Rocky Ford enterprise., 1908-05-29

Since the day on which Miriam sang
her song of triumph over the dcstruc-
tion OF the hosts of the Egyptians. and
thus gave expression to the first hymn
of which we have any record. myrinds
OF sacred songs have been pcnncd BY
dcvout men and women-sonss that
are sung wherever people meet TO
worship and praise the King Of Glory.
but while hymns and psalms Of
praise stretch far back across the cen.
turies. one department Of II IL OF com.
paraiivciy recent origin. Gospel song
10 modern institution. and America In
Its birthplace and Its home.
No one. ! suppose. would venture to
assert that American hymnoioEy con.
tains anything to be compared with
the masterpieces OF English co!lcc-
tons. and yet. when We come To the
ncid Of Gospel songs. tho American
Bwritcry have II all practically 10 them
selves. The explanation Of this' mny
lie In the fact that while those In
England have been fed and nurturcd
on stately and majestic hymns. Amer.
leans have been trained In the use OF
more accustomed to them. Whatever
the cause. however. the fact remains
that Americans have taught England
most Of the Gospel songs with which
she In familiar.
Ira d. Sankcy was little else than n
singer. but he composed one or two
pieces that were dcscrvcdiy popuia...
and will always be indissoiubiy aSso-
ciatcd with his name. Among his
earliest efforts mt composition was his
air TO Yet there is room." the words
Of which were written by Rev. DIR.
Hora,ius Bonnr. They were written.
too. at Sankey's request. He had
been singing Tennyson's great poem:
Late. late. 80 late. and dark the night
and chill" at the mission meetings in
England; but the owners Of the
copyright would not permit him TO use
II In his collection Of hymns. There.
upon he asked DIR. Bonar TO write
words that would cover the same
ground. and yet there is room" was
the result. Other melodies have been
put to the same words by other com.
posers, but Sankey's air holds its own
place in the affections Of the ma
jority.
One Of the most popular composers
was James McGranahan, the success.
who with his wife, was killed in a
railway accident-as the colleague OF
Maj. whittle. McGranahan was pro.
life writer. and his work is OF very
high standard. Are you coming
home to.night?' the words Of which
were written by young lady in Scot
land, possesses a strength Of appeal
which sinners find hard to resist, and
has been used with striking blessing
in every part of the world. Among
his other successful compositions may
be mentioned Christ receiveth sinful
men," There shall be showers of
blessings Thy God reigneth."
"Come!" Banner of the cross" and
I'll stand by till the morning" The
words Of this last hymn were written
by Bliss.
But while these writer's have been
mentioned. the purpose of this article
is more with the men who are hard
at work 10 day. and who have the ear
of the whole English.speaking world.
Among these mention. first Of all.
George c. Stebbins. who has been
steady and consistent writer for
many years. When the output of some
others is considered. Mr.. Stebbins can.
not be regarded as prolific, but all his
work is of high merit, and his stand.
ard is perhaps higher than that of
any Of his contemporaries. Ever in
his mind is the aim to direct the
thoughts of the people more to the
message of the music than to the
music itself
Mr.. Stebbins takes time to his work
When his verses are given to him. he
= makes the music a matter OF earnest
Sprayer, and the result OF this com.
munion is. seen in the refinement Of