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76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Protestant musician should leave home without it!, April 6, 2004
This review is from: Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories (Paperback)
Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns. One of his most beloved compositions is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." However, the song would've been different if his friend, evangelist George Whitefield, had not altered the first line from Wesley's original: "Hark! How all the welking rings." "Rock of Ages" lyricist Augustus Toplady died at the young age of 38, but the song, written in 1776, has survived as a testament to him. Father Joseph Mohr wrote "Silent Night" due to the fact that the church organ was broken and something was needed for the Christmas Eve presentation in 1818. Charlotte Elliott wrote "Just as I am" out of despair and hopelessness over her constant ill health. Although she suffered for most of her 87 years, the song served as a beacon to others and probably accounted for her longevity. "In the Garden" was written as the result of slowly developing film. These brief snippets are just some of the facts that populate this fascinating book covering the development of 150 hymns.
Each hymn is provided with the background historical information. The book sports ragged edged paper to give it an air of authenticity to the parchment copies of old. Author Morgan has a genuine respect for the hymn and has done his research in compiling this notable work. As a church musician, I am most appreciative.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lifts the heart, February 19, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories (Paperback)
I am greatly enjoying this little book. Contains most of the traditional hymns I grew up with in the 1950s and 1960s. The music and lyrics are printed on the left-hand page. The right-hand page contains a short essay giving the Biblical source for the text and some information about the writing of the hymn and its use through the years. I am learning a lot and I find myself singing the hymns out loud morning and evening. A great way to frame the day! Recommended for people who feel the loss of tradition in 21st century worship and for anyone who loves church music.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hymn Stories Shared!, December 21, 2005
This review is from: Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories (Paperback)
If you ever wanted to know the background behind the hymns that we sing, this two-volume collection is for you. Robert J. Morgan has collected and compiled stories of hymns from all over the world and from every time period. Each book takes a look at 150 hymns, so the sum total is 300 - certainly, most of the familiar hymns including your favorite hymns are included. And there are other hymns herein, that you would enjoy singing and reading about.
In Book I, for instance, you will find the heart-rending pathos of the genesis of such hymns as "Nearer My God to Thee,", "It is well with my Soul" and "O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go". You will also learn the stories behind the thoughtful and introspective hymns such as "Amazing Grace" and "This Is My Father's World". And the hymns of unparalleled praise: "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee", and "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty."
Did you know....that among the above hymns, two were written by illustrious Presbyterian pastors-both of whom served The Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City? ...that "In the Garden" was written while the author was waiting for some film to develop? Or that "Onward, Christian Soldiers" was written for an English children's parade, by their pastor? Every one of these hymns has a story, some tender, some humorous, all filled with the possibility to inspire.
Both books would be very helpful to pastors planning worship-and indeed could be the springboard for any number of sermons, illustrations or hymn festivals.
For more than twenty years, author Robert J. Morgan has served as the pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, so he brings a pastor's reverence and appreciation of these hymns to his narrative
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