THE TUNE.
The author of the “English Melody” (as ascribed in Gospel Hymns) is said to have been John Jenkins Husband, born in Plymouth, Eng., about 1760. He was clerk at Surrey Chapel and composed several anthems. Came to the United States In 1809. Settled in Philadelphia, where he taught music and was clerk of St. Paul's P.E. Church. Died there in 1825.
His tune, exactly suited to the hymn, is a true Christian pæan. It has few equals as a rouser to a sluggish prayer-meeting—whether sung to Bonar's words or those of Rev. William Paton Mackay (1866)—
We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love,
—with the refrain of similar spirit in both hymns—
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen,
Hallelujah! Thine the glory; revive us again;
—or,—
Sound His praises! tell the story of Him who was slain!
Sound His praises! tell with gladness, “He liveth again.”
Husband's tune is supposed to have been written very early in the last century. Another tune composed by him near the same date to the words—
“We are on our journey home
To the New Jerusalem,”
—is equally musical and animating, and with a vocal range that brings out the full strength of choir and congregation.