This edition was prepared by Andrew Sims — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Disposer supreme, and Judge of the earth
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Andrew Sims
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Disposer supreme, and Judge of the earth by William Croft| (attrib.) — Lyrics
Disposer supreme, and Judge of the earth,
who choosest for thine the meek and the poor;
to frail earthen vessels, and things of no worth,
entrusting thy riches which ay shall endure;
those vessels soon fail, though full of thy light,
and at thy decree are broken and gone;
thence brightly appeareth thy truth in its might,
as through the clouds riven the lightnings have shone.
Like clouds are they borne to do thy great will,
and swift as the winds about the world go:
the Word with his wisdom their spirits doth fill;
they thunder, they lighten, the waters o’erflow.
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About Disposer supreme, and Judge of the earth
This powerful hymn, attributed to William Croft, offers a profound reflection on divine providence and the instruments through which God's will is made known. The text powerfully describes how God entrusts his message to humble, earthly vessels, which, though fragile, ultimately reveal divine truth with striking clarity, likened to lightning. The music would suit a solemn occasion, perhaps a Harvest festival or a service focusing on God's overarching power and faithfulness. The SATB voicing allows for a rich and resonant delivery, capable of conveying the text's majesty and its message of divine judgment and ultimate triumph over adversity.
