The Hymn-Book of the Modern Church
Studies of Hymns and Hymn-Writers (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Hymn-Book of the Modern Church: Studies of Hymns and Hymn-Writers<br><br>To the hymns of the Wesleys I have given considerable space. The subject was chosen for me in view of the publication of the new Methodist Hymn-book, and the occasion seemed to require a somewhat detailed survey of the early Methodist hymns. Nor do I think that many will consider the attention given to them more than their intrinsic value justifies. 'After the Scriptures,' wrote Dr. James Martineau, 'the Wesley Hymn-book appears to me the grandest instrument of popular religious culture that Christendom has ever produced.'<br><br>Delightful as this work has been to me, the book has been written under great pressure and amid countless interruptions. I have had to redeem odd minutes and the evening hours when a long day's work had already been done.<br><br>I have to acknowledge constant obligation - much more extensive than is indicated by frequent reference - to Dr. Julian's monumental Dictionary of Hymnology, which has lightened the labour of research for all students of hymns.<br><br>To my friend, Dr. J. T. L. Maggs, I am under manifold oblations which I most gratefully record. Dr. Maggs read a great part of the book in Ms., and the whole in proof; and I am also indebted to him for calling my attention to, or procuring for me, some important books of reference.<br><br>About the Publisher<br><br>Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com<br><br>This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.