Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/45

Rh joined to their other prayers.' Dr. Watts was the first great hymn-writer for the young. His Divine and Moral Songs for Children mark an epoch in this branch of our hymnody. The numerous editions published in town and country for more than a century showed what a need these songs supplied. Charles Wesley also remembered the children. His 'Gentle Jesus, meek and mild' is perhaps the chief classic among our nursery hymns. As Sunday schools sprang up in all parts of the country, psalms and hymns for the young multiplied. Jane and Ann Taylor's Hymns for Infant Minds have endeared themselves to every generation since they were written. Mr. Brooke thinks Mrs. Alexander's Hymns for Little Children 'unequalled and unapproachable,' whilst the Methodist Sunday School Hymn-Book 'ranks first in merit of any collection for children yet made.' Certainly the Church's later gift of song has been abundantly consecrated to the service of the nursery and the Sunday school.

Germany surpasses all other lands in its wealth of hymns. The number cannot fall short of a hundred thousand; about ten thousand have become more or less popular. Ever since the Reformation, Germany has been adding to her treasury of sacred song. Some of the most exulting strains were sung amid the conflicts of the Reformation, others belong to later days of quickening and revival. 'Thus these hymns constitute a most graphic book of confession for German evangelical Christianity, a sacred band which enriches its various periods, an abiding memorial of its victories, its sorrows, and its joys, a clear mirror, showing its deepest experiences, and an eloquent witness for the all-conquering and invincible life-power of the evangelical Christian faith.' In the Middle Ages German hymnody is full of hagiolatry and Mariolatry. Luther was himself the first evangelical hymnist. He gave the people the Bible, through which God spoke to their hearts; he gave them the hymn-book, by which they poured out their hearts to God. Dr. Schaff styles Luther the Ambrose of German hymnody. His sacred songs proved, next to the German Bible, 'the most effective missionaries of evangelical doctrines and piety.' Others caught his spirit, and used their gifts of sacred song to promote the Reformation cause. German hymnody had its dark age between 1757 and 1816, when Rationalism wrought havoc in the country. Purists set themselves to remove the uncouth language, irregular rhymes, antiquated words, and Latinisms,