two, Alice suffering from illness for several years, and therefore she took charge of the affairs of the household, which gave her less time for literary labor. She wrote much that will not soon be forgotten, but the composition that has carried her name into all lands where the English tongue is spoken, is her "Nearer Home." The poem in its original form is as follows: One sweetly solemn thought I am nearer home to-day Than I ever have been before: Nearer my Father's house, Where the many mansions be; Nearer the bound of life, Where we lay our burdens down; Nearer leaving the cross, Nearer gaining the crown. But lying darkly between, Winding down through the night; Is the silent, unknown stream, Closer and closer my steps Come to the dread abysm: Presses the awful chrism. Oh, if my mortal feet Have almost gained the brink; Father, perfect my trust; Let my spirit feel in death. On the rock of a living faith! Various changes have been made in the hymn; and a rearrangement in six stanzas by Miss Cary was included in "Hymns for all Christians," which she compiled in 1869 in collaboration with Dr. Charles F. Deems. No doubt many writers make too free a use of the word "inspiration" in connection with the birth of many hymns; but I think it can be truly said that in a large sense Miss Cary was inspired to write "Nearer Home." The hymn came from her heart one Sunday noon in 1852, immediately after she had returned from the it Church of the Puritans, where she heard the distinguished George B. Cheever preach a touching sermon on the brevity of human life. Despite the fact that the rhythm of the hymn is faulty, and that its author never designed that it should be sung, has become a universal favorite, particularly as a solo, and has charmed more composers than any other American sacred song. Lovers of this hymn who desire to become better acquainted with the important history it has made, can find some interesting facts in my Hymns Historically Famous." Phoebe Cary had enjoyed reasonably good health till the death of her sister in February, 1871. When Alice had departed, Phoebe suffered intense sorrow, and her constitution became shattered beyond repair. In the following July, these two devoted sisters, "whose mutual affection and inability to live apart attracted much sympathy," were united in the Home of which Phoebe so sweetly and touchingly sang in her popular hymn. ANNE ROSS COUSIN N most of the more modern American IN collections will be found a popular hymn called "Immanuel's Land." The authorship belongs to Mrs. Cousin, whose maiden name was Cundell, and who was a native of Leith, Scotland. She was the wife of the Rev. William Cousin, a minister of the Free Church at Melrose, whose death occurred many years ago. In 1857 Mrs. Cousin's familiar hymn was published in "The Christian Treasury.' There are various arrangements of the hymn, the most acceptable of which for public worship is perhaps the following: The sands of time are sinking; The dawn of heaven breaks; And glory-glory dwelleth O Christ! He is the fountain, His mercy doth expand, In Immanuel's land. With mercy and with judgment Were lustred by His love; I'll bless the heart that planned, The bride eyes not her garment, But on my King of Grace — Of Immanuel's land. There is pathetic interest in the history that suggested this hymn. Samuel Rutherford was called by Dean Stanley saint of the Scottish Covenant." "the true He was |