374 Though Lowly Here Our Lot May Be
William Gaskell, 1805-84
A hymn on the dignity of all work which is done through faith and trust in Christ.
The author, William Gaskell, studied at Glasgow University and Manchester College, York, and became a Unitarian minister. His one and only charge was Cross Street Chapel, Manchester. He became Professor of English History and Literature in Manchester New College and was an influential leader in the community in the promotion of education and culture. His denomination bestowed upon him its highest honors. Mrs. Gaskell, a woman of brilliance and unusual literary gifts was encouraged by her husband to engage in literary work to distract her mind from the grief caused by the death of their little son. She turned out to be a popular writer, publishing works of fiction and the life of Charlotte Brontë. A memorial to her bears testimony to her genius, and to the “tenderness and fidelity” with which she adorned the minister’s home. Gaskell, a pioneer in social reform, wrote this hymn sometime before 1860.
MUSIC. ABRIDGE is also known as “ST. STEPHEN” (See 266 and 590).
For comments on the tune see Hymn 266.