Later works have given more attention to the historical background. The work of Dr. Louis F. Benson, the greatest hymnologist America has produced, cannot be too highly commended for its scholarly thoroughness and indefatigable research. His _The English Hymn_ and _The Hymnody of the Christian Church_ should be found in the library of every minister. Other valuable American treatises on hymns are Ninde’s _Story of the American Hymn_, Gilman’s _Evolution of the English Hymn_, Reeves’ _The Hymn as Literature_, Marks’ _Rise and Growth of English Hymnody_, and Tillett’s _Our Hymns and Their Authors_, all of which are most helpful and illuminating discussions bearing on the literary and historical aspects of Christian hymns. On the other side of the sea are other most valuable studies of the hymn. Horder’s _The Hymn Lover_ is particularly fresh and inspiring. Others are instructive regarding the individual hymns, such as Josiah Miller’s _Singers and Songs of the Church_, John Telford’s _The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated_ and _Evenings with the Sacred Poets_, and W. T. Stead’s _Hymns That Have Helped_. Supreme above them all is Julian’s _Dictionary of Hymnology_, which is a stupendous work of vast comprehensiveness and indefatigable industry, the last word in the history and critical study of Christian hymns of all lands and all Christian ages. The justification of another survey of the field lies in the fact that all these admirable books confine themselves to the purely literary and historical data regarding each hymn, with side glances in only a few cases at the practical values involved. While the fundamental urge of expressing religious emotions back of Christian hymns is not denied or even deprecated, the emotional values are not developed or stressed. In order to assure this lacking element of practical helpfulness, this discussion includes four chapters on the purposeful use of hymns in the work of the Church. It is proper that I should recognize the sympathetic and cordial helpfulness in an advisory way of Professor Herman von Berge, my editorial associate in the musical work to which I have devoted the larger part of my life. His scholarship and wide practical experience, both as pastor and theological seminary professor, have helped me solve some problems that rather daunted me. Acknowledgment is also due to my son, Rev. Edward H. Lorenz, and to Mrs. F. C. Goodlin, my private secretary, in typing and proofreading my longhand manuscript. Last but not least, the co-operation of my brother, Dr. D. E. Lorenz, organizer of the church of the Good Shepherd in New York City and its pastor for thirty-four years, in the indexing and proofreading, calls for grateful recognition. Only an experienced author can fully measure the value of such efficient helpers. E. S. L. Dayton Ohio. CONTENTS