Matthew Bridges

1800-1894

Born: July 14, 1800, The Friars, Maldon, Essex, England.

Died: October 6, 1894, Sidmouth, Devon, England.

Though raised as an Anglican, Bridges converted to Roman Catholicism in 1848. He lived in Quebec, Canada, for some years, but eventually returned to England. His works include:

• The Testimony of Profane Antiquity to the Account, Given by Moses, of Paradise and the Fall of Man, 1825
• The Roman Empire under Constantine the Great, 1828
• Hymns of the Heart, 1848 & 1851 (the majority of his hymns come from this work)
• Babbicombe, or Visions of Memory, with other Poems, 1852
• The Passion of Jesus, 1852
• Report of the Discussion between J. Baylee and Matthew Bridges, 1856
• An Earnest Appeal to Evangelical Episcopalians, etc., on the State of Parties in the Anglican Establishment, 1864

Hymns:

1. Behold the Lamb of God
2. Bright Were the Mornings First Impearled
3. Crown Him with Many Crowns
4. Head of the Hosts in Glory
5. My God, Accept My Heart This Day
6. Rise, Glorious Conqueror
7. Soil Not Thy Plumage, Gentle Dove