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In addition to these activities he was devoted to his writing of
poetry, and, in particular his paraphrase of the Psalms. He also

wrote four hymns: ‘Praise my soul the king of heaven’. ‘God of
mercy, God of grace’. ‘Pleasant are Thy courts above’. ‘Abide with
me’.

“Abide with me“ was written by Henry to be sung at his farewell
service before he travelled to Europe. When he introduced it the
congregation was in tears. It was the 4th September 1847. Henry
died, and entered the presence of his Lord in Nice, France, on
20th November 1847.

But that wasn’t the end of the hymn. It took on a new life. When in
1927 the King’s secretary asked him what he would like to replace
Alexander’s Rag-time Band at the Cup Final, the King (George V)
replied ”Abide with me.” On announcing the hymn, the crowds took
to it with great delight! Many stars, Christian and non-Christian
have sung it since. One example is Edith Cavell, who in October
1915 sang it as she was taken from prison to be executed.

It still goes round in my head! It’s such an emotional and
meaningful prayer.

Graham Neads

Copy Date

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15th November
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