Scripture Verse

Whom have I in Heaven but Thee? And earth has nothing I desire besides Thee. Psalm 73:25

Introduction

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Robert Grant (1780–1838)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: Ro­bert Grant, in Psalms and Hymns for Pub­lic, Pri­vate and So­cial Wor­ship, by Hen­ry Venn El­li­ott, 1835.

Music: Maid­stone Wal­ter B. Gil­bert, 1865 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Walter B. Gilbert
1829–1910

Lyrics

Lord of earth, Thy forming hand,
Well this beauteous frame hath planned,
Woods that wave, and hills that tower,
Ocean rolling in his power;
Yet amidst this scene so fair,
Should I cease thy smile to share,
What were all its joys to me?
Whom have I on earth but Thee?

Lord of Hea­ven, beyond our sight
Shines a world of purer light;
There in love’s unclouded reign,
Severed friends shall meet again:
O that world is passing fair!
Yet, if Thou wert absent there,
What were all its joys to me?
Whom have I in Hea­ven but Thee?

Lord of earth and Hea­ven, my breast
Seeks in Thee its only rest;
I was lost; Thy accents mild
Homeward lured Thy wandering child:
O if once Thy smile divine
Ceased upon my soul to shine,
What were earth or Hea­ven to me?
Whom have in each but Thee?

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Great Falls of Yellowstone
Thomas Moran (1837–1926)