graduation, he entered upon the work of the ministry. He served as pastor at West Chester, Pa., 1851-1858; in New York City, 1859-1861; in Brooklyn, 1861-1869; in Lewisburg, Pa., 1869-1875. While pastor at Lewisburg, he was also professor of belles lettres in the University, and received the honorary degree of D. D. in 1875.
He then went to Plainfield, N. J., where he became pastor of Park Avenue Church. In each of these fields his work was crowned with marked success.
Dr. Lowry was a man of rare administrative ability, a most excellent preacher, a thorough Bible student, and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, always a brilliant and interesting speaker. He was of a genial and pleasing disposition, and a high sense of humor was one of his most striking characteristics. Very few men had greater ability in painting pictures from the imagination. He could thrill an audience with his vivid descriptions, inspiring others with the same thoughts that inspired him.
His melodies are sung in every civilized land, and many of his hymns have been translated into foreign tongues. While preaching the Gospel, in which he found great joy, was his life-work, music and hymnology were favorite studies, but were always a side issue, a recreation.
In the year 1880, he took a rest of four years, visiting Europe. In 1885 he felt that he needed more rest, and resigned his pastorate at Plainfield, and visited in the South and West, also spending some time in Mexico. He returned, much improved in health, and again took up his work in Plainfield.
On the death of Wm. B. Bradbury, Messrs. Biglow & Main, successors to Mr. Bradbury in the publishing business, selected Dr. Lowry for editor of their Sunday-school book, Bright Jewels, which was a great success. Subsequently Dr. W. Doane was associated with him in the issue of the Sunday-school song book, Pure Gold, the sales of which exceeded a million copies. Then came Royal Diadem, Welcome Tidings, Brightest and Best, Glad Refrain, Good as Gold, Joyful Lays, Fountain of Song, Bright Array, Temple Anthems, and numerous other volumes. The good quality of their books did much to stimulate the cause of sacred song in this country.
When he saw that the obligations of musical editorship were laid upon him, he began the study of music in earnest, and sought the best musical text-books and works on the highest forms of musical composition. He possessed one of the finest musical libraries in the country. It abounded in works on the philosophy and science of musical sounds. He also had some musical works in his possession that were over one hundred and fifty years old.
One of his labors of love some years ago was an attempt to reduce music to a mathematical basis. On the established fact that Middle C has two hundred and fifty-six vibrations per second, he prepared a scale and went to work on the rule of three. After infinite calculation and repeated experiments, he carried it far enough to discover that it would not work.
A reporter once asked him what was his method of composition — "Do you write the words to fit the music, or the music to fit the words?" His reply was, "I have no method. Sometimes the music comes and the words follow, fitted insensibly to the melody. I watch my moods, and when anything good strikes me, whether words or music, and no matter where I am, at home or on the street, I jot it down. Often the margin of a newspaper or the back of an envelope serves as a notebook. My brain is a sort of spinning machine, I think, for there is music running through it all the time. I do not pick out my music on the keys of an instrument. The tunes of nearly all the hymns I have written have been completed on paper before I tried them on the organ. Frequently the words of the hymn and the music have been written at the same time."
The Doctor frequently said that he regarded "Weeping Will Not Save Me" as the best and most evangelistic hymn he ever wrote. The following are some of his most popular and sweetest gospel melodies: "Shall We Gather at the River?," "One More Day's Work for Jesus," "Where is My Wandering Boy To-night?," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "The Mistakes of My Life," "How Can I Keep from Singing?," "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me," "Saviour, Thy Dying Love," "We're Marching to Zion," etc. "Shall We Gather at the River?" is perhaps, without question, the most widely popular of all his songs. Of this Mr. Lowry said: "It is brass band music, has a march movement, and for that reason has become popular, though for myself I do not think much of it." Yet he tells us how, on several occasions, he had been deeply moved by the singing of that hymn, "Going from Harrisburg to Lewisburg once I got into a car filled with half-drunken lumbermen. Suddenly one of them struck up, "Shall We Gather at the River?" and they sang it over and over again, repeating the chorus in a wild, boisterous way. I did not think so much of the music then as I listened to those singers, but I did think that perhaps the spirit of the hymn, the words so flippantly uttered, might somehow survive and be carried forward into the lives of those careless men, and ultimately lift them upward to the realization of the hope expressed in my hymn." "A different appreciation of it was evinced during the Robert Raikes' Centennial. I was in London, and had gone to meeting in the Old Bailey to see some of the most famous Sunday-school workers in the world. They were present from Europe, Asia, and America. I sat in a rear seat alone. After there had been a number of addresses delivered in various languages, I was preparing to leave, when the chairman of the meeting announced that the author of "Shall We Gather at the River?" was present, and I was requested by name to come forward. Men applauded and women waved their handkerchiefs as I went to the platform. It was a tribute to the hymn; but I felt, when it was over, that, after all, I had perhaps done some little good in the world, and I felt more than ever content to die when God called." On Children's Day in Brooklyn, in 1865, this song was sung by over forty thousand voices.
