Synesius, a native of Cyrene, came from an illustrious family. He studied at Alexandria and became a Christian in 401. Against his own wishes, but in response to the will of the people, he was elected bishop of Ptolemais. He is described in Chas. Kingsley’s _Hypatia_ as a distinguished churchman, philosopher, statesman, and patriot. The translator, Rev. A. W. Chatfield, was an Anglican clergyman who had a distinguished career at Cambridge. He translated many of the hymns of the early Greek poets into English. The original poem, of which this is a paraphrase rather than an exact translation, is as follows: Μνώεο, Χριστέ, υἱὲ Θεοῖο ὑψιµέδοντος, οἰκέτω Σοῦ, Κῆρ’ ἀλιτροῖο Τάδε γράψαντος; Καί µοι ὄρασσον λύσιν παθέων κηριτρεφέων τά µοι ἐµφυῆ ψυχᾷ ῥυπαρᾷ; δὸς δὲ ἰδέσθαι, Σῶτερ Ἰησοῦ, ζαθέαν αἴγλαν Σάν, ἔνθα φανεὶς µέλψω ἀοιδὰν παίονι ψυχᾶν, παίονι γυίων, Πατρὶ σὺν µεγάλῳ Πνεύµατί Θ’ Ἁγνῷ. _MUSIC._ SOUTHWELL, a characteristic psalm tune, was set to Psalm 45 in _Damon’s Psalms of David_, 1579, and was named “Southwell” in Ravencroft’s _Psalm Book_ of 1621. It was originally written in the Dorian mode (the first “authentic” Gregorian mode, D as keynote). A fuller explanation may be found in the _History of Music in the Western Church_, by Dickinson, pp. 113 ff. For comments on _Damon’s Psalter_ see Hymn 589. 197. O for a closer walk with God _William Cowper_, 1731-1800 A tender, beautiful hymn, in use wherever English is spoken. It was published in the _Olney Hymns_ (See 60) under the title “Walking with God.” It is based on Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked with God.” The hymn was written December 9, 1769, during the serious illness of the poet’s dear friend, the wife of Rev. Morley Unwin, in whose home he stayed and found the tenderest of care during his own illness. Concerning her, Cowper wrote in a letter the day following the composition of this hymn: She is the chief of blessings I have met with in my journey since the Lord was pleased to call me.... Her illness has been a sharp trial to me. Oh, that it may have a sanctified effect, that I may rejoice to surrender up to the Lord my dearest comforts, the moment He may require them.... I began to compose the verses yesterday morning before daybreak but fell asleep at the end of the first two lines: when I awaked again, the third and fourth were whispered to my heart in a way which I have so often experienced. For comments on William Cowper see Hymn 60. _MUSIC._ BELMONT is an adaptation from a melody in _Sacred Melodies ... adapted to the best English poets_, Vol. I; 1812, by William Gardiner. The _Sacred Melodies_ appeared in six volumes containing tunes by the best masters, adapted to English words.