Desertion (Oliver Holden)

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(Posted 2016-01-10) CPDL #38124:

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2016-01-10). Score information: Unknown, 1 page, 89 kB Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Four-part version; Counter part by B. C. Johnston, 2016. Note shapes added (4-shape). All six stanzas of Watts' paraphrase included; first line: I'll praise my Maker with my breath.

(Posted 2016-01-10) CPDL #38123:

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2016-01-10). Score information: Letter, 1 page, 88 kB Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Four-part version; Counter part by B. C. Johnston, 2016. All six stanzas of of Watts' paraphrase included; first line: I'll praise my Maker with my breath.

(Posted 2016-01-10) CPDL #38122:

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2016-01-10). Score information: 7 x 10 inches (landscape), 1 page, 76 kB Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Three-part version. Oval note edition, as written in 1806. All four stanzas of Hart's hymn included; first line: Deep in a cold, a joyless cell.

General Information

Title: Desertion
First Line: Deep in a cold, a joyless cell
Composer: Oliver Holden
Lyricist: Joseph Hart

Number of voices: 2-3vv Voicings: SB, TB or STB
Genre: Sacred, Psalm-tune Meter: 88. 88. 88

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1806 in The Young Convert's Companion for two parts, no. 12
2nd published: 1806 in The Psalmodist's Assistant, Edition 2, no. 96
Description: In original, words by Joseph Hart, 1769, hymn called Desertion, with four stanzas. Words substituted here by Isaac Watts, 1719, paraphrase of Psalm 146, with six stanzas.

External websites:

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at Psalm 146.

English text

1. Deep in a cold, a joyless cell,
A doleful gulf of gloomy care!
Where dismal doubts and darkness dwell,
The dangerous brink of black despair;
Chilled by the icy damps of death,
I feel no firm support of faith.

2. How can a burdened cripple rise?
How can a fettered captive flee?
Ah, Lord, direct my wishful eyes;
And let me look, at least, to thee.
Alas, my sinking spirits droop,
I scarce perceive a glimpse of hope.

3. Extend thy mercy, gracious God.
Thy quickening Spirit vouchsafe to send;
Apply the reconciling blood;
And kindly call thy foe thy friend:
Or if rich cordials thou deny,
Let patience comfort's place supply.

4. Let hope survive, though damped by doubt;
Do thou defend my shattered shield;
O! let me never quite give out.
Help me to keep the bloody field;
Lord, look upon the unequal strife;
Delay not, lest I lose my life.

Desertion by Joseph Hart, 1769