Handbook to the Mennonite HymnaryHostetler, Lester
Religion
Handbook to the Mennonite Hymnary
Hostetler, Lester
Hymns, English -- History and criticism; Mennonites -- Hymns -- History and criticism
295. Pour out Thy Spirit from on high _James Montgomery_, 1771-1854
Written in 1833 for the Rev. J. Birchell, clergyman in the Church of
England, who published it in his _Selection of Hymns_. It was printed in
the same year in Edward Bickersteth’s _Christian Psalmody_. For comments
on Bickersteth see Hymn 256. The hymn’s original title was, “For a
Meeting of Clergy.” It is not intended to be sung by a body of people as
a prayer for ministers but as a prayer hymn to be sung by ministers
themselves.
For comments on James Montgomery see Hymn 62.
_MUSIC._ MELCOMBE. For comments on this tune see Hymn 22.
296. Lord, speak to me, that I may speak _Frances R. Havergal_,
1836-79
“A Worker’s Prayer” is Miss Havergal’s title of this hymn and the text
associated with it is Rom. 14:7: “None of us liveth to himself and no
one dieth to himself.” It was composed April 28, 1872, at Winterdyne.
For comments on Frances Havergal see Hymn 126.
_MUSIC._ CANONBURY, a favorite tune found in nearly all hymn books, is
from Robert Schumann’s _Nachtstücke_, Op. 23.
Robert Schumann, 1810-56, greatest of the early German Romantics, was
born in Zwickau, Saxony. He wrote symphonies and chamber music but is
known best for his amazingly fine piano works and songs. His wife, Clara
Wieck Schumann, one of the greatest piano players the world has
produced, was devoted to him, as were also his children. Schumann became
mentally ill, attempted unsuccessfully to drown himself in the Rhine,
and was cared for in a hospital for two years before his death. He had a
gift for journalism and wrote books and magazine articles on music.
297. Thou who Thyself didst sanctify _George Rawson_, 1807-89
An appropriate hymn for use in ordination to the Christian ministry or
dedication to other forms of Christian service.
George Rawson, an English Congregational layman, was born at Leeds where
he practiced law many years. He had a considerable knowledge of music
and was a gifted hymn writer. He rendered valuable assistance to his own
denomination as well as to the Baptists in the preparation of hymn books
for use in the church. A shy, retiring man, of sincere piety, he at
first published his hymns, a considerable collection, anonymously, but
later had to acknowledge his identity. About 50 of his hymns are still
in use.
(The name is misspelled “Dawson” in the Hymnary.)
_MUSIC._ DUNDEE (or FRENCH) is one of the twelve Common Tunes appearing
in the _Scottish Psalter_, _The CL Psalms of David, &_, Edinburgh, 1615,
where it is named “French Tune.” Its first appearance in an English
Psalter is in Ravencroft’s _Whole Book of Psalms_, 1621, where it is
called “Dundy.” It is one of the best known of the psalm tunes and its
smooth, flowing melody has enjoyed great popularity.
For comments on the _Scottish Psalter_ see Hymn 575.
CONSECRATION OF CHILDREN
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account