35. God that madest earth and heaven
Stanza 1, Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Stanza 2, William Mercer, 1811-73
Stanza 3, Richard Whateley, 1787-1863
The original hymn consisted of the first stanza only which was written by Reginald Heber after hearing the tune used here played by a Welch harpist in a home where Heber was visiting. Retiring to a quiet place, he promptly wrote the stanza to suit the melody.
For comments on Reginald Heber see [Hymn 1].
William Mercer, author of the second stanza, was a clergyman in the Church of England in Sheffield. In 1857, he issued The Church Psalter and Hymn Book, the most important Church of England book of its time. His aim was to promote greater participation by the congregation in the hymn singing.
Richard Whately was archbishop of Dublin. He was a man of great brilliance of mind, though, it is said, he had no ear for music and no eye for natural beauty.
MUSIC. The tune AR HYD Y NOS is a Welsh traditional melody commonly associated with the words “All through the night.” It appears in many modern hymnals. A growing number of folk tunes are being used for hymn tunes.