Glorious Things: Treasury of Hymns

Front Cover
A&C Black, 2004 M06 15 - 128 pages
It is possible to find hymns in which the most profound emotions are expressed. They are also essential to the literary history of the English speaking people. References to hymns are constant and quotatons from hymns in modern English usage are frequent.

The ever popular presenter of Songs of Praise has now made her own selection of hymns in this charming and beautifully illustrated anthology. The selection is very personal as the author explains how each hymn has had a particular message or significance for her at key moments in her own life- sometimes these are moments of joy and happiness and sometimes at times of tragedy and sadness.

Sally Magnusson also explains why she dislikes many hymns and why they are not included. Who is these days of political correctness for example can sing lustily words like `The rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate`. More pertinent to our day and age are hymns with phrases such as ` Change and decay in all around I see` and the celebrated hymn by Martin Luther which runs `A Firm Stronghold is our God`.

In a reference to a number of hymns which do not appeal to her Sally Magnusson writes:`I can only take so much blood-stained imagery before lunch`.

At all times, Sally Magnusson writes with great charm - a charm which those who watch Songs of Praise will recognise as being entirely her own. This is a perfect gift book.
 

Contents

Introduction
1
By cool Siloams shady rill
11
The Maister came up to the city
14
Blessed assurance
18
Silent night
22
to the hills will lift mine eyes
25
Fight the good fight
28
Just as a single flower
30
Love divine
49
Thou art Lord Jesus King alone
52
O perfect love
56
Lead kindly light
60
Great is thy faithfulness
63
O for a thousand tongues
66
All creatures of our God and King
69
Praise my soul the King of heaven
73

King of glory king of peace
34
Chief of chiefs
37
Jerusalem
40
Be still my soul
43
We cannot measure how you heal
46
Soul of my Saviour
77
In the bleak midwinter 88888
80
When I survey the wondrous cross
84
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About the author (2004)

Sally Magnusson, presenter of the much-loved British weekly broadcast of worship and song, Songs of Praise, on BBC television makes a personal selection of hymns in this beautifully illustrated anthology. Her commentary has great charm and the selection fits our times well — a perfect gift book.

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