400. Give of your best to the Master
Howard B. Grose, 1851—
A challenge to youth to give heart and strength to the service of the Master.
The author, Howard B. Grose, was born in Millerton, N. Y. After graduating from the University of Rochester, he served successively as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., the First Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pa.; president of the University of South Dakota; and teacher of history in the University of Chicago. In 1910 he became editor of the Baptist magazine, Missions. He was a leader in the Christian Endeavor movement and wrote this hymn for a Christian Endeavor hymnal that he was then editing.
MUSIC. BARNARD was composed by Charlotte A. (Mrs. Charles C.) Barnard, 1820-69, an Englishwoman who after her marriage in 1851 began composing songs and ballads under the pseudonym of “Claribel.” These were very popular in their day. She composed a hymn tune, “Brocklesbury,” which is widely used with the hymn, “Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me.”
The descant was written by Professor W. H. Hohmann, head of the music department of Bethel College. The “descant” is an old variation in the use of tunes. It consists of a second melody over that of the tune and is to be sung by a few sopranos. It is only an embellishment and should be no more than audible, otherwise it will detract from the melody which should remain as the main center of interest.