James Montgomery
James Montgomery (1771-1854) was a renowned British poet, hymn writer, and editor. Born on November 4, 1771, in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, he was the son of Moravian missionaries. Following his parents' early death, Montgomery was educated at a Moravian school in Fulneck, near Leeds. His literary career began in 1792 when he joined the Sheffield Register, which later became the Sheffield Iris under his editorship.
Montgomery's early works often addressed contemporary social and political issues, resulting in multiple imprisonments. Despite these setbacks, he gained widespread acclaim for his compassionate and humanistic poetry. Notable collections include "The Wanderer of Switzerland" (1806) and "The World Before the Flood" (1812). His hymns, such as "Angels From the Realms of Glory" and "Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire," remain influential in Christian worship.
A staunch advocate for social reform, Montgomery championed causes like the abolition of slavery and improvements in prison conditions. He was awarded a royal pension in 1835 and received extensive literary recognition during his lifetime. Montgomery died on April 30, 1854, in Sheffield, leaving behind a legacy of poetic and humanitarian contributions.