The hymn is particularly appropriate for the close of an evening service.
John Ellerton was a minister of the Church of England, a teacher, author, and one of England’s most distinguished hymnists. He assisted in editing the famous Hymns Ancient and Modern, London, 1861. He was early surrounded with religious influences and had a happy childhood life. Of his parents he wrote, “I used to feel how happy my father and mother were, even more than how good they were.” He composed about fifty hymns and made about ten translations, a large proportion of which have found their way into church hymnals. He refused to take out a copyright for any of his hymns, saying that “if any are counted worthy to contribute to Christ’s praise in the congregation, one ought to feel very thankful and humble.” His hymns, of which there are eight in the Hymnary, are elevated in tone and devotional spirit.
MUSIC. BEATITUDO was written for the Revised Edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, and was set to the words, “How bright these glorious spirits shine.”
For comments on the composer, J. B. Dykes, see [Hymn 1].
43. Savior, again to Thy dear Name we raise
John Ellerton, 1826-93
This, the most popular of Ellerton’s hymns, was originally written in 1866 for a choir festival. It was revised and condensed to these four verses, rich in poetic beauty and spiritual power, to take a high place among our evening hymns. The first stanza may be used with good effect as a choral benediction. The last stanza was sung at Ellerton’s funeral on June 20, 1893.
For comments on John Ellerton see [Hymn 42].
MUSIC. ELLERS was composed for this hymn in 1869.
Edward John Hopkins, 1818-1901, was a distinguished English church musician who served as organist in several important London churches, including Westminster Abbey. He was a prolific composer of church music of fine quality—services, hymn-tunes, anthems, organ pieces—and enjoyed a great reputation as editor of hymn books.