MUSIC. KINGS OF ORIENT was composed for this hymn by the author.
91. Brightest and best of the sons
Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
A lovely hymn of great beauty and simplicity of form and characterized by robust faith—“richer by far is the heart’s adoration.” It was written for the feast of Epiphany and was entitled, “Star of the East.” The hymn was first published in the Christian Observer, 1811.
Heber, a hymnist of the first order, ranking with Wesley and Watts, was governed by three ideas in his hymn writing: (1) the hymn is liturgical and should follow the church year; (2) the hymn should follow and supplement the sermon; (3) the hymn should be literary art.
For further comments on Reginald Heber see [Hymn 1].
MUSIC. BRIGHTEST AND BEST was composed by Rev. Joseph Francis Thrupp, 1827-67, fellow of Cambridge College and minister in the Church of England. He is the author of several books on Biblical subjects and wrote a number of hymns of merit, none of which have come into general use.
HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY
92. O sing a song of Bethlehem
Louis F. Benson, 1855-1930