Henry F. Lyte was a pastor in England. He wrote this hymn in 1847. He was born in Scotland on June 1, 1793. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. He was also a member of the Church of England . He suffered with asthma and tuberculosis, however, he was a tireless worker and established himself a reputation as a poet, musician and minister.
Henry F. Lyte was the one who coined the phrase: "It is better to wear out then to rust out." And may we all learn to apply that to our lives using his powerful example.
He was loved everywhere he ministered.
For the last twenty years of his life Lyte pastored a poor parish Church among fishing people at Lower Brixham, Devonshire, England. During these later years his health became progressivly worse so that he was forced to seek a warmer climate in Italy. For the last sermon with his poor parishioners on September 4, 1847, it is recorded that Lyte nearly had to crawl to the pulpit and his message came as from a dying man. His final words made a deep impact upon his people when he said that it was his desire to "Induce you to prepare for the solemn hour which must come to all by a timely appreciation and dependance on the death if Christ.
On his way to Rome, Italy, he was overtaken by death at Nice, France, and was buried there in the English Cemetary on November 20 1847.
Henry F. Lyte
That was wonderful, John!!! It blessed my heart. Thank you so much. Grandma.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!
ReplyDeleteAre we allowed to submit requests? Because if so, I want to request As The Deer Panteth For the Water. I know it's not really a hymn, but it's my favorite, and I'd like to learn about it. :)