I have been trying to find out why the singing of old traditional hymns has been discarded in many circles…. While I am not trying to make excuses for this development (which really isn't a very recent one), I believe that one of those reasons may be because Christians, young in the faith, may want to discard everything connected with what they see as their "past." This "past" is perhaps entwined with worshipping in "dead" churches where hymns and organ music were part of a ritual they grew up with.
But the traditional evangelical hymns, which have always been a part of my life, were written by men and women of old who were close to the Lord and stronger in their faith than most individuals today. Their compositions were very often born out of anguish, sorrow and faith-building hard experiences in their own lives and their words are inspiring; closely influenced by scripture, with a depth which is sadly lacking in the repetitive choruses that are projected from screens in modern fellowships and churches today.
From my own experience, this trend towards totally dropping the old hymns is perhaps more prevalent in the Republic of Ireland than it is in Northern Ireland, because, perhaps, many Christians have their roots in the ritual of Roman Catholicism and the mass – and they want something "vibrant and new." I also believe that many individuals in this category are not even aware of the rich legacy of hymnology which has been left to us. However, I can see, even now, that many of these old hymns have been forgotten already in all circles. Sadly, in the years ahead, even traditional church services may see the "need" to forsake the old hymns in order (as they see it) to keep young people sitting in their pews. But how can anyone forget that rich legacy of inspired words which has been left to us by the men and women of old who lived closely to their Saviour?
I heard a group of people in recent years having an "open air service" one night on the square of a little coastal town in Northern Ireland. The preaching of the gospel is wonderful to hear under such circumstances, as people drift in and out of pubs and yet I strongly believe that poignant hymn singing has its part to play in reaching souls. Was it not the singing of a hymn: "Mother's Prayers have Followed Me" that reached a young prodigal for the Lord? The clergyman brother of the hymn writer of "Just as I am" (Charlotte Elliot) once said that the words of a sermon have an effect in the moment but that the written words of a hymn may well continue to speak to many many souls for centuries ahead.
As with other issues, I feel that it is important to "strengthen the things which remain" (Revelation 3v2) in this era in which we live, which is why I have felt led of the Lord to contact others of like mind, with a view to not only promoting, but also resurrecting and preserving many of the old hymns – hymns which glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for us…
"He left His Father's throne above –
So free, so infinite His grace –
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me!
(Charles Wesley 1707-1788)
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