Edward Miller, 1731-1807, was born at Norwich, England, the son of a stone mason. He was a man of great literary attainments and considerable musical ability. For 56 years he was organist of the parish church at Doncaster, receiving the appointment in 1751 and retaining the post until his death in 1807. Miller played the flute in Handel’s orchestra in London and had many a story to tell of the great composer’s eccentricities. Dissatisfied with the church music of his time, he was led to publish a book, _Psalms of David_, which turned out to be a great success. The book contained such tunes as “Burford” (228), “St. Magnes” (582), “St. Anne” (61), “Surrey” (44), and others of a similar style from the early part of the 18th century. It also contained some of his original tunes, including ROCKINGHAM OLD, destined to become one of the most popular English tunes ever written. This tune was not identified at first with any particular words. Miller had set it to 9 different psalms, using 3 keys—F, E flat, and E. It became associated with Watts’ “When I survey the wondrous cross,” in 1854, the combination appearing in _Mercer’s Church Psalter_, and again in 1861, in _Hymns Ancient and Modern_. The words and tune have now become inseparable in England. HAMBURG (106), an arrangement by Lowell Mason from a Gregorian Chant, illustrates the greatness of simplicity. The tune employs only five tones of the scale and yet breathes the dignity and solemnity of the great hymn to which it is set. For comments on Lowell Mason see Hymn 12. 107. Go to dark Gethsemane _James Montgomery_, 1771-1854 A song of the sufferings and death of Christ. Gethsemane, the Judgment Hall, and Calvary are successively brought to mind and at each stage there is found in the example of Christ a lesson for his disciples to learn. The fourth verse in the original poem reads: Early hasten to the tomb Where they laid his breathless clay; All is solitude and gloom; Who hath taken him away? Christ is risen! he meets our eyes: Saviour, teach us so to rise. For comments on James Montgomery see Hymn 62. _MUSIC._ GETHSEMANE is a dignified tune in the minor mode, well adapted to carry the words of this hymn. It was composed by Christopher Tye (c. 1508-72), a musician and minister in the Anglican Church, of whom a contemporary document says that he is “a doctor of music but not skilful at preaching.” He has been called the “father of the anthem,” having given it a model for others to follow. For comments on W. H. Monk, who adapted the tune, see Hymn 40. 108. Alas! and did my Savior bleed _Isaac Watts_, 1674-1748