Dwight exhibited a spirit of bold independence when he added to the revised "Psalms" by Watts a collection of two hundred and sixty-three hymns. Of these hymns, one hundred and sixty-eight were also by Watts, indicating the hold which that great hymnist retained on the English-speaking world. Other hymn-writers represented in Dwight's book included Stennett, Doddridge, Cowper, Newton, Toplady, and Charles Wesley. Only one of the latter's hymns was chosen, however, and Toplady's "Rock of Ages" was not included! Dwight himself wrote thirty-three paraphrases of the Psalms, but they were so freely rendered that they are properly classified as original hymns. Among these is his splendid version of the 137th Psalm, "I love Thy Zion, Lord," which may be regarded as the earliest hymn of American origin still in common use today. It is usually dated 1800, which is the year when Dwight's work was published. Dwight, who will always be remembered as the outstanding figure in the beginnings of American hymnody, died in 1817. The story of his life is an inspiring one, illustrating how his heroic qualities conquered despite a "thorn in the flesh." A chronicler records that "during the greater part of forty years he was not able to read fifteen minutes in the twenty-four hours; and often, for days and weeks together, the pain which he endured in that part of the head immediately behind the eyes amounted to anguish." The Hymn of a Wounded Spirit I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care, And spend the hour of setting day In humble, grateful prayer. I love in solitude to shed The penitential tear, And all His promises to plead Where none but God can hear. I love to think of mercies past, And future good implore, And all my cares and sorrows cast On Him whom I adore. I love by faith to take a view Of brighter scenes in heaven; The prospect doth my strength renew, While here by tempests driven. Thus when life's toilsome day is o'er, May its departing ray Be calm as this impressive hour And lead to endless day. Phoebe Hinsdale Brown, 1818. AMERICA'S FIRST WOMAN HYMNIST Less than twenty years after Timothy Dwight's hymns were published, a very poor and unpretentious American woman began to write lyrics that have been treasured by the Church until this present day, nor will they soon be forgotten. Her name was Phoebe Hinsdale Brown, and the story of her life is the most pathetic in the annals of American hymnody. "As to my history," she wrote near the end of her life, "it is soon told; a sinner saved by grace and sanctified by trials."