CHAPTER II

THE PURPOSE AND VALUE OF HYMNS 40 I THE IMPULSE TO WRITE HYMNS. II PURPOSE IN WRITING HYMNS. The Influence of Purpose. The Purpose Must Affect Only the Practical Aspects. III PURPOSE OF THE USER OF HYMNS. IV PURPOSES SERVED BY SINGING HYMNS. Hymns Unite Christians in Worship and Christian Activities. Hymns Concentrate Interest and Attention. Hymns Afford a Means of Expression for the Congregation. Hymns Provide Help and Comfort in Dark Hours. Hymns Afford Clear Expression of Christian Truth. Hymns Give Opportunity for Active Participation by All. Hymns Provide Variety. Hymns Create a Religious Atmosphere. Hymns in the Home. Hymns in Personal Work. V REASONS FOR THE MINISTER’S APPRECIATION OF HYMNS. Hymns Are Evidence of the Effect of the Bible. Hymns and Psalms Affected the Life of Church. Hymns in Personal Christian Experience. Hymns as Stimulating the Spiritual Life of the Minister. Hymns Approved by Paul. Hymns in the Early Church. Hymns Prepared the Church for Periods of Marked Progress. VI STRANGE INDIFFERENCE TO HYMNS. The Minister’s Indifference. Indifference of the Congregation.