MUSIC. WINCHESTER NEW. This tune is also used extensively with Milman’s hymn, “Ride on! Ride on in majesty” ([101]). It was set to the hymn, “Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten,” in the Musikalisches Handbuch, printed in Hamburg, 1690. The earlier history of the tune is obscure, and its composer is unknown. It appeared in various collections under the name “Frankfurt” and “Crasselius.” In a volume published in Glasgow, 1762, entitled, The Psalm-Singer’s Delightful Pocket Companion, it was used in long meter and named “Winchester.” It should not be confused with “Winchester Old” ([191]).
HOSPITAL SUNDAY
370. Thou to whom the sick and dying
Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903
A hospital hymn written in 1870 under the text, “And they brought unto Him all sick people ... and He healed them” (Matt. 4:24).
It was first published in Hymns for the Church Service, 1871, by W. H. Hutton. Later it was revised for the author’s Hymns and Sacred Lyrics, 1874.
For comments on Godfrey Thring, see [Hymn 89].
MUSIC. WALTHAM. The tune appears with its original name, “Gott des Himmels und der Erden,” at [Hymn 573], which see for comments on the tune and the composer. The original form of the melody is in triple time. Bach thought enough of the tune to use it in his Christmas Oratorio.