48. This is my Father’s world
Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858-1901
The original has sixteen stanzas, each beginning with the words “This is my Father’s world,” a good slogan to begin and end the day. It appeared in the author’s Thoughts for Every Day Living, a book of religious verse. The hymn expresses a confident attitude toward life and a buoyant faith in God.
Maltbie D. Babcock, prominent Presbyterian minister, was born in Syracuse, New York, graduated from Syracuse University and Auburn Seminary and then began his first pastorate at the First Presbyterian Church, Lockport, N. Y. His second pastorate was at Brown Memorial Church, Baltimore, where he was popular with the students at Johns Hopkins University. He then received a call to the Brick Church, New York City, where he became the successor of Henry van Dyke. In his student days he was known as a fine student, a great athlete, a good musician, and a friend to all. He loved young people and during his ministry they turned to him for counsel.
MUSIC. The tune TERRA BEATA is simple, light in movement, and easy to sing. It was composed by Franklin Sheppard, 1852-1930, a Philadelphia business man, Presbyterian layman, and friend of Dr. Babcock. Sheppard was also an accomplished musician. He modestly attributed the tune to an old English folk melody, but it is known now that he himself was the composer. He named the tune “Terra Beata,” happy or blessed earth.
The arrangement in the Hymnary, known as “Terra Patris,” is by Edward Shippen Barnes, a contemporary American organist and composer. His harmonization is a little more difficult to sing but also more interesting than the original by Sheppard.