_MUSIC._ FRANCONIA. For comments on this tune see Hymn 205. 288. Break Thou the bread of life _Mary A. Lathbury_, 1841-1913 This gem, entitled, “Study Song,” was written for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle and for Bible Study groups, but it also has a wider use. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan used this hymn every Sunday for many years immediately before the sermon. It is not a communion hymn although it is often used for that purpose. The breaking of bread refers to the feeding of the multitude beside the Sea of Galilee and not to the Last Supper; and the “bread of life” is the teaching of Jesus. For comments on Mary Lathbury see Hymn 31. _MUSIC._ BREAD OF LIFE is a popular American tune, sincere and simple in style, written for this hymn and indissolubly associated with it. For comments on the composer, William F. Sherwin, see Hymn 31. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES 289. O Word of God Incarnate _W. W. How_, 1823-97 A hymn addressed to Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, setting forth in a succession of beautiful figures—a lantern, the golden casket, a banner, a beam, chart and compass—the value of the written word, and the duty of the Church to carry the light of God’s word, both as incarnate and written, to the nations. It was written in 1867, headed by the text Prov. 6:23: “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” The author himself was a living witness to the power of the Word. His definition of a minister shows the high ideal he had of the preacher of the Word, and, incidentally, is an accurate description of his own life: A man pure, holy, and spotless in his life; a man of much prayer; in character meek, lowly, and infinitely compassionate; of tenderest love to all; full of sympathy for every pain and sorrow, and devoting his days and nights to lightening the burdens of humanity; utterly patient of insult and enmity; utterly fearless in speaking the truth and rebuking sin; ever ready to answer every call, to go wherever bidden in order to do good; wholly without thought of self; making himself the servant of all; patient, gentle, and untiring in dealing with the souls he would save; bearing with ignorance, wilfulness, slowness, cowardice in those of whom he expects most; sacrificing all, even life itself, if need be, to save some. For further comments on W. W. How, see Hymn 144. _MUSIC._ MUNICH, “one of the most beautiful and perfectly constructed of tunes,” is of German origin and is known in Germany as “Königsberg Choral.” It appeared first in _Lobsingende Harffe_, 1682. The composer is unknown. Mendelssohn used the tune as the basis for his fine chorale, “Cast thy burden on the Lord,” in his oratorio, _Elijah_. 290. Thy Word is like a garden, Lord _Edwin Hodder_, 1837-1904