Stopford A. Brooke, born in Ireland, was educated at Dublin, then became a clergyman in the Anglican Church. For a time he was one of the most popular preachers in London. In 1880, being restive under the doctrinal standards of the church, he severed his relation with the Anglicans and continued a ministry of preaching and lecturing and writing as an independent, not associated with any denomination. His _Life and Letters of F. W. Robertson_ ranks among the classic biographies. In 1881, he compiled _Christian Hymns_ for use in his own congregation, in which this hymn is found, the original having ten stanzas. _MUSIC._ ROLAND is an easy, flowing tune which congregations love to sing after learning it well. It is suitable for use as a processional. The composer, Caleb Simmer, born 1856, was an American musician. His sacred pieces include anthems, quartets, cantatas, and organ music. 50. The spacious firmament on high _Joseph Addison_, 1672-1719 This hymn was praised by Lord Selbourne as “a very perfect and finished composition, taking rank among the best hymns of the English language.” The author, Joseph Addison, was an eminent Englishman of letters. Dr. Samuel Johnson said of him, “Whoever wishes to attain an English style, familiar, but not coarse, elegant but not ostentatious, must give his days and nights to the volumes of Addison.” In 1712, Addison wrote a series of essays in the _Spectator_, concluding each essay with a hymn. In the issue of August 23, this hymn, a free rendering of Psalm 19, formed the conclusion to an essay on “The Proper Means of Strengthening and Confirming Faith in the Mind of Man.” _MUSIC._ CREATION is an adaptation of a part of the magnificent chorus (No. 14) in Haydn’s oratorio, _The Creation_. For comments on Haydn, see Hymn No. 27. 51. For the beauty of the earth _Folliott S. Pierpoint_, 1835-1917 This delightful hymn of thanksgiving was originally written for the communion service to bring the note of joy into the solemn sacrament, making it truly an “eucharist.” It is now used frequently at Thanksgiving and children’s services. It names many causes for praise and thanksgiving, from the “beauty of the earth” to the “church that lifteth holy hands.” The author, Folliott S. Pierpoint, was born at Bath, England, and educated at Cambridge. He was a teacher of the classics, published several books of poems, and made notable contributions to the hymnody of the church. _MUSIC._ DIX appeared first in a collection of chorales edited and published by Kocher in Stuttgart in 1838, set to the hymn “_Treuer Heiland, wir sind hier_.” It has long been used with the words, “As with gladness men of old” (530), by W. C. Dix, hence the name “Dix.” It has a strong, joyous tune which marches with stately tread and is a favorite processional.