1780 - 1860 Author of "Spirit of God, descend upon my heart" in The Abingdon Hymnal Croly, George, LL.D., born in Dublin, Aug. 17, 1780, and educated at the Dublin University (M.A. 1804, LL.D. 1831). After taking Holy Orders, he laboured in Ireland till about 1810, when he took up his residence in London, and devoted himself to literature. In 1835 he succeeded to the united benefices of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, and St. Benet Sherehog, retaining the same till his death, which occurred suddenly in the public street, Holborn, Nov. 24, 1860. His prose publications, in addition to contributions to Blackwood's Magazine, were numerous, and dealt with biographical, historical, and scriptural subjects. His hymns were given in his—
Psalms and Hymns for Public Worship. Written and compiled by the Rev. George Croly, LL.D. London Kendrick, 1854.
This collection contained 25 psalms, 50 hymns, and 6 poems. Of these 10 psalms, 12 hymns, and the 6 poems bear Dr. Croly's initial. The following have come into common use mainly through Windle's Collection:—
1. Be still, be still, impatient soul. Patience.
2. Behold me, Lord, and if thou find. Lent.
3. Lift up your heads, ye gates of light. Ascension.
4. Lord, who hast sought us out, unsought. Public Worship.
5. Teach us, O Lord, this day. Sunday.
6. Thou, Lord of mercy and of might. Lent.
All these date from 1854, with the exception of No. 6, which appeared in his Scenes from Scripture and other Poems, 1851.
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
George Croly