Preface
These Songs of Grace were written to assist my own congregation in the worship of the one God of heaven and earth in the trinity of his sacred Persons: the glorious Father, our covenant God; the gracious Son, our merciful Redeemer; the Holy Spirit, our blessed Comforter. Each of these hymns appeared in our weekly bulletin during the past three years. The were not originally intended for any other use. But, because a number of interested friends across the country have requested that I do so, I have compiled them in their present book form. I trust that the Lord will be pleased to use these simple hymns of praise to inspire the hearts of his own elect to worship, honor, and adore him for his infinite, free, saving grace in Christ.Each hymn has been written to a familiar tune, as indicated. These tunes can be found in most commonly used hymnals. But, just in case the tune suggested is not familiar, other adaptable tunes are listed in the metrical index at the back of this volume.
Don Fortner, Pastor
Grace Baptist Church
Danville, Kentucky
Congregational Singing — Colossians 3:16One of the most important aspects of public worship is the singing of hymns to the praise of our great God. Both congregational hymns and special music, provided by those who are gifted of the Lord with musical talents, inspire our hearts to worship, instruct and comfort us, and prepare the way for the preaching of the gospel. The selection of our hymns mus never be taken lightly. The singing itself must never be performed mechanically. And those who are called upon to lead the congregation in worship by special music must never do so without prayerful, thoughtful preparation. Every song is to be sung unto the Lord! And every song is to be an instrument of edification, instruction, and admonition to one another! It is therefore imperative that our songs be both doctrinally accurate and devotional. There is no place for sentimentality, emotionalism or show in the worship of God. Our songs must not be songs of flattery to the flesh, but songs of praise to the triune God. The Scriptures plainly tell us what the proper subjects of our songs are.
1. The Name of the Lord (Psa. 7:17).
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The list could be greatly lengthened; but you get the idea. Our songs should always be filled with the glorious attributes of our God and the wondrous works of his free grace in Christ. No song should ever be sung that is not a song of heartfelt prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to the Lord our God, for the glory of his great name. The standard for our music is the Word of God, the theme is the work of God, and the object is the glory of God.
NOTE: This review, though unsolicited is much appreciated. It appeared in the winter 1989 edition of Empire State Baptist Seminary News Update. Mr. Thomas is Dean and Acting President of the Seminary. Songs of Grace may be purchased from our book room for $2.25 per volume, plus $1.00 postage and handling.
One of the most important aspects of public worship is the singing of hymns to the praise and glory of our God. As the apostle puts it, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). However, unfortunately many of the hymns in most hymnbooks fall far short of that goal. They are much too often man centered and experience centered rather than God centered. Sometimes the lyrics are shallow and superficial. Often the theology is very Arminian and unbiblical.
I would like to direct your attention to a book which I believe will be of tremendous help in the devotional life of every Christian. It is the hymnbook entitled, "Songs Of Grace", which is different, and with which I am very impressed. Pastor Donald S. Fortner of Grace Baptist Church, Danville, Ky. has written 135 new hymns to familiar tunes which almost every Christian knows. Here are God honoring, God glorifying hymns stressing the great doctrines of our Lord's sovereign saving grace toward sinners. I've been thrilled as I've read them. This is just what our people need. These hymns will teach them such great Biblical truths as the total depravity of man, God's unconditional election of certain sinners to be objects of His sovereign saving grace, Christ's particular and accomplished redemption of His elect, the irresistible grace of God in drawing His elect to Himself, and the eternal perseverance of the saints. In addition, there are hymns of worship and praise to our God, and exhortation to His people to live for Him.
The music is not in this hymnbook. That would be a help if it were. But at the bottom of each page the name of the familiar hymn is listed according to the tune to which this hymn can be sung. There is also a metrical index showing other adaptable tunes to which each hymn can be sung.
I believe every church could profit immensely spiritually by singing these great hymns by Pastor Don Fortner, hymns that glorify our God and are true to His Word. And that should be central in all our musical worship. I have been blessed in reading them. God's people will be blessed in singing them. Why not order a copy and see for yourself? This wonderful little hymnbook, "Songs Of Grace," is published by Backus Book Publishers of Rochester, New York. I would recommend it highly.
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Stand Up and Bless the Lord
Crown Him with many Crowns
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
Amazing Grace
The Son of God Goes Forth to War
There is a Green Hill far Away
Doxology
And Can it be that I Should Gain?
And Can it be that I Should Gain?
All Creatures of our God and King
More Secure is No One Ever
Fairest Lord Jesus
Break Thou the Bread of Life
No Not Despairingly
More Love to Thee
Nearer, My God, to Thee
Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
More Holiness Give me
In the Hour of Trial
Who is on the Lord's Side?
My Country, 'Tis of Thee
May Jesus Christ Be Praised
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
I gave my Life for Thee
Rejoice-die Lord is King
The God of Abraham Praise
Now Thank we all our God
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
0 Grant thy Touch
The Sands of Time are Sinking
0 Jesus, I have Promised
Stand up for Jesus
Our Thanks, 0 God, for Fathers
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
My Heart's Prayer
Holy Bible, Book Divine
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Angels We have Heard on High
I am His and He is Mine
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Day is Dying in the West
Take my Life and Let it be
For the Beauty of the Earth
Man of Sorrows
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Art Thou Weary? I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus
God of Everlasting Glory
Jesus, I Am Resting
There is a Fountain
0 Little Town of Bethlehem
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
May the Mind of Christ, my Savior
Near to Thy Heart
The King of Love my Shepherd Is
"Are Ye Able," Said the Master
The Great Creator
What Child is This?
Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious
A Mighty Fortress is our God
Gracious Saviour, who Didst Honor
Hark! Ten Thousand Harps and Voices
Praise our God!
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
All Creatures of our God and King
His Matchless Worth
The Strife is O'er
My Savior
0 Love that Will not Let me go
Faith of Our Fathers
0 Breath of Life
Nearer, Still Nearer
The Lord is King!
Peace, Perfect Peace
For All the Saints
Teach me to Trust
Praise Ye the Triune God!
A Student's Prayer
Abide with Me
Be Still, my Soul
0 Worship the King
All Glory to Jesus
0 Thou, in Whose Presence
Ancient of Days
How Great Thou Art!
Be Still, my Soul
Praise Ye the Triune God
Immortal, Invisible
Holy, Holy, Holy
We Praise Thee, 0 God our Redeemer
Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
Silent Night!
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