Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/506

 494 THE METHODIST HYMN-BOOK ILLUSTRATED

Christ. Then he describes the change to be wrought when weary pilgrims, who have lost their way and sit in despair amid the darkness, are visited by the day-spring from on high, and find their way into the path of safety and peace.

985. O be joyful in the Lord.

The JUBILATE was introduced into the Morning Service of the Prayer-book in 1552,10 satisfy objections and avoid repetition. It is not, of course, sung as a lesson unless the Benedictus comes in other parts of the service. From ancient times it has been used in the daily service of the Synagogue, except at certain festivals. It was used at Lauds. The version is from The Great Bible.

Edward FitzGerald said not long before his death, in 1883, that if any text were put on his tombstone, he should like it to be one that he had never seen used in this way It is He that made us, and not we ourselves. It is engraved, with name and dates, on the granite slab which covers his grave.

986. My soul doth magnify the Lord.

The MAGNIFICAT (Luke i. 46-55) was used at Vespers in the Middle Ages. From The Great Bible. The song borrows some of its thoughts from the thanksgiving of Hannah for the birth of Samuel, and from Psalm xcviii. The three great nativity hymns which St. Luke preserved for the Church have always been the chief treasures in its book of praise. This outpouring of Mary s heart is the noblest of all. A majesty truly regal reigns throughout this canticle. The song of thanksgiving rises and swells as the Jewish maiden sees the greatness of the mission of Jesus opening out before her wondering eyes. Her own immortality is sure. All genera tions shall call me blessed. The song is closely allied to that of Hannah, which every Jewish girl knew from her childhood ; but deep humility and holy restraint mark the whole thanks giving. It is the first Christian song.

987. O sing unto the Lord a new song.

CANTATE DOMINO (Psalm xcviii.) was introduced in 1552 to the Prayer-book from The Great Bible, so that the extreme Puritans might not be forced to sing the words of the

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