_MUSIC._ STUTTGART is adapted from a melody by Christian F. Witt in his _Psalmodia Sacra_, published in Gotha, 1715, where it is set to the hymn, “_Sollt es gleich bisweilen scheinen_.” It is a stately, straightforward tune of simple, rhythmic pattern and is singable by any average congregation. Christian F. Witt, 1660-1716, was a court organist and later _Kapellmeister_ at Gotha. He composed a number of hymn tunes. 89. From the eastern mountains _Godfrey Thring_, 1823-1903 Based on Matt. 2:2: “We have seen his star in the east and are come to worship Him.” Its reference to the guiding star and its missionary emphasis fit it ideally for the Epiphany season, but the hymn may be used appropriately on more general occasions. Godfrey Thring was educated at Shrewsbury and Balliol College, Oxford, and held various positions as minister in the Church of England. In 1859, he succeeded his father as rector of Alford-with-Hornblotton and in 1876, became prebendary of East Harptree in Wells Cathedral. He published various hymn books of a high literary standard. _MUSIC._ PRINCETHORPE. This tune, by William Pitts, 1824-1903, was taken from _The Hymnary_ of the United Church of Canada. No information is at hand concerning the composer or the origin of the tune. 90. We three kings of Orient are _John H. Hopkins, Jr._, 1820-91 A popular carol giving the story of the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts to the Christ child. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., was born at Pittsburgh, Pa. His father was an Episcopalian minister who became the Bishop of Vermont. John was educated at the University of Vermont and later was minister at Williamsport, Pa. He is the author of several books of poems. _MUSIC._ KINGS OF ORIENT was composed for this hymn by the author. 91. Brightest and best of the sons _Reginald Heber_, 1783-1826 A lovely hymn of great beauty and simplicity of form and characterized by robust faith—“richer by far is the heart’s adoration.” It was written for the feast of Epiphany and was entitled, “Star of the East.” The hymn was first published in the _Christian Observer_, 1811. Heber, a hymnist of the first order, ranking with Wesley and Watts, was governed by three ideas in his hymn writing: (1) the hymn is liturgical and should follow the church year; (2) the hymn should follow and supplement the sermon; (3) the hymn should be literary art. For further comments on Reginald Heber see Hymn 1. _MUSIC._ BRIGHTEST AND BEST was composed by Rev. Joseph Francis Thrupp, 1827-67, fellow of Cambridge College and minister in the Church of England. He is the author of several books on Biblical subjects and wrote a number of hymns of merit, none of which have come into general use. HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY 92. O sing a song of Bethlehem _Louis F. Benson_, 1855-1930