Synesius, a native of Cyrene, born circa 375. His
descent was illustrious. His pedigree extended through
seventeen centuries, and in the words of Gibbon, "could
not be equalled in the history of mankind." He became
distinguished for his eloquence and philosophy, and as
a statesman and patriot he took a noble stand. When the
Goths were threatening his country he went to the court
of Arcadius, and for three years tried to rouse it to
the dangers that were coming on the empire. But Gibbon
says, ”...(+)
Synesius, a native of Cyrene, born circa 375. His
descent was illustrious. His pedigree extended through
seventeen centuries, and in the words of Gibbon, "could
not be equalled in the history of mankind." He became
distinguished for his eloquence and philosophy, and as
a statesman and patriot he took a noble stand. When the
Goths were threatening his country he went to the court
of Arcadius, and for three years tried to rouse it to
the dangers that were coming on the empire. But Gibbon
says, ”The court of Arcadius indulged the zeal,
applauded the eloquence, and neglected the advice of
Synesius." In 410 he was made Bishop of Ptolemaïs, but
much against his will. He died in 430. Synesius's
opinions have been variously estimated. That he was
imbued with the Neo-Platonic philosophy there is no
doubt but that he was a semi-Christian, as alleged by
Mosheim or that he denied the doctrine of the
Resurrection as stated directly by Gibbon [see Decline
and Fall, vol. ii.]; and indirectly by Bingham [see
Christian Antiq., Lond., 1843, i., pp. 464-5] is very
doubtful. Mr. Chatfield, who has translated his Odes in
his Songs and Hymns of the Greek Christian Poets, 1876,
contends that his tenth Ode "Lord Jesus, think on me,"
proves that he was not a semi-Christian, and that he
held the doctrine of the Resurrection. The first is
clear: but the second is open to doubt. He certainly
prays to the Redeemer: but there is nothing in the hymn
to shew that he looked upon the Redeemer as being
clothed in His risen body. This tenth ode is the only
Ode of Synesius, which has come into common use. The
original Odes are found in the Anth. Graeca Carm.
Christ, 1871, p. 2 seq., and Mr. Chatfield's trs. in
his Songs, &c, 1876. Synesius's Odes have also been
translation by Alan Stevenson, and included in his The
Ten Hymns of Synesius, Bishop of Tyreore, A.D. 410 in
English Verse. And some Occasional Pieces by Alan
Stevenson, LL.B. Printed for Private Circulation, 1865
(source: http://www.hymnary.org).
William Daman was a Franco-Flemish musician, recorder
player, organist, born in Liège. Thomas Sackville,
Lord Brockhurst, brought Daman to England in the early
1560's. In Service of Thomas Sackville from some time
in the 1560s into the next decade. Musician in Ordinary
on recorder 1576(?)-91(?). Little is otherwise known
about Daman except his music, which appeared in Psalmes
of David in English Meter, published without Daman's
knowledge in 1579, The Former Booke of Musicke of M.
William Damon and The Second Booke of the Musicke of M.
William Damon, published posthumously by William Swayne
in 1591. The 1579 book contained fourteen tunes not
given by John day in his 1563 psalter, including four
that became popular later under the names Cambridge,
Oxford, Canterbury and Southwell. Daman has also left a
few motets, an anthem and instrumental music (source:
http://www.hoasm.org).
Chatfield, Allen William, M.A., born at Chatteris, Oct.
2nd, 1808, and educated at Charterhouse School and
Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was Bell's Univ.
Scholar and Members' Prizeman. He graduated in 1831,
taking a first class in classical honours. Taking Holy
Orders in 1832, he was from 1833 to 1847 Vicar of
Stotfold, Bedfordshire; and since 1847 Vicar of
Much-Marcle, Herefordshire. Mr. Chatfield has published
various Sermons from time to time. His Litany, &c.
[Prayer Book] in Greek verse is admirable, and has been
commended by many eminent scholars. His Songs and Hymns
of Earliest Greek Christian Poets, Bishops, and others,
translated into English Verse, 1876, has not received
the attention of hymnal compilers which it merits. One
hymn therefrom, "Lord Jesu, think on me," is a specimen
of others of equal merit, which might be adopted with
advantage. He died Jan. 10, 1896 (source:
http://www.hymnary.org).
This arrangement is created for the Sierra Vista United
Methodist Church (SVUMC) and is intended for SATB
(Soprano, Alto, Teno and Bass) Choir.
PARTITION