Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-03-24
Providence, however incomprehensible they may
seem, are nevertheless right.
LORD, DIeNISS ue.


seem, are nevertheless right.
LORD, DIsMISS ue."
THIS weil-known song, which is probably only
less popular than the Doxology, was the pro-
duction OF noted Methodist preacher named
Shirley. The circumstances under which 1t was
written are not certainly known, but it Is said
to have been inspired by the closing scenes Of q
great revival meeting. He has lett another
hymn, however, with singularly sad history.
HIS Ofother, absolute nobleman, had deliber-
ately murdered an old family servant, and was
sentenced to be hanged. The religious societies
OF London were greatly moved with regard to
his case, since he manifested not the slightest
contrition. and day of fasting and prayer was
| spent for his benefit, all without avail, as-he
passed the night before his execution telling
stories and playing cards with his keepers.
just before leaving his cell he wrote jibing
couplet on the wall, dressed himself in his we'd
ding clothes and went to the gallOws amid the
curses Of thousands. His brothers heart was
almost broken by the scene. and his feelings
found utterance In the lines commencing,
'Peace, troubled SOUL" The hymn,
"wHILE THEE SEEK. PROTECTING POWER"
which is usually sung to tune called Brattle
Street, was written in France during the Revo-
luton, and several expressions In it recall the
fearful scenes of the Reign of Terror. Miss
Helen Williams was the author of it. and num-
Der OF other equally inspiring poems.
WHEN MARsHALED. ON THE MIGHTY PLAIN
was one OF the few but very choice poems writ
ten by Henry Kirke White during his brief life,
and was the result Of an experience he is said to
have had In storm. Whether the language be
literal or metaphorica 1t is equally good in either
case, and Is one of the few sea songs which may
properly be called hymns.
"AWAKE. NY SOUL, IN JOYFUL LAYS"
was the work OF a celebrated English preacher
named Medley. In his youth he had been
singularly wicked, and had caused great dis
tress to his fathers family, but after recovering
by little less than miracle from wound he
had received, he was led into better course of
life and became as distinguished for his piety as
he had before been for his vices. The by mn was
written under these circumstances, and aptly
describes his condition.
common hymns goes back, in some cases.
hundreds of years and is intimately connected
with French politics, with German and CONT
mental wars, and with English revolutions. there
Is no prettier story told than O recent one of
Phoebe Cary song,
ZONE SwEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHT"
The hymn was the offspring of much bodily
suffering, and 1t Is an admirable expression OF
trust In superior power. As the story goes,
two Americans, one young. the other middle
aged were drinking and gambling in aSlow
house In China. 1t was the turn of the elder to
shuttle. and as he did SO the young man began
unconsciously to sing the little hymn men
toned. The elder stopped and asked him where
he learned that. The younger at first did not
know what he had been singing, but when told,
moved, and together they promised each other
to reform and quit the gambling in which they
were engaged The story is pretty as illustra-
ting how chance word may turn the course of
life, as an accidental pebble in the brook NAV
change the current of river; but such reforma-
tions are much more frequently found in story
books than in real life