Henry Kirke White. [Heaven.] This poetic hymn by Henry Kirke White was published posthumously in Robert Southey's edition of The Remains of Henry Kirke White (1807). Composed in 7 stanzas of 4 lines, it was given the descriptive title "In heaven we shall be purified, so as to be able to endure the splendours of the Deity." Southey included a memorable editorial note stating that the final stanza was added extemporaneously by White on a warm summer evening while boating on the River Trent with a circle of close friends, as he was accustomed to doing on such occasions. The full original text was reprinted in Charles Rogers's Lyra Britannica (1867, page 628). Although the poem achieved considerable fame among readers of White's literary remains, its length and elevated poetic tone made it less adaptable for standard congregational singing, resulting in its appearance in only a few modern hymn collections in shortened or revised formats.
Related Hymns
Hymns in the library connected to this dictionary topic.
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Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled my Soul
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When We All Get to Heaven
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How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
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The Windows of Heaven Are Open
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Ring the Bells of Heaven
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One day when heaven was filled with His praises
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Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
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Bread of Heaven, On Thee We Feed
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