582 The Lord’s My Light and Saving Health
Psalm XXVII
Scottish Psalter, 1650
Psalm 27:1-5. A Song of Assurance.
These verses reflect a confidence that knows no fear in the midst of danger, because of God’s protecting care.
MUSIC. ST. MAGNUS, also called “Nottingham,” is a “good solid melody, built on familiar lines.” It appeared, anonymously, in 1709 in a book called The Divine Companion: or David’s Harp new tuned. Being a choice collection of New and Easy Psalms, Hymns and Anthems. In 1762 the tune, bearing its present name and assigned to Jeremiah Clark, appeared in W. Riley’s Parochial Harmony. In Gawthorn’s Harmonia Perfecta, 1730, it is named “Nottingham.”
The composer, Jeremiah Clark, 1670-1707, a Londoner of keen sensibility and gifted musicianship, wrote operatic music, a cantata, numerous songs, and church music-anthems and psalm tunes. In a mood of despondency he took his own life.