This hymn is often sung at the close of church meetings. Sometimes the custom of the people joining hands while singing is observed. John Fawcett, an English Baptist minister, was serving a small country church in Yorkshire when he received and accepted a call to a large city church in London, which paid a salary more suited to the needs of his big family. His farewell sermon had been preached, six or seven wagons stood loaded with his furniture and books, and all was ready for his departure. But when the members of his humble flock turned out to bid farewell, many of them in tears, and imploring him to stay, it was more than he or Mrs. Fawcett could stand. He ordered the wagons unloaded and the furniture put back in its place, and sent a message to the London church that he was not coming. Afterwards he wrote this hymn which was to become one of the most famous in the English language. _MUSIC._ DENNIS is simple and easy of performance, yet pleasing and effective. The tune was composed by Hans Georg Nägeli, 1768-1836, a Swiss, who was born near Zurich where he spent most of his life as music publisher, composer, and teacher. He was a prominent figure in public school music and was greatly interested in church music. Lowell Mason found this melody in manuscript form and arranged it for use as a church tune. For comments on Lowell Mason see Hymn 12. The tune “Boylston” (214) is also used with this hymn. 42. The Lord be with us as we bend _John Ellerton_, 1826-93 The hymn is particularly appropriate for the close of an evening service. John Ellerton was a minister of the Church of England, a teacher, author, and one of England’s most distinguished hymnists. He assisted in editing the famous _Hymns Ancient and Modern_, London, 1861. He was early surrounded with religious influences and had a happy childhood life. Of his parents he wrote, “I used to feel how happy my father and mother were, even more than how good they were.” He composed about fifty hymns and made about ten translations, a large proportion of which have found their way into church hymnals. He refused to take out a copyright for any of his hymns, saying that “if any are counted worthy to contribute to Christ’s praise in the congregation, one ought to feel very thankful and humble.” His hymns, of which there are eight in the _Hymnary_, are elevated in tone and devotional spirit. _MUSIC._ BEATITUDO was written for the Revised Edition of _Hymns Ancient and Modern_, 1875, and was set to the words, “How bright these glorious spirits shine.” For comments on the composer, J. B. Dykes, see Hymn 1. 43. Savior, again to Thy dear Name we raise _John Ellerton_, 1826-93