it has been his custom to write a new novel every year. In England he is one of the most popular living novelists. In all this work Mr. Baring-Gould has employed no secretaries or amanuenses. "The secret is simply that I stick to a task when I begin it," he once said. "For some years I have found it necessary to spend the winters abroad, and while I am in the south of France or in Rome I think out the work which I am going to do when I return home. Thus I build up the plot of a "story, and it all shapes itself in my head, even the dialogue. I make a few notes, principally of the division of the chapters, and then, when I come back, it is simply a matter of writing it out." When asked if he did not have to wait for inspiration, he replied with a quiet smile, "Inspiration is all moonshine in the sense in which you mean it. It would never do to wait from day to day for some moment which might seem favorable for work"; adding that he often did his best work when he felt the least desire to go on with it. His hymn writing is, of course, small in quantity beside the great volume of his other achievements, but it certainly does not lack what is called inspiration, whether waited for or worked for. He has written many carols and quite a number of hymns, all of which have fresh and striking qualities. Next to "Onward, Christian Soldiers," the lovely evening hymn for children, “Now the Day is Over" (The Hymnal, No. 692), and his translation, "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow" (The Hymnal, No. 418), are probably most often sung. Mr. Baring-Gould was born at Exeter, January 28th, 1834. He was graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, in 1854. In 1864 he was ordained and became curate of Horbury, where he wrote our hymn. From 1867 he was Incumbent of Dalton, until Mr. Gladstone appointed him Rector of East Mersea, in 1871. The rectorate of Lew Trenchard is what in England is called a family living, and when in 1881 the last incumbent died, Mr. Baring-Gould, who was the patron of the living as well as lord of the manor, became also rector of the parish by his own appointment. It cannot be denied that he chose an able and hard-working man to fill the post. SOME POINTS FOR DISCUSSION (1) This hymn may be examined as an example of a class of hymns standing somewhat apart from others. It is what is called a processional hymn. In church life a processional hymn corresponds to a marching song in civil life, one "useful for church parade and similar services." What are the qualities proper for such a hymn? Is there any other so good for the purpose as this? (2) It is interesting to contrast this Anglican "Onward, Christian Soldiers" with the Presbyterian "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus." Note the different ways in which the two writers picture the Church. Can you trace in each hymn the marks of the peculiar type of Christianity for which the author stands? Which hymn has more picturesque beauty, and which the greater moral earnestness? But is not the purpose and right use of the hymns quite different? If so, each must be judged from its own standpoint. (3) In what sense are we to take the statements of the third verse, "We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine," etc.? They may be contrasted with the familiar lines of his fellow-churchman (the Rev. Samuel J. Stone),— And what and where found is "Christ's own promise" referred to in the fourth verse? (4) As originally written, the hymn had an additional (then the fourth) verse, as follows: "What the saints established That I hold for true, That believe I too. Men that Faith will hold, Kingdoms, nations, empires, In destruction rolled." This is to be read immediately after the present third verse. Should it be restored to its original place? (The faulty rhyme in this verse is doubtless what the author had in mind in the remark already quoted.) XI NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE THE TEXT OF THE HYMN I Nearer, my God, to Thee, E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, 2 Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I'd be 3 There let the way appear, Steps unto heaven: All that Thou send'st to me In mercy given: Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee! |