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Bethel 27/O for a Closer Walk with God
Shape-Note Gospel; Text William Cowper 1769, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779); Tune: John Dykes "Beatitudo
ARTIST: Words:William Cowper; Tune: John Dykes "Beatitudo"
CATEGORY: Traditional Shape-Note Gospel;
DATE: 1769 William Cowper
RECORDING INFO: O for a Closer Walk with God
OTHER NAMES: "O for a Closer Walk with God," "Walking with God,"
SOURCES: Sacred Harp; 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1985; Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Hodder & Stoughton, London, 2001
NOTES: The lyrics to Bethel 27 form the Sacred Harp also known as "O for a Closer Walk with God" was written by William Cowper in 1772 and appeared in Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779). Music was written to Cowper's words by John Dykes.
The story goes that William Cowper, the hymn author of "O for a Closer Walk with God," lived a sad life. Early on, he developed a chronic melancholia and despondency that plagued him until death. In one state of mental torment, he attempted suicide by drowning in October, 1773.
Although Cowper wrote much fine devotional materials, he was continually troubled by the lack of assurance of his own salvation.
During Cowper's residence at Olney, he stayed with a Mrs. Unwin, who remained his devoted friend and guardian. This home is now a popular museum in Olney, containing interesting relics, books and portraits of Cowper. Behind the home is the lovely garden where Cowper and Newton met nearly everyday to work on the hymns.
"O for a Closer Walk with God" is said to have been written on December 9, 1769, during the serious illness of Cowper's dear friend, Mrs Unwin.
The hymn first appeared in Collection of Psalms and Hymns, compiled by William Cowper in 1772. When it was later included in the Olney Hymns Hymnal, Book 1, it had the title "Walking with God," based on Genesis 5: 24: "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." It reflected in a most poignant manner the inner struggles of Cowper's sensitive soul and his earnest desire to experience the inner peace of God's abiding presence in his life.
Cowper was born on November 15, 1731, in Great Berkhamstead, England, the son of the chaplain to King George II. Following a period in his early life when he attempted to study and practice law, Cowper eventually moved to the village of Olney, where he began an association and firm friendship with John Newton, pastor of the Olney Anglican parish church, writer of "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" and "Amazing Grace."
In 1799, the combined talents of Newton and Cowper produced the famous Olney Hymns Hymnal, one of the most important single contributions made to the field of evangelical hymnody. In this collection of about 350 hymns, 67 were written by Cowper and all the rest by Newton.
Aside from contributing to the hymnody, Cowper was also a respected secular poets of the 18th century. Several of his works include a translation of Homer, an acclaimed volume of poems entitled The Task. He died in 1800. Today, his hymns are part of the treasured hymns of the Christian Church.
The common tune "Beatitudo," was composed by John Bacchus Dykes, one of England's leading 19th century church musicians. He was born on March 10, 1823, at Kingston-upon-Hull. He was educated at Cambridge University with an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Durham University. Dykes is credited with composing 300 hymn tunes, many of them used by Christians today.
Bethel 27 "O, For A Closer Walk With God"
Lyrics: William Cowper, 1772
Alto: Wilson Marion Cooper, 1902
Meter: Common Meter (8,6,8,6)
O, for a closer walk with God!
A calm and heav’nly frame!
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!
Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and His word?
What peaceful hours I then enjoy’d!
How sweet their mem’ry still!
But now I find an aching void
The world can never fill.
Return, Oh Holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest;
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,
And drove Thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
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