237. O heart of God!
F. Stanfield
A hymn of confidence and trust resulting from the mystical repose in the heart of God.
The words and tune are found in St. Basil’s Hymnal, compiled by the Basilican Fathers, and published in Chicago, 1918.
The author, Francis Stanfield, a Roman Catholic priest, was born in London, November 5, 1836, the son of Clarkson Stanfield, an artist. He was educated at St. Edmund’s College, near Ware. After ordination, he spent most of his time conducting missions and retreats, though he was stationed for brief periods in several parishes. He is the author of numerous hymns which were collected and published by the Benedictine Fathers, at Ramsgate, England. The present hymn is an adaptation, made by the editors of the Hymnary, of his “O Sacred Heart, our home lies deep in Thee.” The original is too Catholic for Protestant use.
No information is at hand concerning the composer of the tune.