585. I waited for the Lord my God
Psalm XL
Scottish Psalter, 1650
Psalm 40:1-5. A Prayer for Speedy Relief from Trouble.
After long and patient waiting, the psalmist’s prayer for relief from trouble has been answered, giving occasion for fresh thanksgiving for His mercy.
MUSIC. BALLERMA. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 57].
Robert Simpson, 1790-1832, who adapted this tune from a melody by F. H. Barthélemon (See [Hymn 57]) was a weaver by trade, but of good education and fine musical taste. He was choir-leader in a Congregational Church in Glasgow, then became precentor and session-clerk of the East Parish church at Greenock, at a salary of forty pounds a year, and from that time onward made music his profession. Of weak constitution, he fell victim of one of the cholera epidemics.