Best Church Hymns

Miscellaneous Pieces by John Bunyan. John Bunyan (November 28, 1628 – August 31, 1688), a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August. Bunyan became a popula...

History and Literature of the Early Church by James Orr. This little book in its original form was one of the volumes of the Christian Study Manuals series (1901), and as such was found helpful to many in colleges and elsewhere engaged in the study of early church history. In explanation of its contents it may be stated that the book is based on the extended lectures on early church history given...

Angels' Song by Thomas Guthrie. All of the earthly trappings of a royal birth were absent from the birth of Jesus, yet the angels filled the heavens with the song "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Join the angels around the manger to look in wonder on the birth of the Redeemer and to reflect on the peace that Jesus brings to the world of men. The Rev. Thomas...

Psalms and Odes of Solomon. One of the Pseudepigrapha, the Psalms of Solomon is a group of eighteen psalms (religious songs or poems) that are not part of any scriptural canon (they are, however, found in copies of the Peshitta). The Psalms of Solomon were referenced in Early Christian writings, but lost to modern scholars until a Greek manuscript was rediscovered in the 17th century. Politically,...

Power of God unto Salvation by Benjamin B. Warfield. The sermons included in this volume have all been preached in the chapel of the theological seminary at Princeton. Featured on Best Church Hymns. Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org). This episode includes AI-generated content.

Four Hymns by Edmund Spenser. Spenser explains in the dedication of this volume that the hymns to love and to beauty were written early in his career and their "heavenly" counterparts much later, in response to the dissatisfaction that one of the author's patrons expressed toward the earlier poems, although to a modern sensibility those are in no way offensive except perhaps in focusing upon the s...

Easter Mystery Of Jesus Christ; A Miscellany Of Readings, Poems, And Hymn Texts. The story of Jesus Christ is a treasure of Western civilization. Understanding that life and story is necessary for a proper understanding of that cultural history. It begins with readings from the biblical New Testament Gospels about the last hours of Jesus’ life, using The American Standard Version (1901), which is...

Invalid's Hymn Book by Harriet Kiernan. Featured on Best Church Hymns. This episode includes AI-generated content.

One Hundred and One Hymn Stories by Carl F. Price. Carl F. Price, a pioneering hymnologist, historian, and author, says, "Every real hymn has its story, if only we could discover it.." This book takes behind the scenes with glimpses of the hymn writers to give us those stories. The hymns range from those from familiar hymnologists such as Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts to earlier writings such as...

Hymns and Spiritual Songs by J. C. Ryle. In sending forth a new collection of Hymns, I feel it necessary to preface the work by a few words of explanation. The comfort of invalids and the edification of Christians in private have been the two principal objects I have had in view in preparing this collection. I hold strongly, that holy thoughts often abide for ever in men's memories under the form...

Public Domain Hymns 01. "Originally modeled on the Psalms and other poetic passages (commonly referred to as "canticles") in the Scriptures, Christian hymns are generally directed as praise and worship to the monotheistic God. Many refer to Jesus Christ either directly or indirectly. Since the earliest times, Christians have sung "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs", both in private devotions an...

Curiosities of the Hymnal by Carl F. Price. Carl F. Price, a pioneering hymnologist, historian, and author, says, "Every real hymn has its story, if only we could discover it." From stories behind the hymns, Price now takes us to examine many curious facts about the hymns, such as Charles Wesley's Brogue, Night Scenes in the Hymnal, Book Titles from Hymn Lines, and The Catechism of Hymnal Superlat...

Hymns of the Early Church by John Brownlie. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Favorite Hymns 01 by Various. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Hymns of the Christian Church by Charles William Eliot, Various. This episode includes AI-generated content.

"Audubon's Western Journal 1849-1850" captures the vivid experiences of John Woodhouse Audubon as he traverses the American West during a time of exploration and discovery. This journal provides an intimate glimpse into the natural beauty and wildlife of the era, showcasing Audubon's deep appreciation for nature and his dedication to documenting it. The themes of adventure, curiosity, and the purs...

"Traveller’s Narrative Written to Illustrate the Episode of the Báb-Abdu’l-Bahá ‘Abbás" offers a profound exploration of key events and figures within the Baha'i faith, specifically focusing on the significant episode involving the Báb and Abdu’l-Bahá. This narrative not only provides historical context but also invites listeners to reflect on themes of faith, sacrifice, and the quest for truth th...

"Cosmos: A Sketch of a Physical Description of The Universe" by Alexander von Humboldt invites listeners to explore the vastness and intricacies of the universe through a scientific lens. This groundbreaking work delves into the physical characteristics of our world, intertwining nature and science in a way that continues to inspire curiosity and wonder. Humboldt's meticulous observations and refl...

Short Nonfiction Collection, Vol. 092-Various is a compelling anthology that brings together a diverse array of essays and reflections on various topics. This collection offers listeners a chance to engage with thought-provoking ideas and insights that remain relevant in today's world. The themes explored within these short pieces invite contemplation and discussion, making them perfect for those...

Mary Wollstonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Men, in a Letter to Edmund Burke" is a powerful defense of individual rights and a critique of the prevailing political thought of her time. Through her eloquent and passionate arguments, Wollstonecraft challenges the status quo and advocates for the inherent dignity and worth of every person. This work remains relevant today as it addresses them...

"Castle Rackrent" by Maria Edgeworth is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of Irish society through the lens of a family estate, highlighting themes of class, inheritance, and the consequences of mismanagement. As the narrative unfolds, listeners are drawn into the lives of the Rackrent family, whose fortunes rise and fall in a way that reflects broader societal changes. Edgeworth's...

"Piano Tuning: A Simple and Accurate Method for Amateurs" by Jerry Cree Fischer offers an accessible guide for those looking to master the art of piano tuning. This audiobook breaks down the complexities of tuning into straightforward steps, making it an ideal resource for novices eager to enhance their musical skills. As music continues to play a vital role in our lives, the ability to maintain a...

"Sir Thomas More-Anthony Munday" delves into the life and legacy of Sir Thomas More, a pivotal figure in the Renaissance who championed principles of faith and morality. This work captures More's unwavering commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of adversity, highlighting themes of integrity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. The timeless nature of More's struggles against societal pressur...

"Exposition with Practical Observations upon the Book of Ruth" by Matthew Henry offers a profound exploration of the themes found in the biblical Book of Ruth. This work delves into the significance of loyalty, faith, and divine providence, providing practical insights that remain relevant to contemporary listeners. Henry's reflections illuminate the timeless nature of Ruth's story, showcasing how...

"Great Learning & The Doctrine of the Mean" presents foundational teachings from Confucius and his disciples, Zengzi and Zisi, focusing on the principles of personal development and moral integrity. These texts explore the importance of self-cultivation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the balance of emotions, emphasizing harmony in both personal and social spheres. Their insights into ethical behav...