their scores to this inspired hymn. Some of them still have place in the
hymnals, a noble one especially by the blind English tone-master, Henry
Smart, author of the oratorio of "Jacob." None, however, have equaled
the work of Handel. His "Magnificat" was one of his favorite
productions, and he borrowed strains from it in several of his later and
lesser productions.

George Frederic Handel, author of the immortal "Messiah," was born at
Halle, Saxony, in 1685, and died in London in 1759. The musical bent of
his genius was apparent almost from his infancy. At the age of eighteen
he was earning his living with his violin, and writing his first opera.
After a sojourn in Italy, he settled in Hanover as Chapel Master to the
Elector, who afterwards became the English king, George I. The
friendship of the king and several of his noblemen drew him to England,
where he spent forty-seven years and composed his greatest works.

He wrote three hymn-tunes (it is said at the request of a converted
actress), "Canons," "Fitzwilliam," and "Gopsall," the first an
invitation, "Sinners, Obey the Gospel Word," the second a meditation, "O
Love Divine, How Sweet Thou Art," and the third a resurrection song to
Welsey's words "Rejoice, the Lord is King." This last still survives in
some hymnals.


THE DOXOLOGIES.

Be Thou, O God, exalted high,
And as Thy glory fills the sky
So let it be on earth displayed
Till Thou art here as there obeyed.