Autumn: Saviour, Breathe an Evening Blessing (1912)

Nov 8, 2017



Rendition by the Trinity Choir of James Edmeston's 1820 hymn "Saviour, Breathe an Evening Blessing", which somehow, on its journey to disc, ended up being enigmatically appended with the title "Autumn". The composer is listed as being Louis Van Esch, about whom we couldn't find any information. An architect by profession, Edmeston was best known for his prolific hymn writing — the total number of which was said to total more than 2000, one written every Sunday.
"Savior, Breathe an Evening Blessing"by James Edmeston

Savior, breathe an evening blessingEre repose our spirits seal,Sin and want we come confessing;Thou canst save, and Thou canst heal.

Though destruction walk around us,Though the arrows past us fly,Angel guards from Thee surround us;We are safe if Thou art nigh.

Though the night be dark and dreary,Darkness cannot hide from Thee;<brThou art He who, never weary,Watcheth where Thy people be.



Should swift death this night o'ertake usAnd our couch become our tomb,May the morn in heaven awake us,Clad in light and deathless bloom.
