This lecture consists of a series of essays introductory to the study
of English hymns, in which I have tried to give some account of the
sources from which the Church gathers its sacred songs, and to sketch
briefly the growth of the modern hymn-book. It has been necessary to
omit several sections which I had intended to include, and this volume
covers a portion only of the ground indicated by the title. I may,
perhaps, some day be able to carry the work a stage nearer
completeness.
It may be thought that I have given disproportionate space to certain
periods and to certain hymn-writers. If so, I can only say that they
seemed to me specially interesting or important. In quotations,
especially from less-known writers, I have taken as much liberty as
possible, and I think this is the redeeming feature of the lecture. In
extended quotations I have usually given the preference to hymns not
readily accessible to the general reader, and have only occasionally
quoted hymns to be found in the _Methodist Hymn-book_.
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.’[1]
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.
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.
To my friend, Dr. J. T. L. Maggs, I am under manifold obligations
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. Mr. W. Garrett Horder has also given me the benefit of his
advice and criticism—all the more valuable because his judgement has
often differed from my own.
It is a pleasure to mention the valuable help rendered me by some of
my friends connected with The Children’s Home, and especially by Miss
F. L. Moon (now Mrs. Carey), who most kindly relieved me of the
greater part of the burden of the actual preparation of the MS. for
the press. My son, Benjamin A. Gregory, has prepared the Index,
verified quotations, and helped me in many other ways.
No Fernley Lecturer has had a more attractive theme. I wish its
treatment had been more worthy. But with all its imperfections I trust
that He who inhabiteth the praises of Israel may deign to bless my
little book to the edification and comfort of some who read it.