Hymns

What Shall We Sing?

This article discusses congregational singing. It notes New Testament passages like Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16, and the Old Testament Psalms. Along the way, commentary is offered on modern songbooks and hymnody.

"I" in Psalms and Hymns

Looking at the use of first person singular in the Psalms, this article shares some understanding as to how it may be understood and why it is not individualistic. Thus, the Psalms can be sung by the church. Applying this to the selection of hymns for church singing, the author shares some features that must characterize a church hymn.

The Gospel According to Christmas Carols

This article shows how Christmas carols can be used to share the gospel. It mentions several of the great carols and the deep truths they convey.

So Which Hymns Should We Sing?

What makes a good hymn? Hymns must express biblical truth, be suitable for congregational singing, and be simple rather than complex.

Worship Music Beyond Only the Psalms

This article gives reasons why the Psalm singing should not be exclusive in church music, but how other songs can be included in the worship service.

Hymns, Form and Language

This article looks at the way that the form and language of hymns are designed to capture the religious experience of the singer.

In Hac Fossa Me Reconde

This is a study in comparative hymnology. It wants to trace the roots of the imagery of the hymn "Rock of Ages."

Hymn Singing in Victorian England

Around 400,000 hymns were written during the reign of Queen Victoria. What we can learn from this history? This article looks at the history of some of these hymns, drawing lessons for the church today.

Some Aspects of the British Reception of German Music in the Nineteenth Century

This article considers the musical background of German hymns in current English hymnals. It gives some general notes on the Victorian-era.

William Cowper: God Moves in a Mysterious Way

This article is a biography of William Cowper. Focus is given to his hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel. His well-known hymn is "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."

Morning and Evening – Hymns of John Keble

This article is a biography of John Keble. Focus is given to his hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

This article is a biography of John Fawcett. Focus is given to his hymns and ministry and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee … The Life and Hymn Translations of Catherine Winkworth

This article is a biography of Catherine Winkworth and the role she played in translating the hymns for the English speaking Christians, especially the hymn by Joachim Neander.

Take My Life and Let It Be … Ever, Only, All for Thee – Frances Ridley Havergal and Her Hymns

This article is a biography on Frances Ridley Havergal. Focus is given to her hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

Psalms for the nation of Scotland

This article is about the background and character of the Scottish Psalter.

The Afscheiding’s Commitment to Psalm-Singing

Is the singing of hymns a deviation from God’s word? This article discusses the viewpoint of the Secession churches (of the Netherlands in the 1900's) on the singing of Psalms and hymns in the worship service.

Christian Library

Main menu