Article November 26, 1932 Issue

Christian Science Hymnal

Christian Leader

Christian Science Hymnal. With Seven Hymns written by Rev. Mary Baker Eddy. (The Christian Science Publishing Society, Boston.)

This new and enlarged hymnal for the use of Christian Scientists is one more indication of the spiritual unity which can include, in hours of worship, people who differ markedly in theology. There are many songs not found in other hymn books, and tunes not usually adopted for hymn singing, but many of the favorite hymns of other churches are included, though sometimes with verbal modifications designed to make them more congenial to Christian Scientists.

A good illustration of revision is seen in the case of Frederick L. Hosmer's hymn, "Father, to thee we look in all our sorrow," which becomes, "Father, to Thee we turn away from sorrow." Hosmer's "When fond hopes fail" becomes "Should fond hopes fail;" and "Chastened by pain we learn life's deeper meaning" becomes "Chastened and blessed we learn;" and Hosmer's last stanza, the thought of which is that God plows in the darkened furrows and from them at last shall spring golden grain, is simply omitted.

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