Dictionary of Hymnology
Learn hymn terms, meters, forms, and the history behind Christian worship music — curated for hymn lovers, worship leaders, and students.
A debtor to mercy alone
Hymn
Augustus Montague Toplady's celebrated hymn on the assurance of faith, first published in the Gospel Magazine…
Ah, I shall soon be dying
History
Hymnological profile of John Ryland's late eighteenth-century hymn "Ah, I shall soon be dying," detailing its…
Ah, wretched souls who strive in vain
History
Hymnological entry for Anne Steele's eighteenth-century Lenten hymn "Ah, wretched souls who strive in vain," …
Ah, wretched, vile, ungrateful heart
History
Hymnological entry for Anne Steele's Lenten hymn "Ah, wretched, vile, ungrateful heart," detailing its public…
Alas! what hourly dangers rise
History
Anne Steele's 1760 hymn on Christian vigilance and prayer, detailing its biblical roots in Matthew 26 and its…
Almighty Author of my frame
Hymnology
History of Anne Steele's hymn of praise "Almighty Author of my frame."
Amplest grace with Thee I find
Hymnology
An entry on Augustus Montague Toplady's 1759 Christmas hymn.
And can my heart aspire so high
Hymnology
An entry on Anne Steele's hymn on filial submission based on Hebrews 12:7.
And is the gospel peace and love?
Hymnology
An entry on Anne Steele's hymn on the example of Christ.
Author of all in earth and sky
History
A Lenten hymn paraphrase of the Prayer of King Manasses by A. M. Toplady, first published in 1759.
Awake, awake the sacred song
History
A Christmas hymn on the Incarnate Saviour by Anne Steele, published in 1760.
Awake, my love, awake, my joy
History
A morning cento adapted from John Mason's 1683 Songs of Praise.
Awake, my soul, awake, my tongue
History
Anne Steele's 16-stanza paraphrase of Psalm 103, first published in 1760.
Awake, sweet gratitude, and sing
History
Augustus Toplady's 1771 hymn on Christ's heavenly intercession, popularized by Rippon's Selection.
Away, dark thoughts, awake, my joy
History
John Mason's 1683 nativity hymn from Songs of Praise.