C HYMNS ON THE CHURCH rnuch as a Divine institution, the channel Boegh which ret are led to and blessed by God, ly been the theme which has inspired rts arpetS John Newton has furat type of hymns, a hymn which was 'r the Obey Hymns under the title Cry of God.” It was a hymn of five 35:26, 21. The Olney Hymans HYMNS ON THE CHURCH HE Church as a Divine institution, the channel through which men are led to and blessed by God, has naturally been the theme which has inspired the Church's singers. John Newton has furnished us one of this type of hymns, a hymn which was originally published in the Olney Hymns under the title of "Zion, or the City of God." It was a hymn of five stanzas, based on Isa. 33:20, 21. The Olney Hymns were published in 1779. NEWTON'S HYMN ON THE CHURCH OF CHRIST Glorious things of thee are spoken, What can shake thy sure repose? See the streams of living waters Who can faint while such a river Ever flows their thirst to assuage? Saviour, if of Zion's city I, through grace, a member am, None but Zion's children know. This hymn, which is used in various forms both in England and in this country, has attained great popularity in all English-speaking countries. It ranks among the first hymns in English in every branch of the Protestant Church. It is interesting to note that a portion of this hymn has been translated into Latin and is included in a Latin Hymn book which was published in 1871. A FESTIVAL PROCESSIONAL A hymn which has an interesting origin and history is the hymn usually called by its first line, "The Church's One Foundation." It was written by Samuel J. Stone in 1866. The story of its conception in the mind of the writer is that he was impressed by the defence of the Catholic Faith made by Bishop Gray, of Capetown, against the teachings of Bishop Colenso. This fact gives it an historic association which adds interest and meaning to its stanzas, which in the original number ten. The hymn as it appeared originally is an elaboration of that portion of the Apostles' Creed which is indicated by the title, "The Holy Catholic Church: The Communion. of Saints. He is the Head of the Body, the Church." This title is given to the hymn in the author's collection |