The most popular of John Bowring’s _Hymns_, published in 1825, and a classic among the hymns of the cross. It is based on Gal. 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Bowring died on November 23, 1872, and the words, “In the cross of Christ I glory,” were placed on his tombstone. It is remarkable that so great a hymn on the cross should be written by a Unitarian, a communion which denies the deity of Jesus and the evangelical doctrine of the atonement. Yet the hymn can be sung whole-heartedly by every evangelical Christian for it magnifies the cross and makes it the center of the Christian faith. Bowring, in spite of his Unitarian connection, was a devout, evangelical believer. For further comments on John Bowring see Hymn 55. _MUSIC._ RATHBUN was composed by Ithamar Conkey, 1815-67, an organist and prominent bass soloist who took part in many oratorio performances in New York City. The tune was composed one Sunday afternoon after the minister, Dr. Hiscox, of the Central Baptist Church, Norwich, Conn., had preached one of a series of sermons on the “Words of the Cross.” Conkey named the tune after the leading soprano in his choir, Mrs. Beriah S. Rathbun. 111. Cross of Jesus, Cross of sorrow _William J. Sparrow Simpson_ From Stainer’s oratorio, _The Crucifixion_, where it appears as No. 4 under the title, “The Mystery of Divine Humiliation.” The original has 10 stanzas. The libretto of _The Crucifixion_ was written by Wm. J. Sparrow Simpson, Church of England clergyman. He was educated at Cambridge, ordained in 1882, and became chaplain of St. Mary’s Hospital, Great Alford. His theological works include the _Catholic Conception of the Church_ and the _History of the Anglo-Catholic Movement_. _MUSIC._ CROSS OF JESUS in Stainer’s _Crucifixion_ is intended among other numbers in the oratorio, “to be sung by the congregation.” Its depth of feeling is best realized if sung in rather slow tempo. John Stainer, 1840-1901, began his career as a choir boy at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, at the age of seven, continuing there for nine years. He early became acquainted with Arthur Sullivan and the two remained fast friends throughout life. Stainer became one of England’s greatest organists and succeeded Sir John Goss, at St. Paul’s Cathedral. He was one of the most prolific and best-loved of the Victorian composers. A bronze tablet, installed in his honor in St. Paul’s, was dedicated by a service in which parts of his cantatas were sung, and closed with his “sevenfold Amen” (623). 112. Beneath the Cross of Jesus _Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane_, 1830-69 A hymn of Scottish origin, especially appropriate for use in Good Friday services, but it can also be used on more general occasions.