Dr. Thomas Gibbons (1720-1785)

From: The Little Flock Hymn Book: Its History and Hymn Writers By: Adrian Roach

• 1 min. read • grade level: 11

Independent

Hymns #207, Appendix 1.

This writer was born May 31, 1720 at Reak, near Newmarket, England. He was educated by a Dr. Taylor at Deptford and was ordained in 1742 as the assistant minister to Mr. Bures at Silver Street Chapel, London. In 1743 he became minister at Independent Church in Haberdasher’s Hall where he continued until his death on February 22, 1785. He had also been a tutor (1754) at the Dissenting Academy at Mile End, London. He gave Sunday evening lectures (1760) at Monkwell Street and four years later received an M.A. degree from the College of New Jersey. He wrote books on Calvinism and other subjects as well as poetical works and is considered a “disciple in hymn writing” of Dr. Isaac Watts whose life he wrote.

It will be readily seen that hymn #207 is based on Heb. 13:20-21²⁰Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20‑21). In the Appendix hymn (#1) how happily he speaks of forgiveness and the response there should be in hearts:

“For this stupendous gift of heaven,

What grateful honors shall we show!

Where much transgression is forgiven

May love with fervent ardor flow.”

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