315. Now the laborer’s task is o’er
John Ellerton, 1826-93
Written for Church Hymns, 1871, by John Ellerton, distinguished hymnist of the Church of England. His biographer has written concerning this hymn:
We now come to the loveliest and most loved of Mr. Ellerton’s hymns. It has been sung and will continue to be sung at the graveside of princes, divines, statesmen, poets, artists, authors, as well as many a Christian labourer of humble life.
For comments on John Ellerton see [Hymn 42].
MUSIC. REQUIESCAT was written for this hymn. It appeared first in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875. For comments on the composer, John B. Dykes, see [Hymn 1].