Philip P. Bliss, a Congregationalist, born in Rome, Pa., was reared in the country. He had only the meagerest early advantages for the development of his musical talents but he made the most of them and became one of the greatest leaders and writers of evangelistic songs. Combining the gift of poet and musician, he succeeded in putting gospel truths in poetic and singable form, usually writing both words and music. In his early career he conducted musical conventions throughout the Middle West, served as director of music for the First Congregational Church in Chicago, and was connected with the music publishing house of Root and Cady in Chicago. Through the influence of D. L. Moody, he gave up his business and professional pursuits and entered the evangelistic field. He assisted Sankey in the editing of the series called _Gospel Hymns_, in which some of his own celebrated hymns and songs first appeared. His rare gifts as a singer and leader, combined with an impressive personality, made him one of the outstanding leaders in the evangelistic movement. His life came to an early and tragic end December 29, 1876, in a railroad disaster near Ashtabula, Ohio, while he and Mrs. Bliss were returning to Chicago from Rome, Pa., where the two had spent Christmas. A railroad bridge gave way, resulting in a wreck which took the lives of one hundred passengers. Bliss had escaped unhurt, but going back to rescue his wife, he was evidently overcome by the flames which had spread and was not seen again. His premature death at the age of 38 was widely lamented. 443. Come, we that love the Lord _Isaac Watts_, 1674-1748 This hymn, entitled by Watts, “Heavenly Joy on Earth,” appeared in his _Hymns and Sacred Songs_, 1707. For comments on Isaac Watts, see Hymn 11. _MUSIC._ The tune is by Robert Lowry, 1826-99, a Baptist minister who held a pastorate in Brooklyn, N. Y., and did much to promote the gospel song movement. He edited a series of eight books for Bigelow and Main, with such titles as _Bright Jewels_ and _Pure Gold_, to which he added a large number of tunes of his own composition. The public bought these books by the hundreds of thousands. Lowry had no serious training in music and did not take up composition until middle life. He was concerned mostly with the production of music which was popularly effective. Watts’ hymn appears in many hymn books with the more dignified tune, “St. Thomas,” by Williams (No. 269). 444. I lay my sins on Jesus _Horatius Bonar_, 1808-89 The hymn, entitled “The Fulness of Jesus,” was written for children in a desire to provide something which children could sing and appreciate in divine worship. It is generally supposed to be the first hymn Bonar wrote. He used to say of this hymn that it might be good gospel but that it was not good poetry. Bonar loved children and for them his first hymns were written. For further comments on Horatius Bonar see Hymn 129.