304 otn HYMNS r
utmost point, and have a marked character of their o~wn. They are usually distinguished by a rhetorical flow and an elevation of manner and imagery that threaten to take them out of the class of hymns, and rob them of the pious moderation we ordi narily expect to meet with in such productions.
While at Hodnet, Heber was dissuaded by the Archbishop of Canterbury from the project of publishing a Hymn Book for the use of the Church at large. But some of his hymns- appeared in the " Christian Observer" for 1811, with the initials " D. B."
In 1812 he published a small volume of " Poems and Trans lations for Weekly Church Service," which has gone through many editions ; and even amid the toils of India be found time to carry out his favourite poetical pursuits.
It is to be regretted that one of his best-known hymns, an Epiphany hymn :
" Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,"
is not in the " New Congregational Hymn Book."
"From Greenland s icy mountains." No. 912.
This hymn was written at Hodnet, in 1820, to be sung by his people with a sermon appealing to them on behalf of missions. The MS. used to be in the possession of Dr. Baffles, of Liver pool. This hymn explains Heber s devoted course in India.
Obliged to say " No ! " to his own question
" Can we to men benighted, The lamp of life deny ?"
he willingly became a sacrifice to his noble Christian self- dedication, and found a too early grave in the land of his adoption.
" Hosanna to the living Lord." No. 312. " The Lord shall come ! the earth shall quake." No. 417.
These were two of four hymns sent by Heber to the " Christian Observer," in October, 1811. They were accompanied by a
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