Simplicity, freshness, consistent elevation of tone

by Joyce Voysey

Hymnal Note 114 (“Holy Bible, book divine”) gives us a definition of a good hymn:

“A good hymn should have simplicity, freshness, and reality of feeling; a consistent elevation of tone, and a rhythm easy and harmonious, but not jingling or trivial.  Its language may be homely; but it should not be slovenly or mean.”

Just sharing the inspiring words of Hymn 118:

 

Holy Spirit, Light divine,

Shine upon this heart of mine;

Kindle every high desire;

Cleanse my thought in Thy pure fire.

 

Holy Spirit, Peace divine,

Still this restless heart of mine;

Speak to calm the tossing sea,

Stayed in Thy tranquillity.

 

Holy Spirit, all divine,

Dwell within this heart of mine;

Bid my troubled thoughts be still;

With Thy peace my spirit fill.

 

Words: Andrew Reed and Samuel Longfellow (Adapted). 

Music: arranged from Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy

 

Ed. Note that these words are from The Christian Science Hymnal and according to that volume are copyright as follows: ©The Christian Science Board of Directors Boston, Mass.