203. When the weary, seeking rest
Horatius Bonar, 1808-89
Entitled, “Intercession for All Conditions of Men,” in Bonar’s Hymns of Faith and Hope, 3d series, 1867.
The history of this hymn is given by the author’s son, Rev. H. N. Bonar, as follows:
My father was asked to provide words to the music, and was especially requested to furnish a fitting refrain to the two lovely lines of Mendelssohn’s with which Callcott’s tune, “Intercession,” ends. In searching for a Scripture theme containing some reiterated phrase almost of the nature of a refrain, he was struck with Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 6) in which every separate petition concludes with substantially the same words.
This idea was taken for his starting point, and Solomon’s words, “Hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place and forgive,” became the familiar couplet:
“Hear then in love, O Lord, the cry
In heaven, thy dwelling place on high.”
This foundation once provided, the rest of the hymn was built upon it.
For comments on Horatius Bonar see [Hymn 129].
MUSIC. INTERCESSION was composed by William H. Callcott, 1807-82, an English musician. He was organist of Ely Chapel, Holborn, and afterwards of St. Barnabas’ Church, Kensington, and composed anthems and songs.
The refrain is from Mendelssohn’s oratorio, Elijah, part of the prayer for rain by the prophet and the people. Bonar’s hymn was written for this tune.