The Development of the English Hymn
Survey of the development of English hymnody, contrasting Lutheran hymn tradition with Calvinistic metrical psalmody and tracing English metrical psalters and appended hymns.
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Archives
The Confessional Presbyterian Archive is a curated digital library dedicated to preserving and promoting the writings of 17th–20th century Presbyterian pastors, teachers, and leaders. Featuring thousands of searchable texts, biographies, and historical resources, the archive provides direct access to the primary-source materials of American Presbyterianism.
The Development of the English Hymn
Dr. Watts’ “Renovation of Psalmody”
Essay examines Isaac Watts' renovation of psalmody: promoting evangelical hymns, free composition, and Christianized paraphrases of Psalms to reform congregational worship.
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The Hymnody of the Methodist Revival
Overview of the hymnody of the Methodist revival, tracing John and Charles Wesley's contributions, Moravian and Watts influences, and the earliest Methodist hymnbooks.
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The Hymnody of the Evangelical Revival
Survey of 18th-century Evangelical hymnody: Whitefield, Lady Huntingdon, and hymnals (Watts, Wesley) shaping congregational singing and the Countess’s Connexion.
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The English Hymn: Its Development and Use in Worship
History of English hymnody from metrical psalms to Watts and Wesley. Examines development, denominational adoption, and hymns' liturgical role in Protestant worship.
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What Did Doctor Witherspoon Say?
Examines and debunks embellished accounts of Dr. John Witherspoon's alleged speech at the Continental Congress, tracing sources, misattributions, and historical inaccuracies.
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The Scotch-Irish in America
1917 report of the Presbyterian Historical Society and a review of Henry J. Ford's The Scotch‑Irish in America, debating Ulster/Scotch‑Irish vs Puritan origins of US Presbyterianism.
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For God and Country: Hymns for Use in War Time
1918 Presbyterian hymnal For God and Country: a collection of patriotic and wartime Christian hymns (e.g., Battle Hymn, Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful) for national worship.
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The Common Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church
Review praising the Lutheran Common Service Book and Hymnal for its liturgical, theologically conservative hymnody and contribution to Lutheran unity; it rejects popular humanitarian hymns.
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Andrew Charles Barclay: 1839–1919
Biography of Andrew C. Barclay (1839–1919), Philadelphia businessman and devoted Presbyterian layman active in Tenth and Calvary churches, charities, and historical societies.
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A Book of Family Worship
A 1921 Presbyterian manual for family worship containing daily psalms, Scripture lessons, morning and evening prayers, seasonal and occasion prayers, intercessions, and graces.
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“I Want to Be an Angel”: The History of a Hymn
Oct 1924 Presbyterian Historical Society Journal: obituary for Rev. James I. Good and an essay tracing the origin, authorship and tune of the children's hymn 'I Want to Be an Angel.'
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Four Hymns
Dec 1924 issue of Contemporary Verse featuring hymns and poems by Louis F. Benson and contributors. Themes: Bethlehem/Christmas, nature, devotion, and theological reflection.
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Hymns Original and Translated
1925 hymnal by Louis F. Benson: original and translated hymns with preface, dedication, index of first lines, and musical tunes for liturgical use (morning, Easter, Communion).
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Christian Song
1926 hymnal preface by Louis F. Benson urging personal ownership of hymnals to foster genuine congregational song; criticizes pew-rack use and poor layout.
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The Reverend John Brownlie
Covers the Reformed Church in the U.S.'s bicentennial (1725 Pennsylvania origins) and memorializes John Brownlie's translations and editions of Greek and Latin hymnody.
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What Did Doctor Witherspoon Say? A Postscript
Louis F. Benson investigates the spurious 'Witherspoon' speech, tracing its origin to Hooper Cumming's 1823 oration and outlining Cumming's life, trials, and character.
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The Hymnody of the Christian Church
Study of Christian hymnody—its spiritual basis, relation to theology, literature and liturgy. Argues hymns function as doctrine, means of grace, and congregational worship.
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The Smaller Hymnal
Preface and contents of The Smaller Hymnal (1928). A concise Presbyterian book of simple, congregational hymn tunes, indices, and worship resources for church, school, and home.
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