INTRODUCTION. HYMNOLOGY is like a gold-field. It may appear barren and uninviting to the casual observer, but it contains untold wealth for the earnest seeker. There are treasures in hymns-no one doubts it. To try to prove it, therefore, would be a thankless task. Some hymns have been sung so often and have blessed so many hearts that their value is recognized by every one. But others may be called "hid treasure," for they are unknown and unappreciated, save by the few. The multitudes are ignorant of their number, their variety, and their worth. Their number is legion. This does not mean that every hymn is a treasure. There are worthless hymns as truly as there are worthless gems. Yet a careful examination of any standard hymnal will reveal a surprisingly large number of really great hymns, besides a multitude of useful lyrics which could ill be spared. When it is remembered that no one book contains all the valuable hymns, some conception of their number can be gained. |