Hymns and Their Singers

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...he adds: --" I was greatly affected by the whole matter, and brought to look at life and its issue with a different eye than before; and I began to study my Bible and preach in another manner than I had previously done." Henry Lyte also held curacies at Lymington, in Hampshire, and at Charlton, in Devonshire. At Lymington he wrote "Tales on the Lord's Prayer" and many other poems. In 1823 he became Perpetual Curate of Lower Brixham, which appointment he held until his death on November 20th, 1847. His daughter tells us, in graphic terms, how he spent his last day at Lower Brixham. He had arranged to start for his holiday on Monday, September 5th, 1847. His family were surprised and almost alarmed at his announcing his intention of preaching once more to his people. His weakness, and the possible danger attending the effort, were urged to prevent it, but in vain. "It is better," he used often playfully to say, "to wear out than to rust out." He felt that he would be enabled to fulfil his wish, and feared not for the result. His expecta tion was well-founded. He did preach, and amid the breathless attention of his hearers, gave them a sermon on Holy Communion. He afterwards assisted at the administration of the Holy Eucharist, and though necessarily much exhausted by the exertion and excitement of this effort, yet his friends had no reason to believe it had been hurtful to him. In the evening of the same day he placed in the hands of a near and dear relative, the little hymn, "Abide with me," with an air of his own composing adapted to the words. Such, in a few brief sentences, is the history of the origin of this beautiful hymn. "Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me ...