In view of the dearth of available material in English, it has seemed timely to approach the whole subject from a new standpoint. In this study, the extant hymnic sources will be presented objectively. Groups of hymns will be used to illustrate the types current in the period. In connection with them, the related historical and literary influences will be noted. Let us abandon at once our contemporary connotation of the word _hymn_ which is derived ultimately from the hymns of Ambrose, 340-397, that is, a metrical lyric constructed in stanzas. In the pre-Ambrosian period Christian hymns were largely of the psalm type, to be chanted in rhythmic periods without rhyme. Not only should the word _hymn_ be conceived in terms of ancient thought, but also the futile attempt to differentiate among psalms, hymns and canticles should be avoided. Specialists in liturgical matters testify to the confusion existing among ancient writers in the use of these words and to the uncertainty of definition which results.[4] It is better not to multiply difficulties but to hold fast to the actual texts which we know were used in Christian worship. II. Old Testament Hymns At the threshold of Christianity the student crosses from the literary environment of the Old Testament into that of the New. But in actual practice the Hebrew psalms were never given up, and to this day are treasured in every branch of the faith. In the early centuries they formed the bulk of Christian hymnody. References to their use appear throughout the New Testament and are familiar to all. And, moreover, the influence of the Hebrew psalms upon the composition of new hymns is apparent even in the Gospels. Keeping these important facts in mind regarding the psalms, the student may pass on to other hymnic sources in the Old Testament. Many striking lyrical passages in the Hebrew scriptures, uttered or perhaps repeated in moments of emotional fervor, were used by later worshippers to express a similar attitude toward the Divine.[5] Among these may be cited the Songs of Moses, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously (_Ex. 15:1-19_), Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth (_Deut. 32:1-43_); Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord (_I Sam. 2:1-10_); the great hymns in the Book of Isaiah, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts (_Isa. 6:3_), We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks (_Isa. 26:1-21_), the second part of which begins, With my soul have I desired thee in the night (_Isa. 26:9-21_); Jonah's Song, I cried by reason of my affliction unto the Lord (_Jonah 2:2-9_); the Song of Habbakuk, O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid (_Hab. 3:2-19_)