Based on John 15:1-5: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now are ye clean through the work which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches; He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” The hymn was composed for _Songs of Praise_, 1933, London. The author is not identified except by the initials T.S.N. _MUSIC._ PLEADING SAVIOUR, a folk-song type of tune, is from the _Plymouth Collection of Hymns and Tunes_, New York, 1855, which Henry Ward Beecher compiled for use in the Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn, of which he was pastor. The musical editors were John Zundel (178) and the Rev. Charles Beecher. 235. God of my heart _Anonymous_ A hymn celebrating the believer’s life in God. It was taken from _St. Basil’s Hymnal_ compiled by the Basilian Fathers, published in 1918. The musical editors were Healey Willan and Jules Brazil. The authorship of the hymn is anonymous. _MUSIC._ CARMEN NATURAE is an arrangement from a melody in Donizetti’s opera, _Carmen_. Gaetano Donizetti, 1797-1848, son of an Italian weaver, studied music in Naples. He composed 66 operas, 6 masses, 12 string quartets, a requiem, songs, and other compositions. 236. Since Jesus is my Friend _Paul Gerhardt_, 1607-76 _Tr. by Catherine Winkworth_, 1829-78 A hymn of consolation and joy to give strength and courage to troubled hearts. It is based on Romans 8:31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” The original has 15 stanzas. The lines translated here are as follows: Hab ich das Haupt zum Freunde Und bin geliebt bei Gott, Was kann mir tun der Feinde Und Widersacher Rott’? Sein Geist spricht meinem Geiste Manch süsses Trostwort zu, Wie Gott dem Hülfe leiste Der bei ihm suchet Ruh. Mein Herze geht in Sprüngen Und kann nicht traurig sein, Ist voller Freud’ und Singen, Sieht lauter Sonnenschein. Die Sonne, die mir lachet Ist mein Herr Jesus Christ, Das, was mich singen machet, Ist, was im Himmel ist. For comments on the author, Paul Gerhardt, see Hymn 134. The translation by Miss Winkworth appeared in her _Lyra Germanica_, first series, 1855. Catherine Winkworth, an English poet, was the foremost translator of German chorales. She made a special study of the German hymns and hymn writers and is the author of _Lyra Germanica_, 1st. ser., 1855; 2d. ser., 1858; _The Chorale Book for England_, 1863; and _Christian Singers of Germany_, 1869. Twenty-five of her works are found in the _Hymnary_. She was a member of the Church of England.