OUR HYMNS:
THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN.
TELESPHORUS.
" To God be glory, peace on earth." No. 445.
THIS work is based on the assumption that a knowledge of the authors and origin of the hymns would add to the pleasure and profit of puhlic worship. On the threshold, we have a good illustration. Hymn 445 might be sung without regard to its history, and valued only to the extent of its intrinsic excellence. But, on the other hand, if its history be known, what a halo of interest surrounds it! We justly rejoice that men who contend in argument, or remain apart in the coldness of sectarian separation, yet unite in song. This joyful doxology not only unites the living, it is an echo of scripture, an ancient testimony to fundamental doctrine, and a common expression of the devout thankfulness of Christians of every age since the time of the Apostles. As we sing this hymn, we feel that the church of Christ has a unity of doctrine and love which prevails over all diversity, and we see with emotion the great " cloud of witnesses" gathering out of every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue.
The name " Telesphorus " is put in italics at the head of this chapter to show that, although it has been given as the name of the author of this hymn, there is no authority for its use. The
