HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES – 19 “At Even ere the Sun was set” Author: Rev. Canon H. Twells (Born 13th March 1823 in Ashted, Birmingham – Died 19th January 1900 in Bourmouth) Music Composer: J. Scheffler. Name: Angelus. Meter: LM Original Version

Modernised Version

1. At even, ere the sun was set, The sick O Lord around Thee lay; Oh, in what divers pains they met! Oh, with what joy they went away!

1. At evening, when the sun was set, The sick O Lord around You lay; Oh, in what diverse pains they met! Oh, with what joy they went away!

2. Once more ‘tis eventide, and we, Oppressed with various ills, draw near; What if Thy form we cannot see? We know and feel that Thou art here.

2. Once more it’s evening, and we, Oppressed with various ills, draw near; What if Your form we cannot see? We know and feel that You are here.

3. O Saviour Christ, our woes dispel! For some are sick, and some are sad, And some have never loved Thee well, And some have lost the love they had.

3. O Saviour Christ, our pains dispel! For some are sick, and some are sad, And some have never loved You well, And some have lost the love they had.

4. And all, O Lord, crave perfect rest, 4. And all, O Lord, crave perfect rest, And to be wholly free from sin; And to be wholly free from sin; And they who fain would serve Thee best, And those who long to serve You best, Are conscious most of wrong within. Are conscious most of wrong within.

5. O Saviour Christ, Thou too art man! Thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried; Thy kind but searching glance can scan The very wounds that shame would hide.

5. O Saviour Christ, You too are man! You have been troubled, tempted, tried; Your kind but searching glance can scan The very wounds that shame would hide.

6. Thy touch has still its ancient power, No word from Thee can fruitless fall; Hear in this solemn evening hour, And in Thy mercy heal us all.

6. Your touch has still its ancient power, No word from You can fruitless fall; Hear in this solemn evening hour, And in Your mercy heal us all.

R

ev. Canon Henry Twells was an Anglican clergyman, hymn writer and poet. His best known hymn is "At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set" as depicted above. The son of Philip Mellor Twells, Henry Twells was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham and at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, from where he graduated with a B.A. in 1848 and M.A. in 1851. On 25 May 1875, he married Ellen Jane Tompson, daughter of the Rev. Matthew Tompson, who was Vicar of Alderminster, near Stratford-on-Avon. Henry was a most accomplished writer of hymns, however, he is well remembered for ‘Lines on a clock’ (also named ‘Time Paces’) in Chester Cathedral, which reads:

When I was a child I laughed and wept – time crept. When I was a youth I dreamt and talked – time walked. When I became a full grown man – time ran. When older still I daily grew – time flew. Soon I shall find on travelling on – time gone. O Christ, wilt Thou have saved me then? Following his retirement, and to improve his health, Henry Twells St.Augustine’s Church, moved to Bournemouth, where he assisted in the Parish of St. Bournmouth Stephen. On 15th April 1891, he wrote to the Vicar of St. Stephen’s, offering to build the church ‘in recognition of the countless mercies I have received from Almighty God during a long life’. His offer was accepted, and he commissioned his friend William Butterfield to design and build the church, which was dedicated to St. Augustin, the North African Bishop of Hippo. The foundation stone was laid by Mrs. Twells on 19th November 1891 and the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester on 28th October 1892. Canon Twells was Priest-in-Charge until his death in 1900. The hymn written by Canon Twells is given above, together with a revamped modern version suitable for use in the 21st Century. What a pity if the archaisms of the original discourage some from using this hymn today. Its lyrics emphasise the compassionate healing power of Christ, as recorded in many New Testament verses, including Luke 9:11 “He healed those who had need of healing.” The opening verse contrasts the emotions of the crowd, ranging from sadness to joy, as they were made whole. Verse 2 expresses faith in Christ’s words, “I am with you always,” even though we do not see Him. Verse 3 includes the sad possibility of losing our love for the Lord, as in the Ephesian Church (Revelation 2:1–7). Verse 4 emphasises our human weaknesses and our longing to be free from sin, while verse 5 speaks of the Lord’s humanity and the fact that He sees in us the very things we try to hide. The final verse presents the fact that Jesus Christ is the same today, His “touch has still its ancient power” and His creative words, bathed in mercy, are enough to heal us all. Anthony K. Chamberlain

At Even Ere the Sun was Set “When evening had come…He healed all who were sick”