C. Russell Hurditch

Hurditch, Charles Russell, was born in Exeter, Dec. 20, 1839. In 1854 he underwent a spiritual change which led him subsequently to undertake religious work in some of the villages of Devonshire, and afterwards to succeed the late Mr. Henry Hull as the Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, Stafford Street, London. In 1865 he published The London Hymn Book for Prayer Meetings and Special Services. This was revised in 1880. In 1873 he also publishedThe Enlarged London Hymn Book, a Collection of Hymns for Public, Social, and Private Use. Of the smaller work more than half a million copies have been sold; and of the enlarged book the 86th thousand was issued in 1881. To the first (1865) he contributed Nos. 10 and 11 given below: the rest were published in the second book (1873).
1. Arise, ye saints, arise and sing. God is Light.
2. Arm of the Lord, awake! Exalt the Saviour slain. Home Missions.
3. Come, join the hosts above. Praise of Jesus.
4. Farewell to the present, farewell. Friends parting.
5. He dies! He dies! The Son of God most holy . Good Friday.
6. Hear the gospel's joyful sound. Invitation.
7. Jesus, do Thou my vision fill. Jesus All in All.
8. Let us by faith draw nigh. Holy Communion.
9. Lord, grant Thy Spirit’s mighty power. Divine Worship.
10. Lord Jesus, we pray . Second Advent desired.
11. 0 Christ, Thou heavenly Lamb. Divine Power desired.
12. 0 God of all love! Thy presence here prove. Divine Worship.
13. 0 sacred Name! 0 Name of power. Name of Jesus.
14. sinner, wilt thou further go? Appeal and Response.
15. 0 Sovereign Lord of earth and heaven. Holy Baptism.
16. Jesus would I see. Jesus Only.
17. Rejoice, rejoice, ye saints, rejoice. Rejoicing in the Lord.
18. Salvation's song be given. Praise to Jesus.
19. Soon shall these eyes, my Saviour, see. Praise to Jesus.
20. Soon shall we find our journey o'er. Nearing Heaven.
21. Stop, thou heavy-laden stranger. Christ's Compassion.
22. The atoning blood is flowing. Redemption.
23. These supplications hear. Lent.
24. Till we meet Thee in glory . Constancy desired:
25. We bless Thy precious Name. Name of Jesus.
26. What wondrous grace in Christ we see. Christ's Humility.
27. Ye dying sons of men; Christ calls, &c. Invitation.
Of these hymns, No. 1 was written as a companion hymn to “Come, let us all unite and sing. God is love; "No. 2,"about 1859;" No. 11, when he received the invitation to proceed to London, as noted above; No. 15, for the baptism of his youngest son; and No. 25 for a Conference which was held in London. All Mr. Hurditch's hymns are characterised by great simplicity and earnestness.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology