James Edmeston

1791-1867

Born: September 10, 1791, Wapping, Middlesex, England.

Died: January 7, 1867, Homerton, Middlesex, England.

Edmeston was an architect and surveyor by profession. He served as the church warden at St. Barnabas, Homerton. He also strongly supported the London Orphan Asylum, and visited there frequently; he wrote “Lead Us, Heavenly Father” for the children there. It is said he wrote 2,000 hymns: one each Sunday. His works include:

• The Search, and other Poems, 1817
• Sacred Lyrics, 1820-22
• The Cottage Minstrel; or, Hymns for the Assistance of Cottagers in their Domestic Worship, 1821
• One Hundred Hymns for Sunday Schools, 1821
• Missionary Hymns, 1822
• Patmos, a Fragment, and Other Poems, 1824
• The Woman of Shunam, and Other Poems, 1829
• Fifty Original Hymns, 1833
• Hymns for the Chamber of Sickness, 1844
• Closet Hymns and Poems, 1844
• Infant Breathings, being Hymns for the Young, 1846
• Sacred Poetry, 1847

Hymns:

1. Along My Earthly Way
2. Dark River of Death That Is Flowing
3. Come Sacred Peace, Delightful Guest
4. Eternal God, Before Thy Throne
5. For Thee We Pray and Wait
6. Fountain of Grace
7. God Entrusts to All
8. God Is Here: How Sweet the Sound
9. How Sweet the Light of Sabbath Eve
10. Is There a Time When Moments Flow
11. Lead Us, Heavenly Father
12. Light of Sabbath Eve, The
13. Little Travelers Zionward
14. May We, Lord, Rejoicing Say
15. Music, Bring Thy Sweetest Treasures
16. Roll On, Thou Mighty Ocean
17. Savior, Breathe an Evening Blessing
18. Sweet Is the Light of Sabbath Eve
19. Wake, Harp of Zion
20. When Shall the Voice of Singing
21. When the Worn Spirit Wants Repose
22. Why Should I, in Vain Repining