This is a collection of 13 hymns, sung by Northern Irish Free Presbyterian choirs, to commemorate and reaffirm the truth of justification by faith alone. It has been part of the 500th year anniversary celebration of the start of the Protestant Reformation.
The singing is excellent. Listening to it has been a spiritually refreshing pleasure. The hymns and music are such as have equipped God’s people to worship and serve the Saviour since the Reformation. Solidly based on God’s Word and the ‘Solas’ of Scripture, they are Christ-exalting and God-honouring.
The track listing includes ‘A mighty fortress’, ‘All people that on earth do dwell’, ‘I once was a stranger’, ‘Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word’, ‘If God had not been on our side’, ‘I greet thee, who my sure Redeemer art’, ‘O wonderful, wonderful Word of the Lord’, ‘Grace! ’Tis a charming sound’, ‘Encamped along the hills of light’, ‘O Christ, in Thee my soul hath found’, ‘Glory be to God the Father’, ‘Now thank we all our God’ and ‘O, for a thousand tongues to sing’.
Liner notes give reasons for each hymn’s inclusion. Information is also given about the hymns’ authors and the tunes’ composers. Three hymns are Luther’s, one Kethe’s, another McCheyne’s, and one is thought to have been written by Calvin. Notes are also provided about the great truths that drove the mighty revival we know as the Reformation. Finally, the CD concludes with a hymn of thanks by Rinkart and one of worship by Wesley.
I gladly commend this compilation as one that will inform your mind and stir your soul with praise and thanksgiving. It is noteworthy that proceeds from sales of this CD have been used to further the spread of gospel truth during the anniversary period.
William Horsburgh
Pickering
