To make the truths of the church catechism interesting and intelligible to little children, Mrs. Alexander wrote a series of poems to illustrate the Apostle’s Creed. This hymn is on the clause “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.” “All things bright and beautiful” (410) was written for the first clause, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” For the second clause, “And in Jesus Christ His Son, born of the virgin Mary” she wrote “Once in royal David’s city” (412). _MUSIC._ MEDITATION appeared in _Original Tunes_, 1890, by John H. Gower, where it is set to “There is a land of pure delight.” The tune has since become closely associated with Mrs. Alexander’s hymn for which it forms an appropriate setting. John Henry Gower, 1855-1922, English organist and concert artist, became professor of music at Trent College, Nottingham. Later he came to America on account of mining interests in Colorado but maintained his activity in music. He served as organist and choirmaster of St. John’s Cathedral, Denver, and during the World’s Fair in Chicago, 1893, became organist of the Church of the Epiphany in that city. 105-106. When I survey the wondrous cross _Isaac Watts_, 1674-1748 One of the twenty-five hymns prepared by Watts to be sung at the Lord’s Supper. Matthew Arnold, the famous literary critic, called it the “most majestic hymn in the English language.” It is one of four hymns which have been printed in more collections, translated into more tongues, and used in more congregations, than any other. The three hymns classed with this in popularity are “Rock of Ages,” “Jesus, Lover of my soul,” and “All hail the power of Jesus’ name.” Watts gave this hymn the title “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.” It is based on Galatians 6:14: “God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I unto the world.” In the first stanza there is a reference to Phil. 3:7: “Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.” The whole hymn, and especially the closing stanza, reflects the thought of Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ ... who loved me and gave himself for me.” The third stanza, a sublime picture of the suffering Saviour, should always be sung softly. For comments on Isaac Watts, see Hymn 11. _MUSIC._ ROCKINGHAM OLD is a famous tune always used with this hymn in England. It was named after the Marquis of Rockingham, a Whig statesman who was thrice prime minister of England, and a friend of the composer.