The hymn appeared first in Hymns, 1852, published by the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. In the Episcopal Church in the United States and Canada, it has been adopted as the hymn of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Mrs. Alexander is known principally as a writer of children’s hymns ([410] and [412]), but she also contributed excellent church songs for adults.
For comments on Mrs. Alexander see [Hymn 104].
MUSIC. GALILEE was written for this hymn by William H. Jude, 1852-1922, English organist, composer, and lecturer on musical subjects. The tune becomes waltz-like when sung in quick tempo. Recognizing this danger, some hymn books are using other tunes with this hymn.
141. Behold a stranger at the door
Joseph Grigg, 1720-68
A lyric revealing in a remarkable manner the tenderness and love of Christ. It is based on Rev. 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Bishop How’s hymn, “O Jesus Thou art standing” ([144]), with which this may be compared, is based on the same passage.
Joseph Grigg, an English Presbyterian minister, began writing hymns when only ten years old. After a brief pastorate, he retired from the active ministry to devote himself to literary work. He published about 40 volumes, including several collections of hymns. Only two of his 43 hymns are found in modern hymnals, this one and “Jesus, and shall it ever be” ([192]), the latter written when he was only ten years of age.
MUSIC. BERA, a very useful tune, was composed by John Edgar Gould, 1822-75, an American musical editor, dealer in musical instruments, choral conductor, and publisher of music books. He was born in Maine, but spent most of his adult life in New York City and Philadelphia.