Bishop Heber's Hymns. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 58

Bishop Heber's Hymns. TO THE EDITOR.

\ Sir,—ln the Witness of 17th July it says on p*ge 51, under heading " Notes and j Queries": —" E. H., Invercargill, .writes: — The second of the two inquired about by ' Seeker' in your last issue is by Bi«h.op Heber, and it will be found in several coLLec- [ tions of hymns. I copy the hymn as given in an old volume —' Christian Psalmody,' edited by the Jtev. E. Bickersteeth." I h«y« by me a volume of Heber's Hymns issued in 1867 by Sampson Low, Son, and MaTston, London, with the sanction of Mr Murray, who fana published all the Bishop's works as well as has compilation of hymns., T!h« hymns are illustrated by the first artists of the day, and engraved by James D. Cooper. The frontispiece contains a beautiful portrait of the good Bishop. Bishop Heber's hymns ore treasured as sacred household words wherever the English ■ language is spoken; not bo much hitherto as a oollection, but from their merit as separate hymns; they are all favourites,' and each has established itß own claim io being so regarded without reference to its author or to each other's excellence. • I should not trouble you with this letter, bud the symmetry and harmony of the hymn is spoilt by mutilation and alteration*. Hymns should be published as the . composer wrote diem. Al foot is a copy of the hymn ac it left his Lordship's hand-. —l am, etc., J. Wtcihtb Baylie. Dunedin, July 29, 1907. Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not deplore thee, Though sorrows and darlcness encompass the tomb: Thy Saviour has pasa'd- through its portal before thee, And 1 the lamp of Hia love is thy guide through the gloom! Thou art gone to the grave! we no longer behold thee. • ' x Nor tread the rough path of the world' by thy side; But the wade arms of Mercy are spread to I enfold thee, . ' I And sinners may dio, for the SINLESS has I diedl Thou art gone to the.gravel and, its mansion forsaking, Perchance thy weak spirit in fear linger l* long; But Mm mild i*ys of Paradise beam'd on thjj i waking, And the sounfl which thou neftsdst 'wag 3i« Seraphim's soagl Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not deplore thee, * Whose God waa thy ransom, thy guardian and guide t He gave mcc. He took the*, and He Will restore thee; And death has no sting, for we Savioua has diedl

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