Charles King was a chorister at St Paul's, under Jeremiah Clarke, and subsequently his pupil and brother-in-law. In his turn he became a teacher to Boyce, Greene and Alcock. Although he attained a B.Mus. at Oxford (his exercise on that occasion being a setting of "The dialogue between Oliver Cromwell and Charon") he was badly trained. Prolific, melodious and forthright, his compositions are littered with technical infelicities, which prompted the comment from Greene that "Mr King was a very serviceable man". The service in F, King's most popular work, was completed at the age of eighteen.

Lyrics: Book of Common Prayer, 1662

MAGNIFICAT
My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

NUNC DIMITTIS
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.