CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER: "MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH"

2016 -15  Cecil Frances Alexander: "The Maker of Heaven and Earth"  or 
                                      "All Things Bright and Beautiful"
                                  

Cecil Frances Alexander [1818-1895]

Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander [1818-1895] was an Irish poet and hymn writer. She was born in Dublin, and started writing verse from her childhood. By 1840's she was already known as a hymn writer and her compositions were soon included in Church of Ireland hymn books. 

Her book, Hymns for Little Children reached its 69th edition before the close of the 19th century. The hymns "All Things Bright And Beautiful" and "There is a Green Hill Far Away" are known to millions of people, the world over, as is her translation of "Saint Patrick's Breastplate".

She was also involved in charitable work. Profits from Hymns for Little Children were donated to the Diocesan Institution for the Deaf and Dumb.

Maker of Heaven and Earth

All things bright and beautiful, 
All creatures great and small, 
All things wise and wonderful, 
The Lord God made them all. 

Each little flower that opens, 
Each little bird that sings, 
He made their glowing colours, 
He made their tiny wings. 

The purple-headed mountain, 
The river running by, 
The sunset, and the morning, 
That brightens up the sky; 

The cold wind in the winter, 
The pleasant summer sun, 
The ripe fruits in the garden, 
He made them every one. 

The tall trees in the greenwood,   
The meadows where we play, 
The rushes by the water, 
We gather every day; - 

He gave us eyes to see them, 
And lips that we might tell, 
How great is God Almighty, 
Who has made all things well. 

YouTube Video: All Things Bright And Beautiful: [Click Here]

For the full Text of Hymns for Little Children: [Click Here]