of Nos. 648 and 808, two of the three given in the "New Congregational Hymn Book."
" When our heads are bowed with woe,"—No. 648,
a very beautiful and affecting Christian hymn. This is the Second Hymn for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. A verse is omitted. And—
" help us, Lord, each hour of need."—No. 808.
This is the hymn for the Second Sunday in Lent. Two verses are omitted. The other is No. 809—
" Lord, have mercy when we pray,"
his hymn for the Sixth Sunday after Trinity. It is much altered. The original begins—
" Lord, have mercy when we strive."
These hymns appeared in a hymn book by Bishop Heber, entitled, "Hymns adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year," published by Heber's widow, in 1827.
JAMES EDMESTON.
Born 1791.
ONE of the largest contributors to our recent religious hymnology is James Edmeston, a London architect. We are much indebted to the venerable bard for a letter, dated 10th February, I860, containing, in addition to a correct list of his poetical works, the following autobiographical information:—
" I was born 10th of September, 1791. My parents were Independents; my maternal grandfather was the well-known Rev. Samuel Brewer, for fifty years minister of the ancient Independent congregation at Stepney ; but, from early years, I had a strong leaning towards the Church of England, the service of which I always found more congenial to my own feelings ; and after many years of occasional conformity, became a member
