Born: October 30, 1853, London, England.

Died: January 29, 1931, Swanage, Dorset, England.

Mathams went to sea early in life, but on returning to England through Palestine, he began to study for the ministry. In 1874, he entered the Regent’s Park Baptist College, and subsequently became the pastor at Preston, Lancashire. In 1879, his health failing, he went for a while to Australia and other places. Returning to England, he became, in 1883, minister at Falkirk, Scotland, and at Birmingham in 1888. His works include:

• At Jesus’ Feet, 1876
• Fireside Parables, 1879
• Sunday Parables, 1883

Hymns:

1. Bright Falls the Morning Light
2. Christ of the Upward Way
3. Gentle Jesus, Full of Grace
4. Go, Work for God, and Do Not Say
5. God Has Come from Nazareth
6. God Loves the Little Sparrows
7. Jesus, Friend of Little Children
8. My Heart, O God, Be Wholly Thine
9. No Room for Thee, Lord Jesus
10. Now in the Days of Youth
11. Reign in My Heart, Great God
12. Sailing on the Ocean