David Brown, A Brother In Christ And A Hymn Writer

The earliest known mention of David Brown is of his baptism by John Thomas in 1862 in London. Brown quickly came to see a need for printed material to aid in his preaching work. He had Robert Roberts’ Twelve Lectures reprinted and bound at his own expense. He also had How to Search the Scriptures, by John Thomas, reprinted.

Brown wrote several pamphlets for preaching purposes and had them printed for distribution throughout Britain. Among these were a series of three in 1865, entitled:

  1. A Synopsis Of the Essential Truths of Holy Scripture Necessary To Be Be­lieved for Salvation
  2. The Bible: The Religion of Jesus; and the Principles of the Oracles of God
  3. A Discourse on Eternal Life — a Summary of the Christianity Revealed in the Bible, and the Kingdom of God

These were advertised in the then new magazine, The Ambassador of the Coming Age, edited by Robert Roberts, which was distributed by ecclesial agents. Brown was Robert Roberts’ agent in London, and he regularly ordered quantities of pamphlets and books from Birmingham.

Robert Roberts described David Brown as “a very well-meaning man, who did good service to the Truth in his time.”

David Brown is remembered today by words he wrote to eight hymns in the current Christadelphian hymnbook (2002 edition). The richness and value of these hymns can be attributed to his mature understanding of the Scriptures. The words he wrote reflect a deep love and respect for God and a fervent longing for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eight hymns with words by Brother David Brown are:

Hymn 83               “Glory and blessing be”
Words by David Brown
Music by James Flint (born 1813)

Hymn 174            “We come, O God, to bow before Thy throne”
Words by David Brown
Music composer: unknown

Hymn 266            “Lord, we wait the time of blessing”
Words by David Brown
Music by Tattersall’s Psalmody (1794)

Hymn 268            “The vision tarrieth not”
Words by David Brown
Music composer: unknown

Hymn 308            “Yahweh Elohim”
Words by David Brown
Music by James Flint (born 1813)

Hymn 337            “Be careful for nothing; the Lord is at hand”
Words by David Brown
Music by William Croft (1678-1727)

Hymn 366            “Jesus! Thou sun of righteousness”
Words by David Brown
Music by James Flint (born 1813)

Hymn 379            “Most glorious things are spoken, Jerusalem, of thee”
Words by David Brown
Music by Alexander Ewing (1830-1895)