Article August 27, 1938 Issue

An article appearing in the English Churchman recently,...

Lieut.-Col. Robert E. Key, District Manager of Committees on Publication for Great Britain and Ireland,—London

English Churchman

An article appearing in the English Churchman recently, entitled "Our Creed in Our Hymns," has been brought to my notice. I trust and believe you wish to be fair to the adherents of another Christian faith, and in this belief I submit an answer to your criticism of the Christian Science Hymnal.

I do not think your correspondent can have had brought to his notice the "Hymnal Notes for Use with Christian Science Hymnal," published by The Christian Science Publishing Society in 1933, which are designed to throw light on the compilation and selection of the Christian Science hymns.

With regard to his remarks, I would point out in all friendliness that I do not think they are justified. Take, for instance, Toplady's hymn, "Rock of Ages." He accuses Christian Scientists of altering this hymn to suit their creed. As a matter of fact, the phrase "Rock of Ages" is not one coined by Toplady; it is the Hebrew rendering of the concluding words of Isaiah 26:4 (Scofield). With the exception of this phrase, no other line is taken from Toplady's composition. I will admit, however, that the meter and tune of his beautiful hymn have been used.

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August 27, 1938
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