Samuel Longfellow, 1819-92

The author’s title of this hymn is, “Behold the Fields are White.”

For comments on Samuel Longfellow see [Hymn 28].

MUSIC. BELMONT. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 197].

295. Pour out Thy Spirit from on high

James Montgomery, 1771-1854

Written in 1833 for the Rev. J. Birchell, clergyman in the Church of England, who published it in his Selection of Hymns. It was printed in the same year in Edward Bickersteth’s Christian Psalmody. For comments on Bickersteth see [Hymn 256]. The hymn’s original title was, “For a Meeting of Clergy.” It is not intended to be sung by a body of people as a prayer for ministers but as a prayer hymn to be sung by ministers themselves.

For comments on James Montgomery see [Hymn 62].

MUSIC. MELCOMBE. For comments on this tune see [Hymn 22].

296. Lord, speak to me, that I may speak