Today in 1836 – Edwin Parker Born

Edwin Pond Parker was an American Congregational clergyman and author. Parker served for a time as Senate Chaplain for the state of Connecticut. He edited several hymn books, and wrote a number of hymns himself. To accompany one of his sermons, Edwin Parker wrote the beautiful hymn Master No Offering.

Master, no offering costly and sweet,
May we, like Magdalene, lay at Thy feet;
Yet may love’s incense rise, sweeter than sacrifice,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Daily our lives would show weakness made strong,
Toilsome and gloomy ways brightened by song;
Some deeds of kindness done, some souls by patience won,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Some word of hope for hearts burdened with fears,
Some balm of peace for eyes blinded with tears,
Some dews of mercy shed, some wayward footsteps led,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

(2) Today in 1935 – Eleanor Hull Died

Though born in Manchester, England, Eleanor Henrietta Hull’s passion was anything to do with Gaelic culture. She founded the Irish Text Society, and was president of the Irish Literary Society of London. It is from Eleanor Hull, in 1912, that we get the versified English translation of a centuries old Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

For a bit more about the origin of this hymn, see Today in 1880. Concerning the tune, Slane, see Item #2 under Today in 1808.