Universalis

Monday 21 January 2008

Hymns from different Christian Traditions - 4

Here we see a photo of Emmanuel United Reformed Church in Cambridge.



Philip Doddridge (1702-51) was part of the non-conformist tradition which eventually became part of the URC, and he was a prolific hymn writer. Here is one of his hymns.

O God of Bethel, by whose hand
Thy people still are fed,
Who through this weary pilgrimage
Hast all our father led.

Our vows, our prayers, we now present
Before thy throne of grace;
God of our fathers, be the God
Of their succeeding race.

Through each perplexing path of life
Our wandering footsteps guide;
Give us each day our daily bread,
And raiment fit provide.

O spread thy covering wings around,
Till all our strivings cease,
And at our Father's loved abode
Our souls arrive in peace.

2 comments:

John the organist said...

Would you believe this great hymn is not in BBC Songs of Praise? Mind you they have left out loads of other great hymns too!

Peter Simpson said...

Yes - we use BBC Songs of Praise in the Chapel of the Resurrection. By and large I like the book - it was I who chose it - but there are many great hymns missing. I'm not sure which is my favourite hymn book - it is tempting to use a selection.