43. The Finger Family

During first verse hold up right hand. As the fingers are mentioned in second verse, touch them, beginning with the thumb. Tuck the little finger into the palm of the hand and gently sway, softly humming over the last Words and music by FRANCES WELD DANIELSON.

two measures.

II

HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES

The stories of this selection of favorite hymns have been written briefly with the purpose in view of the teacher telling the story to the children to give them a deeper interest in the hymn and the author. These hymns should be used both for memory work and worship. The story of the hymn will often give it a new meaning and thereby make the singing a real expression of thought and worship.

A SELECTION OF HYMNS TO ILLUSTRATE THE STORIES OF THEIR ORIGIN

fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, a - bide with

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou, Who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power
Who like Thyself my Guide and Stay can be
Through cloud and sunshine, LORD, abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, O LORD, abide with me.

HGH

me.

One September Sunday, though very weak and ill, Henry Francis Lyte, a minister of Devonshire, wrote this hymn. Soon afterwards was his eventide of life and his last words, "Peace, Joy," expressed the same serene mood of hopefulness as this hymn. This has become a favorite hymn for funeral occasions, a beautiful prayer of abiding hope to those stricken with sorrow.

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

E. PERRONET (1797).

(CORONATION)

O. HOLDEN.

All hail the pow'r of

JESUS' Name, Let Angels pros-trate fall;

E. Perronet wrote this masterpiece, not realizing its destined popularity, and for a number of years this hymn was unpublished. Numerous stories of striking incidents have been written; probably the most appealing was that of the farmer preacher, "Billy Dawson, who upon a certain occasion in his London parish preached a remarkable sermon, portraying Christ as King being crowned by the Heavenly Host. At this point with deep emotion he burst forth in singing All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name. The effect was magic, arousing his hearers with deep emotions, as they saw in their vision the heavenly coronation.

This hymn has produced a number of interesting incidents. One of the most touching was that of a Patagonian Missionary expedition which ended disastrously. The company was wiped out by disease and conflicts with the natives. The Captain of the ship wrote in his diary, "September 6th, 1851-I neither hunger nor thirst, though five days without food! Marvelous Loving Kindness to Me, a Sinner." The Captain and John Babcock were almost alone as survivors. Babcock died first and ask his survivors to sing, "Arise, My Soul, Arise." That expedition was the direct means of establishing the first mission in Tierra del Fuego,