For the Beauty of the Earth

The hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth" expresses all the wonderful blessings to God, the creator. The text was written by Folliott S. Pierpoint and composed by Conrad Kocher, with the tune name "Dix." The scripture reference is Hebrews 13:15 - "Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord."

Folliott S. Pierpoint, the hymn-writer, reminds us of all our blessings - the physical beauties surrounding us and the joys of home and friends. Finally, he gives thanks for the ministry of the church, God's house of believers who do the divine tasks and purposes on earth.

Hymn Writer Folliott Piermont

Folliott Piermont (1835-1917) is best remembered for this one beautiful hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth." He was born in Bath, England and was a lay member of the Anglican Church. Following his graduation from Queen's College, Cambridge, he taught the classics for a time at Somerset College, later becoming a freelance writer. Piermont published 7 volumes of poems and hymn texts, many of them showing his love for nature.

He was about 29 years old when he wrote the text. It was in the late spring while enjoying the surrounding area of his native city of Bath in England that he was awed by the beautiful countryside with its winding cool and peaceful river, Avon, in the distance. Overwhelmed with emotion, he expressed his feelings of gratitude by writing this sacred song.

Music Composer Conrad Kocher, Tune Name "Dix"

The tune name "Dix" came from the association of this melody with William Dix's hymn, "As With Gladness Men of Old," another beautiful hymn, often sung in Protestant services on Christmas to celebrate Christ's birth. Its composer, Conrad Kocher (1786-1872), born in Wurttëmberg, was an important musician and reformer of German church music.

Hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth"

This hymn first appeared in a collection of poems published in 1864. It was entitled "The Sacrifice of Praise" taken from the Scripture in Hebrews 13:15. It consisted of 8 six-line stanzas of which four are omitted in some hymnals. A verse not included in most hymnals gives thanks for God Himself, who has made all of the joys and beauties of life possible (refer to source consulted below, by Kenneth Osbeck):

"For Thyself, best Gift Divine! To our race so freely given;

For that great, great love of Thine, peace on earth, and joy in heaven:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise."

"For the Beauty of the Earth" has proven to be a favorite hymn for children. It was first written as a communion hymn in the Anglican Church service but has since become one of the favorite hymns during the thanksgiving season.

First Stanza of "For the Beauty of the Earth"

For the beauty of the earth,

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth,

Over and around us lies:

Refrain:

Christ our God, to Thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

Hymn Lyrics and Music

Cyber Hymnal (click MIDI from there)

Source:

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1982)

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

For the Beauty of the Earth

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds