"Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan Book Review

The long-awaited third installment 
In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled "Then Sings My Soul. "This collection of the world's greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.

Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you've never heard, with lead-sheets included.

All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.

Morgan's conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God's music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.


Then Sings My Soul, Book 3: The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith by Robert J. Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I grew up in the church, and hymns were something I always loved.  In fact, hymns are something that are somewhat "out of style" in most churches today, and I miss them a lot.  This was like visiting a friend I hadn't seen in a while.  I loved the history in the book, and I also loved the fact that each hymn was printed in the book with the music.  I love reading the stories behind all these hymns.  Some of them are well-known to me, and some are not.  But all of the hymns were written to worship God within the church and even in one's personal devotional life.

The book was very well-organized so that you can easily find the hymns you know and love.  This book is set up very well for daily devotions.  In fact, I do not recommend that you sit down to read this cover to cover.  I tried to do that, and I felt overwhelmed.  Read this story by story, and I believe that you will truly be encouraged in your Christian walk.  I was most intrigued by the real story of "It Is Well With My Soul."  I had never heard the entire story behind my favorite hymn, and now I know it.  It makes the song even more meaningful to me.  I highly recommend this song to anyone who loves the hymns or wishes to discover them.  There is certain to be something that will resonate with you.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Buy the book here.

This Day in History September 10, 1819

http://www.flickr.com/photos/biblevector/5264272708/

I am so glad to share today's feature with you.  On this date in 1819, Joseph Scriven was born.  Now who is he?  He is most well-known as the author of What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  He may have been born in 1820, but regardless, he was born in Ireland.  He moved to Canada when he was about 25.    He had great tragedy in his life.  He lost his fiance in a drowning accident the day before their wedding, and he lost another love later on to pneumonia.  It is said that when he was asked about his poem, he said that he and the Lord did it together. He died at the age of 66 in 1866 in Ontario, Canada.  I didn't tell you the whole story, so if you are interested, please check out these sites:

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/joseph-scriven.html

http://www.josephscriven.org/Home/Home.html

http://www.stempublishing.com/hymns/biographies/scriven.html

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3772784/bio

Don't know the song?

This Day in History October 26, 1751

Today we celebrate the Puritan hymnwriter of Grace Tis a Charming Sound and O Happy Day--Philip Doddridge.  He was born in London, England June 26, 1702--the youngest of 20 children!  Yikes!  He was not expected to live when he was born, and he struggled with health issues all of his life.  Amazingly, only he and his sister survived infancy. And he was orphaned at the age of 13 when his parents both died in the same year.

To make a long story short, he chose to be a noncomformist minister instead of staying with the Church of England. He was good friends with Isaac Watts and George Whitfield.  He received a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Univeristy of Aberdeen in 1736.   He died of tuberculosis on this date in 1751.

For more information, check out these sites:
http://www.christianity.com/ChurchHistory/11630258/
http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Biographies/philip_doddridge.htm

His best-known hymn: