An earnest prayer for an inbreathing of the Holy Spirit and a greater consecration of life. The hymn was first published in a privately printed leaflet called, _Between Doubt and Prayer_, 1878. It is based on John 20:22: “He breathed on them and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Edwin Hatch, Church of England clergyman and University Reader of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford, was a scholar of world reputation. His Bampton Lectures, _The Organization of the Early Christian Church_, 1881, were translated into German by Prof. Adolph Harnack, who wrote of Hatch: “In his learning that of England’s great old theologians, Ussher and Pearson, lived to me again. He was a glorious man, whose loss I shall never cease to mourn.” Though a man of profound learning, his faith was as simple and unaffected as that of a child. _MUSIC._ TRENTHAM is a tune of great beauty, well fitted for these words of devotion. The tenor part is especially melodious. Robert Jackson, 1840-1914, English composer of many anthems, hymn tunes, songs and part songs, succeeded his father as organist and choirmaster at St. Peter’s church, Oldham, the father and son together having a record of continuous service at the same church for 92 years. His whole life was devoted to music. He was a member of Sir Charles Halle’s orchestra and conductor of the Oldham Musical Society. 136. Holy Spirit, Truth divine _Samuel Longfellow_, 1819-92 Entitled a “Prayer for Inspiration,” this superb hymn of the Holy Spirit appeared in _Hymns of the Spirit_, 1864, edited by Samuel Johnson and the author. Stanzas 5 and 6 are omitted. For comments on Samuel Longfellow see Hymn 28. _MUSIC._ MERCY is an arrangement of a piano composition called, “The Last Hope,” by Louis Gottschalk, 1829-69, American composer, conductor, and popular concert pianist. Among Gottschalk’s works are two operas, two symphonies, and some piano pieces and songs—most of which are forgotten today. The arrangement of the tune is the work of Dr. Edwin P. Parker, 1836-1925, hymnologist and distinguished Congregationalist minister at Hartford, Conn. 137. Holy Spirit, faithful Guide _Marcus M. Wells_, 1815-95 The hymn and tune were written by Marcus M. Wells, a farmer and maker of farm implements who lived all his life in New York State. Born at Otsego, N. Y., he was converted in a mission at Buffalo. Regarding the origin of the hymn and tune he wrote: On a Saturday afternoon, Oct. 1858, while at work in my cornfield, the sentiment of the hymn came to me. The next day, Sunday, being a very stormy day, I finished the hymn and wrote a tune for it and sent it to Prof. I. B. Woodbury. The hymn sets forth God as a Presence, near the Christian’s side, friendly and helpful and true, guiding him through the storms and floods and desert wastes of his pilgrimage from earth to his heavenly home. It was first published in the _New York Musical Pioneer_, edited by Isaac B. Woodbury.