Abide with Me Hymn

"Abide with Me" was written by Henry F. Lyte shortly before his own passing away. It has become one of the favorite hymns for Christians during times of despair and deep distress.

Basis of the Text

The text was taken from the account of Christ's appearance with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus and their statement found in Luke 24: 29 of the Bible: "But they urged him strongly: "Stay with us for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them."

Henry F. Lyte - Text Author

It has been said that only the person who can face the prospect of death realistically is one able to live this life with purpose and confidence. Such was the conviction Henry F. Lyte, an English pastor who wrote this hymn.

Born in Scotland on June 1, 1793, Henry F. Lyte was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and was a member of the Church of England. He was known to be frail in body, and his health was continually threatened by asthma and tuberculosis. Despite his physical frailties, he had a strong faith, and was a tireless worker with a reputation as a poet, musician and minister. He coined the phrase, "It is better to wear out than rust out." Wherever Henry Lyte ministered, he was greatly loved and admired by his people. He died in 1847.

Lyte's Vocation and Calling

For the last 23 years of his life, Lyte pastured a parish church among lowly fishing people at Lower Brixham, Devonshire, England. During the later years his health became worse so that he was force to seek a warmer climate in Italy. For the last sermon with his poor parishioners, it was recorded that Lyte was almost crawling to the pulpit that his message sounded as coming from a dying man.

His final words made impact on his people when he said: "My desire is to induce you to prepare for the solemn hour which must come to all by a timely appreciation and dependence on the death of Christ." On his way to Rome, death overtook him at Nice, France. He was buried there in the English cemetery on Nov 20, 1847.

Lyte is said to have written this text along with his own tune. It was only used in England until it was first published in a book, Lyte's Remains. Its first appearance in America was in Henry Ward Beecher's Plymouth Collection with the notation that "Abide with Me" was meant to be read and not sung.

William Monk - Hymn Tune Composer

Later, the hymn was discovered by William H. Monk (1823-1889), prominent music editor of the Anglican Church hymnal, Hymn Ancient and Modern, choir director and organist at King's College, London. Monk composed for Lyte's text in less than half an hour, the tune was named "Eventide." Monk was inspired by the beauty of a glorious sunset while yet experiencing a deep personal sorrow.

First Stanza of "Abide with Me"

Abide with me fast falls the eventide,

The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide,

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

Lyrics and Music

Cyber Hymnal (Click MIDI from there)

Sources:

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1985)

The Penguin Book of Hymns, edited by Ian Bradley (1989)

Abide with Me (Eventide)

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