Hymn #187: Again We Keep This Solemn Fast | First Congregational Church

Gregory the Great (540-604) is often credited as the author of this Latin text beginning with the phrase “Ex more docti mystic.” The text has been found in various manuscripts, the earliest dating from the tenth century. The English translation was made by Peter J. Scagnelli (b. 1949).

Gregory the Great was born in Rome, Italy, in 540 C.E. and died there in 604. Although he was a member of a wealthy family, he gave up his riches for the monastic life. Elected pope in 590, Gregory urged the spread of Christianity to England through the work of Augustine at Canterbury.

This tune, ERHALT UNS, HERR, was adapted from another piece of music, called “Jesu, dulce cordium,” found in the 1543 edition of Geistliche Lieder, a music book published by Joseph Klug. An earlier edition of this hymnal (1529) was edited by Martin Luther.

Joseph Klug was one of four publishers in Wittenberg, Germany, who supplied literature, tracts, hymnals, and books for the Lutheran Reformation. Evidence has been found of his printing work beginning in 1523 and ending in 1552.