303. Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face
Horatius Bonar, 1808-89
Entitled by the author, “This Do in Remembrance of Me.”
It is a famous communion hymn, emphasizing, in keeping with the Reformed tradition, the thought that Christ Himself presides at His Table. All His followers are therefore welcome.
Three members of the Bonar family became eminent ministers in the Free Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)—Andrew in Glasgow; John in Greenock; and Horatius in Edinburgh. Horatius was accustomed to visit his brother John once a year at the communion service. Hymns were still not permitted to be sung in the church, but an original poem was invariably read after the communion. This hymn was written by Horatius Bonar at the request of his brother John for the occasion of such a visit in October, 1855. It has become a widely used communion hymn in all churches.
For further comments on Horatius Bonar see [Hymn 129].
MUSIC. LANGRAN, known in England as “St. Agnes,” is named after the composer, James Langran, 1835-1909, London organist and composer, who wrote this music for “Abide with me” ([40]). It was published separately in 1861 and two years later appeared in Psalms and Hymns adapted to the services of the Church of England, with accompanying tunes selected and revised by John Foster.