Handbook to the Mennonite HymnaryHostetler, Lester
Religion
Handbook to the Mennonite Hymnary
Hostetler, Lester
Hymns, English -- History and criticism; Mennonites -- Hymns -- History and criticism
Thomas Kelly was born in Dublin, the son of an Irish judge. He at first
intended to follow his father into the legal profession, but his
profound religious convictions led him to train for the ministry. As a
young clergyman, he was summoned, with others, to appear before the
Archbishop of Dublin to answer for his evangelistic zeal. He was rebuked
and prohibited from preaching in Dublin pulpits. He then withdrew from
the Church of England and started a number of independent churches. He
was much interested in the hymnody of the church and wrote 736 hymns in
all. They are characterized by loyalty to Jesus Christ and a deep
evangelical glow.
_MUSIC._ CORONAE is a virile tune, written in 1871, and well adapted by
its voice range for congregational singing.
For comments on the composer, Wm. H. Monk, see Hymn 40.
120. Majestic sweetness sits enthroned _Samuel Stennett_, _c._ 1727-95
This hymn was published in John Rippon’s _Selection_, 1787, with the
title, “Chief among Ten Thousand: or the Excellencies of Christ.” It is
based on Song of Solomon 5:10-16. The original has 9 stanzas.
The author, Samuel Stennett, prominent non-conformist and champion of
religious freedom, was a Baptist clergyman who in 1741 became his
father’s assistant in Little Wild Street Church, London, and then
succeeded his father in 1758, continuing in the pastorate of the church
until his death in 1795.
_MUSIC._ ORTONVILLE has been a favorite hymn tune for over a century. It
is associated with these words now, but at first it was set to “O for a
closer walk with God.” Among Hastings’ tunes, this is second in
popularity to “Toplady” (148), the tune he made for “Rock of Ages.”
Thos. Hastings, 1784-1872, was born in Connecticut, moved to New York
state to farm but left the farm at the age of 33 to devote himself to
music. In 1831 he moved to New York City to serve the musical interests
of a group of churches. He wrote 600 hymns and about 1,000 hymn tunes.
He published 50 books of music and collaborated with Lowell Mason in
_Spiritual Songs for Social Worship_. The University of the City of New
York gave him the degree of Doctor of Music in 1858.
121. Rejoice, the Lord is King _Charles Wesley_, 1707-88
A jubilant song of Christ’s exaltation and coming in power, based on
Phil. 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice.”
The hymn, in seven stanzas, appeared first in John Wesley’s _Sacred and
Moral Poems_, 1744, and later in Wesley’s _Hymns for our Lord’s
Resurrection_, 1746. Though the resurrection note is in the hymn, it is
appropriate also for general occasions.
Charles Wesley wrote four great festival hymns: (1) “Hark! the herald
angels sing” for Christmas; (2) “Christ the Lord is risen today” for
Easter; (3) “Hail the day that sees Him rise” for Ascension; and (4)
“Rejoice, the Lord is king” for Whitsuntide.
For comments on Charles Wesley see Hymn 6.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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