The author and the composer of this hymn lived more than 200 years apart; they both died at a young age, one at 40, the other at 43. George Herbert (1593-1633; see SDAH 9), an Anglican minister, wrote a collection of poems published as The Temple. Three weeks before his death, he gave the manuscript to Nicholas Ferrar, requesting that he read it “and then, if he can think it may turn to the advantage of any dejected soul, let it be made public.” Herbert really had no idea of it being made into hymns, the whole being meant for meditation.

After publication in 1633, The Temple was very popular; the first hymns from it were published in London, 1697. John and Charles Wesley took note of Herbert’s poetic quality, and included 40 hymns from The temple in their Hymns and Sacred Poems,1739. Herbert’s lyrics have been characterized as “quaint,” and the irregular meter of some have militated against their widespread use by congregations. He was a musician, and sang his own songs to the lute or a viol.

Two other hymns from The Temple in SDAH are No. 9, “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing,” and No. 247,” Come, My Way.”

GWALCHMAI, named after a Welsh bard who lived in the twelfth century, is one of those distinctive, enthusiastic Welsh tunes that, because of their simplicity of form, almost sing themselves. GWALCHMAI was first published in Llyfr Tonau ac Emynau,1868, of which Jones was a coeditor.

Joseph David Jones was born 1827 at Brynerugog, Montgomery, Wales. When he was 20, some of his psalm tunes were published, and with the money from their sale he went to London and studied music. For nine years he taught music in the British School at Ruthin, Denbigshire, Wales, and died there September 17, 1870. His works include cantata, The Court of Arthur, a book for singers, and a number of books of Welsh melodies.

📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.