Samuel Crossman facts for kids

Samuel Crossman (born 1623, died 1683) was an English minister and a talented writer of hymns. Hymns are special songs of praise, often sung in churches. He was born in a place called Bradfield St George in Suffolk, England.

Samuel Crossman's Life and Work

Samuel went to Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge. He studied hard and earned a special degree in Divinity. After finishing his studies, Samuel became a minister. He worked for both the Church of England (also called Anglican) and a group called the Puritans.

Challenges for Ministers

During this time, there were some disagreements between the Church of England and the Puritans. Samuel tried to help bring them together. He attended a meeting in 1661 called the Savoy Conference. This meeting hoped to update the Book of Common Prayer. The goal was to make it usable for both Puritans and Anglicans.

However, the meeting did not succeed. In 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity was passed. This law made it difficult for ministers like Samuel. About 2,000 Puritan-leaning ministers, including Samuel, were removed from the Church of England.

Returning to the Church

Soon after, Samuel Crossman changed his views on the Puritan ideas. He was then officially made a minister again in 1665. He even became a special chaplain to the King.

In 1667, he received an important role at Bristol Cathedral. He became a Prebendary there. He also became the vicar of Nicholas' Church in Bristol. Later, in 1682, he became the treasurer of Bristol Cathedral. In 1683, he was made the Dean of the Cathedral. This was a very high position.

Samuel Crossman passed away on February 4, 1683, in Bristol. He was buried in the south side of Bristol Cathedral.

Samuel Crossman's Hymns

Samuel Crossman was known for his beautiful hymns. Nine of his hymns were published in a book called The Young Man's Meditation. This book came out in 1664.

For many years, his hymns were not widely recognized. But in 1868, one of his hymns was included in the Anglican Hymn Book. After that, his hymns became very popular. People thought it was amazing how quickly they became loved.

Some of Samuel Crossman's hymns are still used today. They are kept in a collection called the Sacred Harp.

Famous Hymns by Samuel Crossman

• The Young Man's Meditation, or Some Few Sacred Poems upon Select Subjects, and Scriptures.
• My Song Is Love Unknown
• Jerusalem On High
• Sweet Place