Julian's account in his hymnology:-
Thomas Haweis, L.l.B., M.D., born in Truro, Cornwall, 1732. After practising some time as a physician, he entered Christ's College, Camb. where he graduated. After being ordained, he became assistant preacher to M. Madan at the Lock Hospital, London, and subsequently Rector of All Saints, Aldwincle, Northamptonshire. He was also Chaplain to Lady Huntingdon, and for several years officiated at her chapel in Bath. He died at Bath, Feb. 11th. 1820. He published several prose works, including a "History of the Church", "A Translation of the New Testament" and "A Commentary of the Holy Bible". His hymns, a few of which are of more than ordinary merit, were published in his "Carmina Christi; or Hymns to the Saviour. Designed for the Use and Comfort of Those who Worship the Lamb that was Slain" Bath. S. Hayward, 1792. This edition consisted of 139 hymns which was enlarged to 256 hymns in 1808. One of the most popular of his hymns is "Behold the Lamb of God, Who bore etc." This hymn is included in 'Spiritual Songs' no. 405. It is based on John 1:29.
Haweis wrote a beautiful hymn called "Remember Me". This hymn was chosen to be sung at the funeral of a Mr. Browne of Bristol. Mr. Browne's own words are worth repeating: "I have chosen my funeral text and hymn "Remember Me". He hath remembered me with that favour which He beareth to His own people. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me. Thy mercy, O God, endureth for ever: fulfil the work of Thine own hands.
Remember Me by Thomas Haweis.
O Thou from whom all goodness flows,
I lift my heart to Thee;
In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,
Dear Lord remember me.
When groaning on my burdened heart
My sins lie heavily,
My pardon speak, new peace impart,
In love 'Remember me'.
Temptations sore obstruct my way,
To shake my faith in Thee;
O give me strength, Lord, as my day;
For good 'Remember me'.
Distrest with pain, disease and grief,
This feeble body see;
Grant patience, rest and kind relief,
Hear! and 'Remember me'.
If on my face for Thy dear Name,
Shame and reproaches be,
All hail, Reproach! and welcome
Shame! If Thou 'Remember me'.
The hour is near, consigned to death
I own the just decree;
Saviour, with my last parting breath,
I'll cry, 'Remember me'.
This hymn has been altered when it has been included in various hymn books.
There is an interesting mention of Thomas Haweis in "The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church" page 454. The contributor is A. Skevington Wood:
"Thomas Haweis, (1734?-1820), co-founder of the London Missionary Society and trustee-executor of Lady Huntingdon. Son of a Redruth solicitor, he attended Truro Grammar School during the mastership of George Conon, through whom he was first introduced to the doctrines of the evangelical revival. He was converted and called to the ministry under Samuel Walker, curate of St.Mary's. At Oxford he started a second holy club among the undergraduates, and later served as curate to Joseph Jane at St. Mary Magdalene. After assisting Martin Madan, chaplain to the Lock Hospital in London, Haweis took the living of All Saints, Aldwincle, Northamptonshire in 1764. His church quickly became a centre of evangelical influence throughout the area. In 1774 he was appointed chaplain to Lady Huntingdon. When the London Missionary Society was formed in 1795 he was instrumental in ensuring that Tahiti was the first field to be evangelised.
A. Skevington Wood does not make any reference to Haweis as a hymn-writer.
The following three hymns have been included in the versions of 1856, 1881, 1894, 1903, 1928 and 1978. This indicates the popularity of the hymns amongst believers gathered to the Name of the Lord Jesus:
11 Jesus the Lord is risen
405 Behold the Lamb! 'tis He who bore
451 Lord Jesus, to tell of Thy love