Based on Zech. 14:7: “But it shall come to pass, at evening time it shall be light.” The hymn was written in 1869 for the author’s congregation, to be sung at evening prayer. It appeared in Church Hymns, 1871, published by the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, London.
Richard Hayes Robinson, a clergyman of the Church of England, was born in London. He was educated at King’s College, London, and served as minister in various churches. On the day of his second wedding, he was taken ill on the train and died the next day. He published several volumes of sermons.
MUSIC. MÜDE BIN ICH, GEH ZUR RUH is a well-known German melody in the Gesangbuch mit Noten, where it appears anonymously, set to Louise Hensel’s hymn from which the tune derives its name. The melody, in slightly different form, appeared in 1842 in Lieder-Buch für Kleinkinder-Schulen ... con Theodor Fliedner. It is used in the Methodist Hymnal (1935) set to the words, “Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear.”
255. O Lord, how happy should we be
Joseph Anstice, 1808-36
Based on I Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you,” and on the Scripture lesson in Matthew 6:24-34. The original poem was in five stanzas. The hymn was written out of experiences of sickness, pain, and trial.
Joseph Anstice, a friend of Gladstone during student days at Oxford, was appointed Professor of Classical Literature at King’s College, London, at the age of 22. Within three years his health failed, and he died at the age of 28, whereupon Gladstone, who had been deeply influenced by him at Oxford, wrote in his Diary, “Read to my deep sorrow of Anstice’s death on Monday. His friends, his young widow, the world can spare him ill.” This and 53 other hymns were dictated to his wife in the afternoons during his last illness.
MUSIC. MERIBAH. For comments on the composer, Lowell Mason, see [Hymn 12].
256. Peace, perfect peace
Edward H. Bickersteth, 1825-1906