Jonathan F. Bahnmaier was born at Oberstenfeld where his father, J. C. Bahnmaier, was town preacher. He received his education at Tübingen and became assistant, in 1798, to his father. Later he had an appointment as Professor of Education and Homiletics at Tübingen but resigned in 1819 to become dean and town preacher at Kirchheim-unter-Teck, a post he held until his death. Bahnmaier was greatly interested in education, missions, and Bible societies and was on the committee which compiled the _Württemberg Gesangbuch_, published after his death in 1842. One other of his hymns, “_Jesu als du wiederkehrtest_,” entitled, “Prayer after School,” has been translated into English. _MUSIC._ MOZART is adapted from the “Kyrie” of the _Twelfth Mass_ by the famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756-91. For comments on Mozart see Hymn 179. 330. O Spirit of the living God _James Montgomery_, 1771-1854 One of the greatest missionary hymns in the English language. It was composed for a missionary service held in Leeds, England, June 4, 1823, and was entitled, “The Spirit Accompanying the Word of God.” Its lyric beauty, its burning passion for the spread of the gospel, combined with its dignity and healthy-mindedness make it an extraordinarily useful hymn. Setting forth and emphasizing the relation of the Holy Spirit to the work of missions, it fills an important place in the _Hymnary_. For comments on James Montgomery see Hymn 62. _MUSIC._ ALSTONE. For comments on this tune see Hymn 300. 331. Fling out the banner! let it float _George W. Doane_, 1799-1859 A stirring missionary hymn entitled, “Missions, Home and Foreign.” It is based on Psalm 60:4: “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” The hymn was written in response to a request from the young women at St. Mary’s Hall, Burlington, N. J., a girls’ college founded by Bishop Doane, to be sung at a flag raising. The author, writing what has become a widely known hymn, gave the occasion a far wider significance than the girls had foreseen. Bishop George Doane, a zealous advocate of missions, was known in his own church as “the missionary bishop of America.” The modern missionary movement arose and spread in his lifetime. The hymn reflects Doane’s enthusiasm and aggressive missionary leadership. For further comments on the author see Hymn 36. _MUSIC._ WALTHAM—also known as “Doane” and “Camden”—was written by John Baptiste Calkin, 1827-1905, English pianist and organist, professor of music, and composer of church music, both instrumental and vocal. The tune with its martial swing lends itself well for use as a processional. 332. Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning _Thomas Hastings_, 1784-1872