[In his last attempt to preach], young Taylor uttered the words, “I want to die like a soldier, sword in hand.” On the evening of the same Sabbath day he breathed his last. His words were memorable, and Montgomery, who loved and admired the man, made them the text of a poem, part of which is the familiar hymn “Servant of God, well done."*
* See [page 498]
THE TUNE.
Sir Arthur Sullivan put the words into classic expression, but, to American ears at least, the tune of “Oak,” by Lowell Mason, is the hymn's true sister. It was composed in 1854.
“DEAR JESUS, EVER AT MY SIDE.”
One of Frederick William Faber's sweet and simple lyrics. It voices that temper and spirit in the human heart which the Saviour first looks for and loves best. None better than Faber could feel and utter the real artlessness of Christian love and faith.
Dear Jesus, ever at my side,
How loving must Thou be
To leave Thy home in heaven to guard