Simpson’s Hymns
Simple truth requires us to state that A. B. Simpson does not rate high as a writer of hymns. The effort on the part of… Read More »Simpson’s Hymns
Articles on Hymnody
Two Beautiful Works
In the poetical works of Frederick Faber I have found a hymn to the Holy Spirit which I would rank among the finest ever written,… Read More »Two Beautiful Works
We Sing Junk
Compare the Christian reading matter and you’ll know that we’re in pretty much the same situation. The Germans, the Scots, the Irish, the Welsh, the… Read More »We Sing Junk
Good Hymnals
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us” (Revelation 5:9)—that’s the theme… Read More »Good Hymnals
The Hymnbook and the Devotional Life
In order to express myself more freely on a matter that lies very near to my heart, I shall waive the rather stilted editorial we… Read More »The Hymnbook and the Devotional Life
Hymns Are Musical Echoes of His Voice
We can come and sing hymns in this church and only enjoy the dignity of the music as a relief from rock’n’roll. (Sermon, “Doctrine of… Read More »Hymns Are Musical Echoes of His Voice
Bordering on Sacrilege
Over the last few years the world has gone on to woo the Church (about like water woos a duck!) and has won her heart… Read More »Bordering on Sacrilege
Music’s Power
MUSIC. There is about music a subtle charm that no normal person can resist. It works to condition the mind and prepare it for the… Read More »Music’s Power
Why Listen to Tozer?
A.W. Tozer is found in places where he probably wouldn’t have been invited to preach. His books will be found on the shelves of the… Read More »Why Listen to Tozer?
Hold the Superlatives, Please
Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the thing you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us… Read More »Hold the Superlatives, Please
The Difference Between Birds and Bruised Offerings
Leviticus 14:21-22 But if he is poor and cannot afford it, then he shall take one male lamb as a trespass offering to be waved, to make… Read More »The Difference Between Birds and Bruised Offerings
Good Friday
The Passion Since blood is fittest, Lord, to write Thy sorrows in, and bloody fight; My heart hath store; write there, where in One box… Read More »Good Friday
More on the Hymnal vs. Screen thing
I think we all agree that the hill marked “The Battle of the Hymnal vs. the Projector” ought to have no man’s grave on it.… Read More »More on the Hymnal vs. Screen thing
Thanks, But I’ll Keep My Printed Hymnal
Visitors that attend my church are often introduced to the seemingly obscure practice of fumbling for a hymnal, finding a page, and according to some,… Read More »Thanks, But I’ll Keep My Printed Hymnal
Lesser-Known Incarnation Hymnody – 2
Paul Gerhardt (1606-1676) is regarded by some as Germany’s greatest hymn writer. His near-absence from many modern hymnals surely stands as testimony to our chronological… Read More »Lesser-Known Incarnation Hymnody – 2
Lesser-Known Incarnation Hymnody
Some of us deeply appreciate A.W. Tozer’s writings on, well, just about anything. Tozer also wrote some poetry, which while not masterful, is a good… Read More »Lesser-Known Incarnation Hymnody
“Glory Be to God on High” by Charles Wesley
A while back I stumbled across Charles Wesley’s Christmas hymn, “Glory Be to God on High.” This is a superb text on the incarnation of… Read More »“Glory Be to God on High” by Charles Wesley
Did Luther use tunes from love songs?
It is irresponsible to claim that Luther used tunes from secular loves songs for his hymns and compare it to today’s situation. If there is… Read More »Did Luther use tunes from love songs?
The Hymns of Timothy Dudley-Smith
If Timothy Dudley-Smith is known to Protestants in the United States, it is more likely as the biographer of theologian John Stott than as a… Read More »The Hymns of Timothy Dudley-Smith
To sing or not to sing, that is the question
An interesting online discussion has emerged in the past few weeks about the issue of not singing a particular song in a service when that… Read More »To sing or not to sing, that is the question