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. CONTENTS Introduction 1 I. A True Hymn 6 II. Hymns of the Bible and the Early Church 29 III. Early Modern Hymns 62 I.—Sixteenth Century 62 II.—Seventeenth Century 80 IV. Eighteenth-century Hymns 122 I.—The School of Watts 122 II.—Hymns of the Methodist Revival 155 III.—The Olney Hymns 224 IV.—Addison, Toplady, and Others 243 V. Nineteenth-century Hymns 254 I.—Anglican Hymns 254 II.—Free Church Hymns 285 III.—Roman Catholic Hymns 315 Conclusion 323 Appendix 333 General Index 339 Index of Hymns and Verses 343 THE HYMN-BOOK OF THE MODERN CHURCH INTRODUCTION