The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-12-01

strange and pathetic are many of the
stories connected with the origin OF IA
nous hymns. IN some cases. however.
fictitious romances have been built around
beautiful words sung IN our chapels and
churches. For many years il was he
heVed that Cowpers God Moves I'm a
mysterious Way" was written as an out
pouring of the poets soul in gratitude for
the Illustration of his attempted suicide
in October, I773. The fact, however. saws
London Tit-Bits, that this hymn has been
found in manuscript, In which the latest
date Is August, 1773, proves chat it was
written before Cowper's attempt on his
life.
Ihen, again, it is a popular belief that
Augustus Toplady wrote Rock OF Ages"
while sheltering from a storm between
TWO limestone rocks in the Mendips. No
PROOF OF the story is forthcoming, now
ever, and consequently II must be ac-
cepted with caution. But there is no
doubt that the author Of Christians.
Awake John Byron. composed that
magnificent hymn as a Christmas gift to
ms favorite daughter Dorothy. for he in
scrioed upon the manuscript. Christmas
day for Dolly"
"Peace, Perfect Peace"
1t was characteristic OF the late Bishop
Bickersteth, who wrote Peace. Perfect
Peace" that he always found IT easiest TO
express in verse whatever subject was
uppermost in his mind. One day ne heard
sermon delivered by Canon Gibbon,
vicar OF Harrogate. on the text. Thou
Wit Keep him IN perfect peace whose
mind Is stayed on Thee" and shortly az
terward went TO visit an aged and dying
relative, ArchdeacOn Hin. of Liverpool.
Bishop Bickersteth found the archdeacon
somewhat troubled In mind, and II being
natural to him 10 express in verse the
spiritual comfort which he desired 10
convey, the bishop took UP a sheet of pa
per- and there and then wrote down the
nyinn Just exactly as It stands. and read
II 70 his dying friend
An example of a HYMN bairo, ,r~it+..
10 suit a certain tune is furnished by the
grand old favorite, i think when I read
mat sweet story OF old" Mrs. Luke
the author. was very much IMPRESSED
one day by an old Greek tune which she
had seen the children Of the Normal in
1ant school, Gray's Inn Road. marching
TO- and while going home on the stage
coach she wrote the words 10 suit the
music on the back Of an old envelope
Two Stories About This one.
There are two accounts Of how "Just
as am" came TO be written. One author.
lty asserts that it was while she Law in
great physical weakness on a sofa. the
other members OF the family being pres
ent at bazar in which all but the in
a
Charlotte Elliott the author of the
hymn, wrote the words which have
stirred the hearts OF thousands. On the
other hand, the story is that a young
girl was going 10 the town to choose a
new dress for a ball. On her way she
met priest, who said she ought not "a
go. However, she went, but did not en-
JOY the evening at all. and returned home
miserable. Charlotte Elliott (for thai
was the young girls name) went TO con-
fess TO her priest all about II, and asked
what she should do. He advised her C
go home and tell Jesus all about IL
Just as I amp she said. Yes. lust a,
you are" She returned home, and OF
her knees composed that lovely HYMN
Just as l am" The proofs. however
seem TO point TO the first story. which
is given in DR.. Julian's Dictionary Of
Hymnology." as being the correct one.
Hymns of the World.
This dictionary. by the way. which wa.
first published fifteen years ago. and new
edition OF which has lately appeared. /.
the most wonderful work OF its kind
The author has been in communication
with 1000 correspondents in all parts o.
the world, and spent upward of 30
pounds in postage alone. The volun,
contains $4,000 words and figures. two
thirds of which have been written origi
nally or In revision by Dr. Julian him
self. Altogether the work has occupied
him for forty years.
DR. Julian, by the way, tells US tha'
the total number of Christian hymns II
the 200 or more languages and dialect,
in which they have been written is no
less than 100000, Germany coming frs
with 100000 and England next The mos
popular hymns, according TO a censu!
which he has taken, are When survel
the wondrous cross" Awake nv soul
and with the sum-" ''Hark the heral,
angels sing" and Rock of Ages, clef
for me-"