315. Now the laborer’s task is o’er
John Ellerton, 1826-93
Written for Church Hymns, 1871, by John Ellerton, distinguished hymnist of the Church of England. His biographer has written concerning this hymn:
We now come to the loveliest and most loved of Mr. Ellerton’s hymns. It has been sung and will continue to be sung at the graveside of princes, divines, statesmen, poets, artists, authors, as well as many a Christian labourer of humble life.
For comments on John Ellerton see [Hymn 42].
MUSIC. REQUIESCAT was written for this hymn. It appeared first in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875. For comments on the composer, John B. Dykes, see [Hymn 1].
316. O Lord of life, where’er they be
Frederick L. Hosmer, 1840-1929
This hymn, a source of comfort and courage to many mourners, was composed by Hosmer in 1888 for the Easter service in his own church in Cleveland, Ohio.
The note of triumph runs throughout the hymn, each stanza ending with a jubilant “Allelujah.” It was written to be sung with Palestrina’s tune, “Victory.”