Eliza F. Morris

Eliza F. Morris ( Goffe; 1821–1874) was a 19th-century English hymnwriter. She wrote several hymns, but the one in more general use than the others begins "God of pity, God of grace". Written on 4 September 1857, it was named "The Prayer in the Temple". The reference is to the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple, 2 Chronicles 6, and almost his very words are used in the refrain at the end of each stanza. It was published in 1858 in The Voice and the Reply, Part II.

Early life Eliza Fanny Goffe was born in London at 10 Primrose Street, Bishopgate Street, in 1821. Owing to delicate health, she was brought up in the country, the family having moved to Banbury, Oxfordshire.

In Banbury, in 1849, she married Josiah Joseph Morris (1821–1883), She contributed to periodicals. "Come unto Me and rest" (Christ's Invitation). From The Voice and the Reply, 1858, into the 1874 Supplement to the New Congress in an altered form. "God of pity, God of grace" (Lent). This hymn in Litany form appeared in Part II of The Voice and the Reply, 1858, entitled "The Prayer in the Temple." From Miller's Singers and Songs of the Church, 1869, there is a record that this hymn was written on 4 September 1857. It was in extensive use. "O Thou, blest Lamb of God" (Love for and Trust in Jesus desired). From The Voice and the Reply, 1858, into the Anglican Hymn Book, 2nd edition, 1871.

Death and legacy Eliza Fanny Goffe Morris died in 1874 and Malvern Link, Worcestershire,

Two years after his wife's death, Mr. Morris wrote and edited The life and poems of Eliza F. Morris (1876).

Selected works Poetry collections The Voice and the Reply, 1858 (text) Life lyrics, 1866

Editor Bible Class Hymn Book

Contributor School Harmonies