Hymn stories are related to a definite moment and to an unusual experience, such as the one which tells of the men in the submarine (p. 60); or that which relates how the visiting Scotsman thrilled the Presbyterian ministers in Philadelphia, and their kindled emotions found expression in a hymn (p. 109). Many of them came spontaneously from the heart, and thus they make a lasting impression. Such incidents as these, coming from several lands, the author has gleaned from many sources, both American and British, and now he shares them with his readers. The sources from whence they came have been indicated, and his gratitude for the privilege of passing them on to others is very great. The index will enable the reader to find the hymns included. The hymns themselves come from standard hymnals of the churches. A short bibliography is included. Among the books mentioned, that of Dr. Moffatt is especially useful, because it partakes, somewhat, of the nature of a short dictionary of hymnology. Professor Smith’s work is unique in its arrangements and will be particularly helpful to those preparing programs for special occasions. A copy of the handbook to the hymnal which the reader uses will prove to be very valuable. The author gratefully acknowledges the helpful service rendered by the Rev. Herbert Harrison. Readers will peruse with deep interest the Foreword written by Bishop W. Earl Ledden. His life has been intimately related to church music. During his student days in both college and theological seminary, he was actively associated with musical leadership. Since his election to the episcopacy, he has sometimes given addresses to group meetings of ministers and church lay leaders on the importance of appropriate music in church services. His words, therefore, come from the pen of one who has had ripe experience in the field of hymnology. William J. Hart. _Lacona, New York_ CHAPTER I LET’S SING “So will we sing and praise thy power” —(_Psa. 21:13_). “Lend a voice to swell the chorus, Chant the songs that time endears; They were sung by those before us, They will chime along the years.” —_Arthur Guiterman in “The Classmate.”_ “We have no surer link with our fathers of generations past, and with our fellow-Christians of to-day, than is provided by the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs which are our spiritual heritage.” —Preface to _The Hymnary of the United Church of Canada_. “The echoes of your music die; Some say, ‘The song is ended’—but They do not know. It lives on—in my soul; And I stay nearer God Because of it.” —_Bessie C. Hicks in “The Church School._”