THE contents of the following pages first appeared in a weekly paper, and with the generous and courteous permission of the Editor, this volume is now issued. Published in this more permanent form, I venture to hope that these Hymn Stories may be of lasting interest to a wide circle of readers. There are numerous volumes of Hymn Sermons already published, but the accounts of the way in which the hymns came into being are few and far between, so that these pages may supply a real need. The use of the word "great" in the title is not meant to imply literary greatness, but rather the influence of the hymn on audiences and individuals. The instances given of spiritual blessing resulting from hymns are merely a few examples; they could have been multiplied almost indefinitely had space permitted.
The main source of information in writing these stories has been, of course, Dr. Julian's monumental work, The Dictionary of Hymnology. Mr. Ira D. Sankey's volume, My Life and Sacred Songs, the Rev. G. R. Balleine's splendid Lessons from the Hymn Book, and Mr. G. J. Stevenson's The Methodist Hymn Book have furnished much interesting material.
I am thankful to know that, in their previous publication, these Hymn Stories have proved to be a spiritual help, and I trust that in this new form they will bring still further blessing to their readers, and greater glory to the Master.
W. J. LIMMER SHEPPARD.
HOLY TRINITY VICARAGE, RIPON, 1923.