Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Author – Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott, 1836–1897
Composer – Timothy Richard Matthews, 1826–1910
Tune Name – “Margaret”
Meter – Irregular
Scripture Reference – Luke 2:7
Theme Verse – “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10b

Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott was born in Brighton, England, on July 22, 1836. She was the third daughter of Rev. Edward Bishop Elliott, renowned author of the prophetic commentary Horae Apocalypticae. Emily remained closely connected with the evangelical wing of the Anglican Church and was especially devoted to mission work, rescue homes, and Sunday School ministries throughout her life.

As a writer, Emily Elliott displayed both spiritual depth and a remarkable gift for clear expression. She edited the Church Missionary Juvenile Instructor for six years and published several collections of hymns. Among them were Chimes of Consecration (1873), Chimes for Daily Service (1880), and a special version of the latter titled Under the Pillow, which was designed in large type for hospital patients and the infirm. Many of her hymns were intended for children, and she wrote with a gentle clarity that made profound truths accessible to young minds.

Her best-known hymn, based on Luke 2:7, was originally printed for the choir and schoolchildren of her father’s parish, St. Mark’s Church in Brighton. It was designed to teach the truths of the Advent and Nativity season. Elliott skillfully contrasts Christ’s eternal glory with His earthly rejection through a series of poignant stanzas, each beginning with the word “but.” These contrasts include heaven’s crown versus the inn’s rejection, royalty opposed by humiliation, creation’s homes while Christ wandered, and the gift of redemption met with the agony of Calvary. The final stanza reverses the pattern, declaring Christ’s triumph and return.

Timothy Richard Matthews composed the tune “Margaret” specifically for this text. Born on November 4, 1826, in Bedford, England, Matthews was a respected organist, clergyman, and prolific composer of over one hundred hymn tunes. His melody complements the text with solemn dignity and deep emotion. The hymn was first published in Gospel Hymns No. 3 (1878), where it gained wide use during the great evangelistic campaigns of D. L. Moody and Ira Sankey.

Emily Elliott was also the niece of Charlotte Elliott, author of “Just As I Am,” and her own contributions to hymnody include titles such as “Brothers, sisters, pray for us,” “Rabboni, Master, we have heard,” “Full consecration! heart and spirit yielded,” and “They come and go, the seasons fair.” Each of these hymns appeared in mission publications and church hymnals and were often sung at gatherings of the Church Missionary Society and Gleaners' Union. She passed away on August 3, 1897, in Mildmay, London.

Elliott’s hymn writing reflects a heart full of expectancy and hope, pointing both to the Messiah who came and to the King who will come again. Her work remains a treasured part of English hymnody, not only for children but for all who long to understand and sing of the Savior’s love.