389. O grant us light that we may know
Lawrence Tuttiett, 1825-97
A prayer for the light from God to illuminate the mind in its search for truth.
The author wrote many of his hymns on returning from visiting the sick and bereaved, expressing in them thoughts of consolation for families in sorrow and trouble. That this hymn may have had a similar origin is indicated by the omitted Stanzas 4 and 5, which are as follows:
O grant us light, in grief and pain,
To lift our burdened hearts above,
And count the very cross a gain,
And bless our Father’s hidden love.
O grant us light, when, soon or late,
All earthly scenes shall pass away,
In Thee to find the open gate
To deathless home and endless day.
Lawrence Tuttiett, son of a surgeon in the English Royal Navy, at first intended to follow his father into the medical profession, but, after studying at Christ’s Hospital and King’s College, London, he decided to become a minister. He was ordained in 1848 and devoted his life to the Episcopal Church, ministering in various parishes in England and Scotland. His publications include Hymns for Churchmen, 1854; Hymns for Children of the Church, 1862; and Gems of Thought on the Sunday Services, 1864. The present hymn appeared in the last-named publication.
Music. CANONBURY. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 296].