While Dr. Lowry said, "I would rather preach a gospel sermon to an appreciative, receptive congregation than write a hymn," yet in spite of his preferences, his hymns have gone on and on, translated into many languages, preaching and comforting thousands upon thousands of souls, furnishing them expression for their deepest feelings of praise and gratitude to God for His goodness to the children of men. What he had thought in his inmost soul has become a part of the emotions of the whole Christian world. We are all his debtors.
Rev. Robert Lowry, D. D., died at his residence in Plainfield, K J., November 25, 1899. Dead, yet he lives and his sermons in gospel song are still heard and are doing good. Dr. Lowry was a great and good man, and his life, well spent, is highly worthy of a place among the world's greatest gospel song and hymn writers.
-- Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers
-------
Lowry, Robert, D.D., son of Crozier Lowry, was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1826, and educated at Lewisburg University. Having received ordination as a Baptist Minister, his first charge was at West Chester, Pennsylvania. From thence he passed to New York City, and then to Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1876 he was appointed Professor of Rhetoric in his University. On resigning his Professorship he undertook the charge of the 2nd Baptist Church, New Jersey. Dr. Lowry has been associated with some of the most popular Sunday School hymn-books published in the States, including Happy Voices, 1865; Chapel Melodies, 1868; Bright Jewels, 1869; Pure Gold, 1871; Royal Diadem, 1873; Tidal Wave, 1874; Fountain of Song1877; Welcome Tidings, 1877, &c. Of Dr. Lowry's hymns those which have attained the widest circulation are:—
1. Jerusalem, for ever bright. Heaven. Appeared in the American Tract Society's Happy Voices, 1865, with music by the author.
2. Low in the grave He lay. Resurrection of Christ. Written in 1874 and published in Brightest and Best, 1875.
3. Marching on, marching on. Sunday School Battle Song. Appeared, with music by the author, in Happy Voices, 1865.
4. My home is in heaven, my rest is not here. In Happy Voices, 1865, with music by the author.
5. My life flows on in endless song. Joy in God. In Bright Jewels, 1869; the Royal Diadem, 1873, and others in America and Great Britain, with music by the author.
6. One more day's work for Jesus. Work for Christ. Published, with music by the author, in Bright Jewels, 1869.
7. Shall we gather at the river? Mutual recognition in the Hereafter. The origin of this hymn is thus set forth in E. W. Long's Illustrated History of Hymns and their Authors, Philadelphia, 1876, p. 64:—
”On a very hot summer day, in 1864, a pastor was seated in his parlour in Brooklyn, N. Y. It was a time when an epidemic was sweeping through the city, and draping many persons and dwellings in mourning. All around friends and acquaintances were passing away to the spirit land in large numbers. The question began to arise in the heart, with unusual emphasis, ‘Shall we meet again? We are parting at the river of death, shall we meet at the river of life?' ‘Seating myself at the organ,’ says he, ‘simply to give vent to the pent up emotions of the heart, the words and music of the hymn began to flow out, as if by inspiration:—
‘Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod?’"
In 1865 the hymn and music were given in Happy Voices, No. 220, in 5 stanzas of 4 lines and a chorus. The hymn has since passed into a great number of hymnals in Great Britain and America.
8. Take the wings of the morning; speed quickly thy flight. Exhortation to Repentance. Written for, and published with music by the author in, the Royal Diadem, 1873.
9. Weeping will not save me. Salvation through Faith. Published in the Chapel Melodies, 1868.
10. What can wash away my stain? Precious Blood of Jesus. Given in the Welcome Tidings, 1877, with music by the author.
11. Where is my wandering boy tonight! The absent Child. In the Fountain of Song, 1877, together with music by the author.
Most of these hymns are given in Mr. I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, Pts. i., ii.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Robert Lowry
Sarah Flower Adams
1805 - 1848 Person Name: Sarah F. Adams Meter: 10.10.12.10 Author of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" in Timeless Truths Adams, Sarah, nee Flower. born at Harlow, Essex, Feb. 22nd, 1805; died in London, Aug. 14, 1848, and was buried at Harlow, Aug. 21,1848. She was the younger daughter of Mr. Benjamin Flower, editor and proprietor, of The Cambridge Intelligencer; and was married, in 1834, to William B. Adams, a civil engineer. In 1841 she published Vivia Perpetua, a dramatic poem dealing with the conflict of heathenism and Christianity, in which Vivia Perpetua suffered martyrdom; and in 1845, The Flock at the Fountain; a catechism and hymns for children. As a member of the congregation of the Rev. W. J. Fox, an Unitarian minister in London, she contributed 13 hymns to the Hymns and Anthems, published by C. Fox, Lond., in 1841, for use in his chapel. Of these hymns the most widely known are— "Nearer,my God,to Thee," and "He sendeth sun, He sendeth shower." The remaining eleven, most of which have come into common use, more especially in America, are:—
Creator Spirit! Thou the first. Holy Spirit.
Darkness shrouded Calvary. Good Friday.
Gently fall the dews of eve. Evening.
Go, and watch the Autumn leaves. Autumn.
