shire, Scotland, March 27, 1746. He was the son of a weaver, but
obtained a good education, taught school, and studied for the ministry.
He died, however, while in preparation for his expected work, July 5,
1767, at the age of twenty-one years, three months and eight days.

Young Bruce wrote hymns, and several poems, but another person wore the
honors of his work. John Logan, who was his literary executor,
appropriated the youthful poet's Mss. verses, and the hymn above
indicated--as well as the beautiful poem, "To the Cuckoo,"[27] still a
classic in English literature,--bore the name of Logan for more than a
hundred years. In _Julian's Dictionary of Hymnology_ is told at length
the story of the inquiry and discussion which finally exposed the long
fraud upon the fame of the rising genius who sank, like Henry Kirke
White, in his morning of promise.

[Footnote 27:
Hail, beauteous stranger of the wood,
Attendant on the Spring;
Now Heaven repairs thy rural seat,
And woods thy welcome ring.]

_THE TUNE._

Old "Balerma" was so long the musical mouth-piece of the pious
boy-schoolmaster's verses that the two became one expression, and one
could not be named without suggesting the other.

"Balerma" (Palermo) was ages away in style and sound from the later type
of Sunday-school tunes, resembling rather one of Palestrina's chorals
than the tripping melodies that took its place; but in its day juvenile
voices enjoyed it, and it suited very well the grave but winning words.

How happy is the child who hears
Instruction's warning voice,
And who celestial Wisdom makes
His early, only choice!

For she hath treasures greater far
Than East and West unfold,
And her rewards more precious are
Than all their stores of gold.

She guides the young with innocence
In pleasure's path to tread,
A crown of glory she bestows
Upon the hoary head.

Robert Simpson, author of the old tune,[28] was a Scottish composer of
psalmody; born, about 1722, in Glasgow; and died, in Greenock, June,
1838.

[Footnote 28: The tune was evidently reduced from the still older
"Sardius" (or "Autumn")--_Hubert P. Main_.]

"O DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED."

Written about 1803, by the Rev. John A. Grenade, born in 1770; died
1806.

O do not be discouraged, }
For Jesus is your Friend; } _bis_
He will give you grace to conquer,
And keep you to the