The Tanglewood Hymnal

Richard Redhead was born in Harrow, England on March1, 1820. Redhead was a young chorister in Magdalen College, Oxford. Redhead was a leading musical figure in the Oxford Movement, whose aim, in part was to steer the Anglican church back toward Catholicism. He held two organist position during his lifetime.  One from 1839-1864 and the other as organist of St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, Paddington from 1864-1894. Richard Redhead died in Hellingly, England on April 27, 1901.

Richard Redhead’s contributions to the Tanglewood Hymnal:

Robert Murray McCheyne (sometimes spelled M’Cheyne), a Presbyterian minister, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 21, 1813, and died on March 25, 1843. His only pastorate was at St. Peter’s church in Dundee for seven and a half years, until his death. His closest friend was Andrew Bonar.

McCheyne wrote a number of poems, but When This Passing World Is Done seems to be the only poem set to tune and in any use today. Originally titled I Am a Debtor, the poem contained nine verses. Only five verses are commonly listed in the hymn version. McCheyne is also known for a Bible-reading calendar.

Robert Murray McCheyne’s contributions to the Tanglewood Hymnal:

Author: Robert Murray McCheyne, 1837
Composer: Richard Redhead, 1853; Tune: AJALON (REDHEAD No. 76) Meter: 777777
Download the sheet music as a pdf file When This Passing World Is Done
Listen to the tune:

Lyrics:

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see thee as thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When the praise of heav’n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.

Additional verses:

Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark, as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall - but still arise -
The Spirit comes - the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign -
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night Thine anger burns -
Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! bid me show
To Thy poor, how much I owe.