O hallowed memories of the past. Memories.
O human heart! thou hast a song. Praise.
O I would sing a song of praise. Praise.
O Love! thou makest all things even. Love.
Part in Peace! is day before us? Close of Service.
Sing to the Lord! for His mercies are sure. Praise.
The mourners came at break of day. Easter.
Mrs. Adams also contributed to Novello's musical edition of Songs for the Months, n. d. Nearly all of the above hymns are found in the Unitarian collections of Great Britain, and America. In Martineau's Hymns of Praise & Prayer, 1873, No. 389, there is a rendering by her from Fenelon: —" Living or dying, Lord, I would be Thine." It appeared in the Hymns and Anthems, 1841.
-John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Sarah Flower Adams
Edward Henry Bickersteth
1825 - 1906 Person Name: Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr. Meter: 10.10.12.10 Author (v. 6) of "Nearer, My God, to Thee" in Timeless Truths Bickersteth, Edward Henry, D.D., son of Edward Bickersteth, Sr. born at Islington, Jan. 1825, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A. with honours, 1847; M.A., 1850). On taking Holy Orders in 1848, he became curate of Banningham, Norfolk, and then of Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells. His preferment to the Rectory of Hinton-Martell, in 1852, was followed by that of the Vicarage of Christ Church, Hampstead, 1855. In 1885 he became Dean of Gloucester, and the same year Bishop of Exeter. Bishop Bickersteth's works, chiefly poetical, are:—
(l) Poems, 1849; (2) Water from the Well-spring, 1852; (3) The Rock of Ages, 1858 ; (4) Commentary on the New Testament, 1864; (5) Yesterday, To-day, and For Ever, 1867; (6) The Spirit of Life, 1868; (7) The Two Brothers and other Poems, 1871; (8) The Master's Home Call, 1872 ; (9) The Shadowed Home and the Light Beyond, 1874; (10) The Beef and other Parables, 1873; (11) Songs in the House of Pilgrimage, N.D.; (12) From Year to Year, 1883.
As an editor of hymnals, Bp. Bickersteth has also been most successful. His collections are:—
(1) Psalms & Hymns, 1858, based on his father's Christian Psalmody, which passed through several editions; (2) The Hymnal Companion, 1870; (3) The Hymnal Companion revised and enlarged, 1876. Nos. 2 and 3, which are two editions of the same collection, have attained to an extensive circulation. [Ch. of England Hymnody.]
About 30 of Bp. Bickersteths hymns are in common use. Of these the best and most widely known are:—" Almighty Father, hear our cry"; "Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile"; "Father of heaven above"; "My God, my Father, dost Thou call"; "O Jesu, Saviour of the lost"; "Peace, perfect peace"; "Rest in the Lord"; "Stand, Soldier of the Cross"; " Thine, Thine, for ever"; and "Till He come.” As a poet Bp. Bickersteth is well known. His reputation as a hymn-writer has also extended far and wide. Joined with a strong grasp of his subject, true poetic feeling, a pure rhythm, there is a soothing plaintiveness and individuality in his hymns which give them a distinct character of their own. His thoughts are usually with the individual, and not with the mass: with the single soul and his God, and not with a vast multitude bowed in adoration before the Almighty. Hence, although many of his hymns are eminently suited to congregational purposes, and have attained to a wide popularity, yet his finest productions are those which are best suited for private use.
-John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
=================
Bickersteth, Edward Henry, p. 141, ii. Bishop Bickersteth's 1890 edition of his Hymnal Companion is noted on p. 1312, i., and several of his own hymns and translations, which appear therein for the first time, are annotated in this Appendix. One of these, "All-merciful, Almighty Lord," for the Conv. of St. Paul, was written for the 1890 edition of Hymnal Companion.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)
==================
Bickersteth, B. H., p. 141, ii. Bp. Bickersteth died in London, May 16, 1906.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)
Edward Henry Bickersteth
Small Church Music
Meter: 10.10.12.10 Editors: Fanny Crosby Description:
The SmallChurchMusic site was launched in 2006, growing out of the requests from those struggling
to provide suitable music for their services and meetings. Rev. Clyde McLennan was ordained in mid
1960’s and was a pastor in many small Australian country areas, and therefore was acutely aware of
this music problem. Having also been trained as a Pipe Organist, recordings on site (which are a subset
of the smallchurchmusic.com site) are all actually played by Clyde, and also include piano and piano
with organ versions. All recordings are in MP3 format.
Churches all around the world use the recordings, with downloads averaging over 60,000 per
month.
The recordings normally have an introduction, several verses and a slowdown on the last verse.
Users are encouraged to use software: Audacity (http://www.audacityteam.org) or Song Surgeon (http://songsurgeon.com) (see http://scm-audacity.weebly.com for more information) to adjust the MP3 number of verses, tempo
and pitch to suit their local needs.
Copyright notice: Rev. Clyde McLennan, performer in this collection, has assigned his performer rights in this collection to Hymnary.org. Non-commercial use of these recordings is permitted. For permission to use them for any other purposes, please contact manager@hymnary.org.
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