371. Now to heav’n our pray’r ascending
William E. Hickson, 1803-70
A crusading hymn full of assurance that the cause of right, though delayed by its foes, will surely succeed in God’s own time.
For comments on the author, William E. Hickson, see [Hymn 348].
MUSIC. GOD SPEED THE RIGHT is attributed to Ernst Moritz Arndt, 1769-1860, a German preacher, editor, professor of history, and writer of sacred and secular songs. Julian speaks of him as a “man of learning, a true patriot, a distinguished poet ... a man of deep religious feeling, and a true-hearted and earnest witness of the Evangelical Faith.” The Dictionary notes a number of his hymns but makes no mention of musical compositions.