hymns, but her favorite was, "Lily of the Valley," and she never tired of hearing it. The following winter was a very severe one, and this little girl was stricken with diphtheria. Nothing would soothe her but to have her mother sing to her. Over and over again the mother would sing all the songs she knew, but specially "The Lily of the Valley." One morning, soon after dawn, the child seemed to be a little brighter, and tried to raise her hand, as though she wished to speak. Tenderly the mother asked what she wanted and the girl whispered, “Sing 'The Lily of the Valley' once more." With tears streaming down her cheeks the mother attempted to sing the first verse and the chorus. A smile broke over the little one's face, and as her head dropped back on the pillow her spirit went out into the bosom of Him, who is indeed the "Lily of the Valley and the fairest of ten thousand." Bitter indeed were their tears when they realized that their darling was no more; but their sorrow was lightened by the knowledge that she was free from pain, and they will always treasure with her memory the hymn she loved so well.

Mr. Fry is one of the leaders of the Salvation Army in London. In addition to writing the words, he also set the hymn to music, and later arranged it to slower time and published it in Gospel Hymns.

The Morning Land

Words by Ellen K. Bradford Music by E. H. Phelps (Arr. by Ira D. Sankey) "Some day,' we say, and turn our eyes

Toward the fair hills of Paradise."

This hymn was written by the author of the music of 66 Over the Line," and first published in sheet form in England, where I found it, and by per

mission of the publishers arranged it for use in the "Sacred Songs and Solos" and "Gospel Hymns." It has been sung as a duet at funerals all over the world.

The Wondrous Cross

'Words by Isaac Watts, Arr.

Music by Ira D. Sankey

"When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died."

This beautiful hymn was founded on Paul's word in Gal. 6: 14, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The author occupies one of the highest positions among all the hymn writers who ever lived. Wesley and Watts stand on the highest pedestal of fame together. Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born at Southampton, 1674. He belonged to a family of nonconformists, who were very pious and godly people. He was educated by a clergyman in his home city, and later by an Independent minister in London. He became minister to an Independent congregation in London, where he continued to preach for fourteen years. In the year 1712 he paid a visit to some friends in Hertfordshire, for the purpose of regaining his health, which, on account of excessive study, had suffered. While here Sir Thomas and Lady Abney became so interested in him and took such a liking to him that they insisted upon. his staying with them in their beautiful home. He accepted their kind offer, and for thirty-six years he lived in their house, being a constant source of joy and blessing to his benefactors. It was here he wrote many of the most useful and popular hymns now used by the Christian churches throughout the world. He died 1748. Just before passing away he said: "If God has no more service for me to do through

grace, I am ready; it is a great mercy to me that I have no manner of fear or dread of death. I could, if God please, lay my head back and die without alarm this afternoon or night. My chief supports are from my view of eternal things, and my sins are pardoned through the blood of Jesus Christ." In this happy frame of mind the great hymnist entered into his last

rest.

At least a score of different melodies have been written to the words, but Lowell Mason's Hamburg" is no doubt the most popular.

Till He Come

Words by the Rev. E. H. Bickersteth

Music by Dr. Lowell Mason

""Till He come! oh, let the word

Linger on the trembling chords."

The author, the Rev. E. H. Bickersteth, says this hymn was written to present one aspect of the Lord's Supper which is passed over in many hymnals, "Ye do show forth the Lord's death till He come."

Words by Wm. B. Tappan

'Tis Midnight

Music by Virgil C, Taylor

"Tis midnight; and on Olive's brow
The star is dimm'd that lately shone."

The author of the words of this hymn, William Bingham Tappan, was born at Beverly, Mass., October 29, 1794. He was a Congregational minister and was engaged for many years in the service of the American Sunday-school Union. The hymn was first published in the author's "Gems of Sacred Poetry," in 1822, under the title, "Gethsemane." Mr. Tappan died in his native state in 1849.

The music to which the hymn is usually sung was written by Virgil C. Taylor.