Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/164

 152 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED

His son bears witness : He was happy because he was good. His simple, joyous life was a song of praise to his Creator, like that of a bright spring day. He rejoiced in the Lord always. No matter what the anxiety, no matter what the trouble, he was always ready to turn his face to the Sun and be gladdened by the Light.

Bishop How wrote a Commentary on the Four Gospels, and was joint editor of two collections of hymns. His own hymns number about sixty, and maintain a very high level of excellence.

Dr. Julian says, Combining pure rhythm with great directness and simplicity, Bishop How s compositions arrest attention more through a comprehensive grasp of the subject and the unexpected light thrown upon and warmth infused into facts and details usually shunned by the poet, than through glowing imagery and impassioned rhetoric. He has painted lovely images interwoven with tender thoughts, but these are few, and found in his least appreciated work. Those com positions which have laid the firmest hold upon the Church are simple, unadorned, but enthusiastically practical hymns.

Hymn 178. The day of resurrection I ST. JOHN OF DAMASCUS ; translated by DR. NEALE (27).

In Hymns of the Eastern Church, 1862, &quot;Tis the day of resur rection. In the Parish Hymn-book, 1863, it begins The day of resurrection.

St. John of Damascus belonged to a good family in that ancient city. He was educated by Cosmas, one of the greatest Greek ecclesiastical poets, and held office under the caliph. He retired to the laura of St. Sabas, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, with his foster-brother, Cosmas the younger, who became the most learned of the Greek poets. At Saba he composed his hymns and works on theology. This monastery was the centre of a school of hymn-writers, and John was probably musician as well as poet. He was ordained priest of the Church of Jerusalem late in life, and died about 780 in his 84th or looth year. His empty tomb is at Mar Saba, but his body was carried to Constantinople. He has been called the Thomas Aquinas of the East. He was famous as a theologian, and his three celebrated orations in favour of the icons won

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