205. Blest are the pure in heart
J. Keble, 1792-1866 and others
A hymn of the simple, pure life. Purity of heart has a wider meaning than the specific virtue of chastity. Stanzas 1 and 3 are from Keble’s, The Christian Year, 1827. Stanzas 2 and 4 are from the New Mitre Hymn Book, 1836, and their authorship is uncertain. Some think they are from the pen of the editor of the book, W. J. Hall, or of the co-editor, Edward Osler.
For comments on John Keble see [Hymn 22].
MUSIC. FRANCONIA is from a book compiled by Johann Balthasar König, Harmonischer Lieder-Schatz, Frankfurt-am-Main, 1738, where it is set to the hymn, Was ist, das mich betrübt? The original melody may have been by König himself.
The present tune, arranged by Rev. W. H. Havergal, has become one of the best known Short-Meter (6.6.8.8.) tunes.
For comments on W. H. Havergal see [Hymn 153].