A Few words for the Christian Science Hymnal, as an educator of religious thought, as well as a spiritual inspiration, written from the standpoint of experience, may help to a higher estimate of its value. It may also suggest ways by which this collection may become more useful, not alone in public worship, but as an aid to daily spiritual growth; and possibly to voice culture as well, it conscientiously practised.
The writer has found it profitable to use the Hymnal freely, at home, and with a degree of regularity, as the Bible and Science and Health are used, taking perhaps, four or five hymns at a time. In this way, the entire Hymnal has been rehearsed, in order, several times, and each time with a higher appreciation of its merits. This continued and systematic exercise affords opportunity for becoming familiar with both hymns and tunes, and, in a way, with their authors.
It is interesting to see with what care and wisdom, the compilers of this Hymnal have made their selections; bringing into the service of the church some of the best poetic talent and most devout aspirations in Christian thought, since the period of the Reformation in the sixteenth century.
