The Beauty of the Earth

A respected scholar, Folliott Sandford Pierpoint graduated from Queen’s College, Cambridge University, in 1857. Later, he taught classics at Somersetshire College. In the spring of 1864, while visiting his hometown of Bath, England, Pierpoint (who was born on this day in 1835) became overwhelmed by the beauty of the countryside. He felt inspired to write a hymn to express the gratitude in his heart. It was called “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

He began by focusing on the “beauty of the earth” and “the glory of the skies.” Everywhere he looked, he saw “the love which from our birth over and around us lies.” But Pierpoint did not glory in creation by itself. He knew that all of this came from God. He wrote, “Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.”

He praised God “for the beauty of each hour,” for “hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light.” He praised Him for “the joy of human love” from family and friends, and His Church that praised Him with “holy hands above” and a “pure sacrifice of love.” He praised God for the testimony of martyrs and prophets, and “for each perfect gift of Thine.”

Right now, as you look around, consider the world that God has made. And consider the many ways in which He has blessed you. Allow your heart to express gratefulness. But don’t worship His creation: Worship and praise Him! And remember. You can trust your life to Him. He is holy, and worthy of your praise.