For the Beauty of the Earth
92

Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint (1835–1917)
Music: Conrad Kocher (1786–1872)
Tune name: DIX

A hymn serves a valuable purpose if it can recall to our minds the importance of being attuned to the simple beauties of nature, family, and friendship. Such is the message of this hymn. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to refresh our appreciation for these day-to-day blessings and to offer thanks to the Lord at the conclusion of each verse.

The hymn names many sources of joy: the natural beauties of earth, including trees, flowers, hills, and vales; the wonders of the skies, including sun, moon, and stars; family members and friends; and “gentle thoughts.”

One hymn scholar believed the scriptural inspiration for the hymn was James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Another writer, Armin Hauessler, provided this account: “Folliott Sanford Pierpoint wrote this one day in late spring near his native city of Bath, England, when violets and primroses were in full bloom and all the earth seemed to rejoice. He climbed up a hill and sat down to rest and meditate. The panorama before him inspired him to write these beautiful lines” (The Story of Our Hymns [St. Louis, Mo.: Eden Publishing House, 1952], 66). The original hymn text includes additional stanzas giving thanks for the blessing of church and for God himself.

Although new to the 1985 hymnal, “For the Beauty of the Earth” appeared in previous Church music compilations, including the Primary songbooks Sing With Me (B-38) and The Children Sing (25). Because of the directness of its message and the simple appeal of its melody, this hymn is popular with children as well as adults. The brief, uncomplicated references to the things we hold most dear evoke memories and emotions in almost everyone who sings it. We welcome the chance to pause for a moment and offer praise for blessings we so often just accept as our due.

The tune name, DIX, honors William C. Dix, who wrote the first English hymn text with which this tune was paired. Dix’s text, a Christmas hymn widely used in Protestant hymnals, begins “As with gladness men of old / Did the guiding star behold.” The refrain of Kocher’s tune originally included two additional measures. William H. Monk, composer of “Abide with Me!” (no. 166), was the editor who created the shorter version used today.