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8 Comments

  1. G.R. Scott
    4 January 2011 @ 8:06 pm

    I like your new format though I strongly disagree with many of your theological views.

    However, it is simply incorrect to say that stanza 6 is “not used today” as it certainly does appear in my own denominational hymnal and I quickly found it in three other contemporary hymnals without looking very hard.

    You undermine your own efforts by making factual assertions that are based on your personal experience with hymns, which appears (having read you for several months) to be limited to your own tradition.

    • rcottrill
      4 January 2011 @ 10:39 pm

      Thanks for your input. And yes, I’m speaking from personal experience, and somewhat from my own tradition–though I do check others along the way. I’m mainly interested in the contents of general or non-denominational hymnals, though I have denominational ones too.

      Readers have to understand that a blog expresses a point of view. They can agree or disagree. But it would endlessly complicate every sentence of the blog to keep saying, “in my opinion…,” or “I think…,” or, “according to my research…”

      With respect to stanza CH-6 of “Lo! He Comes,” I just did a check of 14 hymnals and not one of them has it. Of course I didn’t check every one in the world–or nearly every one in my own collection. But that seems to be pretty representative.

      As to your disagreement with my theology, I can only tell you that I have studied the Scriptures in some depth for about 50 years, and taught them, both from the pulpit and in the college classroom for nearly that long. While I certainly do not claim to have the final answer on every detail, I think my hermeneutical methods are consistent, and my position is certainly shared by many whose scholarship I respect.

      Glad you like the new format. It’s something of an experiment. And thanks for sticking with me, even when we disagree. 🙂

  2. Moore to ponder
    8 January 2011 @ 12:30 am

    I found what you said about the Lord’s scars interesting:

    “that they would cause endless exultation”

    That makes sense to me. There is a song I really like. It is called “He Washed My Eyes With Tears”. The second verse is so moving!

    He washed my eyes with tears that I might see
    The glory of Himself revealed to me.
    I did not know that He had wounded hands.
    I saw the blood he spilt upon the sands.
    I saw the marks of shame and wept and cried
    He was my substitute; for me He died…

    It really is something how those types of references can touch a person’s heart.

    I am so glad that I came by and saw the new format. I am looking forward to returning and pondering your questions!

    • rcottrill
      8 January 2011 @ 7:59 am

      Thanks so much for your encouraging words. The new format is somewhat of an experiment. The articles dig deeper into the meaning of the hymns, rather than focusing on the story behind them. I wondered whether some readers would be interested–though I think they should be. If we are to “sing with understanding” as the Bible tells us to, we need to think about what our hymns are saying.

  3. Moore to ponder
    8 January 2011 @ 11:42 pm

    Oh I am definitely interested. There are so many topics in the hymns, regeneration, sanctification, the flesh versus the spirit.

    Take “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” for example:

    O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.
    Let Thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to Thee…

    What a humble confession to sing!

    Or how about “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing”

    There is a verse about “canceled” sin in it.

    I have been to your other site and read a lot of your theological thoughts and was thrilled to find such sound and helpful teaching!

    I am going to have to write an entry about you in my blog and see if I might be able to send some your way. In fact I think I already have a request for you. Do you think you could examine “A mighty Fortress Is Our God”? I would love that.

    • rcottrill
      9 January 2011 @ 9:14 am

      Thanks again for your encouragement. I have a list of about 750-800 hymns I want to deal with. As to A Mighty Fortress, it’s scheduled for discussion in September (Lord willing). (Come, Thou Fount is even further down–August of 2012.) But since it’s a “request,” I’ll see what I can do about moving the former hymn up a bit. 🙂

  4. frabb
    20 December 2011 @ 7:18 am

    I am introducing this hymn this evening at our carol service. I agree completely with your remarks. I cannot understand the comment from someone disagreeing with your theology. Your theology here is entirely biblical and traditional. May thanks.

    • rcottrill
      20 December 2011 @ 9:48 am

      Thanks for your encouraging note. As to someone disagreeing with my theology, they’re certainly free to do that. And now, with over 145,000 visitors from about 190 countries, and representing many different denominations and “isms,” it’s not surprising that some differ with me. I’m just trying to present the history of our traditional hymns and gospel songs, and comment on them from a biblical point of view. I’m confident that even when a reader disagrees on some point, there will be useful things in the blog. So far, so good! Thanks again for writing. Have a blessed Christmas.