ng, it
will well repay careful study.

Despite his handicap, Dr. Matheson was blessed with a fruitful ministry.
A devoted sister who had learned Greek, Latin and Hebrew in order to aid
him in his theological studies remained his co-worker and helper
throughout life. In all of his pastoral calls she was his constant guide.

During the early part of his ministry, he wrote all his sermons in full.
He possessed such a remarkable memory that after a sermon had been read
to him twice, he was able to repeat it perfectly. After he had followed
this practice for twelve years, he suffered a complete collapse of memory
one Sunday in the midst of a sermon. Unable to proceed, he calmly
announced a hymn and sat down. At the conclusion of the singing he told
the congregation what had happened, and then preached a sermon of great
appeal from another text.

After a ministry at Innellan lasting for eighteen years, he was called as
pastor of St. Bernard's church in Edinburgh. Here he remained for
thirteen years, attracting large multitudes by his preaching.

The later years of his life were spent in literary work. He was the
author of several volumes in prose, among them a very fine devotional
book called "Moments on the Mount." He fell asleep August 28, 1906, to
await the break of eternity's dawn, confident in the assurance that

... the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.

PART V
AMERICAN HYMNODY

The First American Hymn

I love Thy Zion, Lord,
The house of Thine abode;
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

I love Thy Church, O God;
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye,
And graven on Thy hand.

For her my tears shall fall;
For her my prayers ascend:
To her my cares and toil be given,
Till toils and cares shall end.

Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

Jesus, Thou Friend divine,
Our Saviour and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.

Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield,
And brighter bliss of heaven.

Timothy Dwight, 1800.

THE BEGINNINGS OF HYMNODY IN AMERICA

The r