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 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 489

Hymn 975. O King of kings, O Lord of hosts, whose throne is lifted high.

H. BURTON, D.D. (205). A National Hymn.

Dr. Burton wrote an ode in 1887 at the request of the Rev. Dr. Stephenson, which was set to music by Sir John Stainer, and sung at the Royal Albert Hall at the Jubilee Commemora tion. Sir John wrote to say that he was very much delighted with the words, and regretted that they would cease to be current coin when the Jubilee was ov r. He added, If you like the music I wrote, would it be possible to write a few verses of a patriotic hymn to the tune ? I admire the bold rhythm of your first verse, and venture to suggest that if that portion of the music were wedded to another set of words, both might live a little longer than this year. In response to this letter, O King of kings was written. Sir John Stainer s tune, aptly named Rex Regum, is now wedded to the words.

Hymn 076. Lord, while for all mankind we pray.

JOHN REYNELL WREFORD, D.U.

A National Hymn composed about the time of Queen Victoria s accession in 1837. Dr. Wreford published it with other loyal and patriotic pieces, and included it in the Rev. J. R. Beard s Collection,

8 37.

Dr. Wreford was born at Barnstaple in 1800, and educated at Manchester College, York. He became co-pastor at the New Meeting, Birmingham, from 1826 to 1831, when he with drew from the ministry through failure of his voice, and opened a school in Edgbaston. He published a History of Presbyterian Nonconformity in Birmingham, 1832, and contributed fifty-five hymns to the Rev. J. R. Beard s Collection, 1837. He after wards retired to Bristol. He died in iSSi.

Hymn 977. O God, who holdest in Thy hand. THOMAS G. CRIPPEN.

Headed Before a Parliamentary Election. Appeared in Dr. Barrett s Congregational Church Hymnal t 1887.

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