The anthem is a setting of a passage from the litany compiled by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and later included in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

[9] In July 1682, following the death of Edward Lowe, Purcell was appointed organist of the Chapel Royal—an office which he held simultaneously with his position at Westminster Abbey.

[11] During the 1680s and tenure at Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, Purcell compiled earlier and contemporary sacred music (including several of his own compositions) into one collection for the use of the choirs of both churches.

"[15]: p.179  After 1681, Purcell began including string accompaniments to his choral anthems—a shift that musicologist Martin Adams attributes to having more resources available to him with his appointment to the Chapel Royal.

"[15]: p.24  Purcell's anthems reflect the influence of compositional techniques developed by earlier composers William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons.

[15]: p.179  These anthems are closely related to those composed by Purcell's friend and teacher, John Blow, "with their basso seguente continuo and severe counterpoint, they are true stile antico.