370. Thou to whom the sick and dying _Godfrey Thring_, 1823-1903 A hospital hymn written in 1870 under the text, “And they brought unto Him all sick people ... and He healed them” (Matt. 4:24). It was first published in _Hymns for the Church Service_, 1871, by W. H. Hutton. Later it was revised for the author’s _Hymns and Sacred Lyrics_, 1874. For comments on Godfrey Thring, see Hymn 89. _MUSIC._ WALTHAM. The tune appears with its original name, “Gott des Himmels und der Erden,” at Hymn 573, which see for comments on the tune and the composer. The original form of the melody is in triple time. Bach thought enough of the tune to use it in his _Christmas Oratorio_. TEMPERANCE SUNDAY 371. Now to heav’n our pray’r ascending _William E. Hickson_, 1803-70 A crusading hymn full of assurance that the cause of right, though delayed by its foes, will surely succeed in God’s own time. For comments on the author, William E. Hickson, see Hymn 348. _MUSIC._ GOD SPEED THE RIGHT is attributed to Ernst Moritz Arndt, 1769-1860, a German preacher, editor, professor of history, and writer of sacred and secular songs. Julian speaks of him as a “man of learning, a true patriot, a distinguished poet ... a man of deep religious feeling, and a true-hearted and earnest witness of the Evangelical Faith.” The _Dictionary_ notes a number of his hymns but makes no mention of musical compositions. LABOR DAY 372. Jesus, Thou divine Companion _Henry van Dyke_, 1852-1933 A fine hymn on the dignity of labor, holding up the ideal of Christian service. For comments on the author, Henry van Dyke, see Hymn 10. _MUSIC._ HYFRYDOL. For comments on this Welsh tune see Hymn 69. 373. O Son of Man, Thou madest known _Milton S. Littlefield_, 1864-1934 A hymn on the sacredness of work, connecting Jesus with the labor of mankind. The emphasis on the social aspect of religion in terms of our common life is a dominant note in twentieth-century hymnody. The author, Milton S. Littlefield, was born in New York City; educated at Johns Hopkins and Union Theological Seminary; and became an honored and prominent Presbyterian minister. Recognized as an authority in the field of hymnology, he edited two hymn books and was elected president of the American Hymn Society, 1927-28. Besides the present hymn, he wrote another beginning with the line, “Come, O Lord, like morning sunlight.” Both are serviceable hymns, and it is singular that neither found its way into the Presbyterian _Hymnal_, 1933. _MUSIC._ BROOKFIELD. This tune first appeared in the _Congregational Church Hymnal_, London, 1887, edited by Dr. E. J. Hopkins (See 43). The book contained the best hymn tunes for congregational singing then available.