Among the traditions of him is this anecdote of the origin of his famous tune “Northfield,” which may indicate something of his temper and religious habit. During his travels as a singing-school teacher he stopped at a tavern in the town of Northfield and ordered his dinner. It was very slow in coming, but the inevitable “how long?” that formulated itself in his hungry thoughts, instead of sharpening into profane complaint, fell into the rhythm of Watts' sacred line—and the tune came with it. To call it “Northfield” was natural enough; the place where its melody first beguiled him from his bodily wants to a dream of the final Fruition Day.
Ingalls died in Hancock, Vt., April 6, 1828.
CHAPTER XIV.
HYMNS OF HOPE AND CONSOLATION.
“JERUSALEM THE GOLDEN.”
Urbs Sion Aurea.
“The Seven Great Hymns” of the Latin Church are:
- Laus Patriae Coelestis,—(Praise of the Heavenly Country).
- Veni, Sancte Spiritus,—(Come, Holy Spirit)
- Veni, Creator Spiritus,—(Come, Creator Spirit)
- Dies Irae,—(The Day of Wrath)
- Stabat Mater,—(The Mother Stood By)
- Mater Speciosa,—(The Fair Mother.)
- Vexilla Regis.—(The Banner of the King.)