Anglican hymnist and missionary Reginald Heber wrote the majestic anthem “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Early in his ministry, Heber labored in the village of Hodnet, England, preaching in the village church and enjoying the relaxed pace of life. He wrote several hymns, but hymn singing was still frowned upon by the established church. So Heber stored his hymns in an old family trunk. In 1823, his superiors assigned Heber to oversee the Anglican work in India. He labored there for three years before suffering a stroke and dying at age forty-three. His widow later came across his poems in the trunk. “Holy, Holy, Holy” was published in 1861, thirty-five years after Heber’s death.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!
Revelation 4:8

Morgan, R. J. (2013). Devotions for lent (ebook shorts): meditations based on best-loved hymns. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell.