Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924
Based on Proverbs 3:24:
“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid;
Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”
The hymn was written for children, but is suitable for worshippers of all ages.
Sabine Baring-Gould was educated at Cambridge and became a clergyman of the Church of England. He was a man of great industry and versatility, and possessed a wide range of interests. He wrote books on travel, biography, history, and is the author of several novels. He also edited several collections of folk songs. Baring-Gould is the author of “Onward Christian soldiers,” another hymn written for children, which has received a much wider use than originally intended.
MUSIC. MERRIAL is a favorite tune for choir use in evening services. The average congregation can learn to sing it without difficulty, and when sung slowly and thoughtfully, it constitutes a deeply moving evening prayer.
For comments on the composer, Joseph Barnby, see [Hymn 21].
30. Sun of my soul, Thou Savior dear
John Keble, 1792-1866