Maltbie Babcock, a pastor in Lockport, New York, enjoyed hiking in an area called "the escarpment"-an ancient upthrust ledge near the city. Heading out on such walks, he often proclaimed that "I am going out to see my Father's world." And from his vantage point on the escarpment, he had a beautiful view of God's creation indeed; from the greens of farms and orchards to the blues of Lake Ontario.
It's said that these walks inspired the words to "This Is My Father's World." Babcock's lovely hymn was not published, however, until after his untimely death in 1901. At that time his wife, Catherine, collected and published many of his writings, including the poetry to "This Is My Father's World."
Franklin L. Sheppard, a friend of Babcock's, composed the hymn melody, Terra Beata, after his death. The hymn was first published in Alleluia, a Presbyterian songbook for children, published in 1915.
lyrics
This is my Father’s world and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought
This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise
The morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair
In the rustling grass I hear him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere
This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet
This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!
