Matthew Bridges

Born: July 14, 1800, The Friars, Maldon, Essex, England.

Died:  October 6, 1894, Sidmouth, Devon, England.

    Though raised as an Anglican, Bridges converted to Roman Catholicism in 1848. He lived in Quebec, Canada, for some years, but eventually returned to England. His works include:

• The Testimony of Profane Antiquity to the Account, Given by Moses, of Paradise and the Fall of Man, 1825
• The Roman Empire under Constantine the Great, 1828
• Hymns of the Heart, 1848 & 1851 (the majority of his hymns come from this work)
• Babbicombe, or Visions of Memory, with other Poems, 1852
• The Passion of Jesus, 1852
• Report of the Discussion between J. Baylee and Matthew Bridges, 1856
• An Earnest Appeal to Evangelical Episcopalians, etc., on the State of Parties in the Anglican Establishment, 1864

Hymns

1. Away from God
2. Behold the Lamb of God
3. Blessed Lamb, on Calvary's Mountain
4. Bright Were the Mornings First Impearled
5. Crown Him with Many Crowns
6. From Circlets Starred with Many a Gem
7. Head of the Hosts in Glory
8. Holy of Holies, Seat of Love
9. Jesu! to Thee We Look
10. Lo! on the Slope of Yonder Shore
11. My God, Accept My Heart This Day
12. Rise, Glorious Conqueror
13. Rise, O Lord, in All Thy Glory
14. Rose of the Cross, Thou Mystic Flower
15. Soil Not Thy Plumage, Gentle Dove
16. Wave the Sweet Censer, Wave
17. Wine-Press, The