Hymns and Choirs

by Austin Phelphs

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 ... cold embrace, If Christ be in my arms." The Presbyterian (N. S.) Hymn Book has made the line less indecorous by changing it "While in the Saviour's arms." Many a hymn composed for the seclusion of private thought, has admitted commonplaces which need to be transformed into more select idioms, when that same hymn is transferred from the closet to the temple. The persecuted Madame Guyon wrote in a familiar "My Love, how full of sweet content I pass my years of banishment 1" 214 DIGNITY OF HYMNS. but in the assembly of worshippers at the house of God, it is more appropriate to "O Lord, how full of sweet content Our years of pilgrimage are spent!"1 A favorite hymn of Watts 2 begins with the He dies, the Heavenly Lover dies! The tidings strike a doleful sound On my poor deep he lies In the cold caverns of the ground. But there is a greater majesty, as well as a delicate and biblical propriety, in the stanza as thus transformed by John He dies 1 the Friend of sinners dies; Lo! Salem's daughters weep A solemn darkness vails the skies; A sudden trembling shakes the ground. So in the following instances, there is either a familiarity or an uncouthness which may fitly give place to a more elevated Original Form. When he, dear Lord, will bring me home. I yield to thy dear conquering arms. Sweet Jesus! every smile of thine. 1 Sabbath Hymn Book, Hymn 140. Ibid, Hymn 358. Sabbath Hymn Book. Hymn 433. When my dear Lord will bring me home. Hymn 435. Incarnate God! now to thinesima. Hymn 1252. My Saviour I every smile of thine. DIGNITY OF HYMNS. 215 Original Form. 0 dear almighty Lord. Jesns! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend. Shepherd, Brother, Husband, Friend. Oh, that I could fo...

425 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1960