By Cool Siloam's Shady Rill -- Hymn Lyrics

1 By cool Siloam's shady rill
how sweet the lily grows!
How sweet the breath beneath the hill
of Sharon's dewy rose!

2 Lo! such the child whose early feet
the paths of peace have trod,
whose secret heart with influence sweet
is upward drawn to God.

3 By cool Siloam's shady rill
the lily must decay,
the rose that blooms beneath the hill
must shortly fade away;

4 And soon, too soon, the wintry hour
of life's maturer age
will shake the soul with sorrow's power
and stormy passion's rage.

5 O thou, whose infant feet were found
within thy Father's shrine,
whose years, with changeless virtue crowned,
were all alike divine,

6 Dependent on thy bounteous breath
we seek thy grace alone,
through every stage of life, and death,
to keep us still thine own.

The hymn "By Cool Siloam's Shady Rill" is a well-loved Christian hymn that reflects on the beauty of creation, the innocence of youth, and the transitory nature of life. It was written by Reginald Heber, a 19th-century Anglican bishop and hymn writer, and is often associated with themes of baptism, childhood, and the nurturing love of God.

Background:

• Author: Reginald Heber (1783–1826), best known for other hymns like Holy, Holy, Holy.
• Tune: The hymn is frequently sung to the tune "SILOAM", composed by Isaac B. Woodbury in 1842, though other melodies are sometimes used.
• Published: First appeared in the 1827 collection Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Service of the Church Year, published posthumously.

Scriptural Inspiration:

The hymn draws inspiration from several biblical references:

• John 9:7 – "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam."
  • The Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem is a symbol of cleansing and renewal.
• Isaiah 35:1-2 – "The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."
  • References the beauty and transience of flowers like the rose and lily.
• Luke 2:46-49 – Jesus as a child in the temple, an example for all ages.

This hymn is often used in church services for baptisms, confirmations, or times of reflection on the passage of life. Its serene tone and profound message make it a lasting favorite in Christian hymnody.