In Defense of the Hymn

I responded to another blog post about hymns, and I thought I would post that thought here for y'all:

In Defense of the Hymn
(To the tune of "There is a Fountain")

There are songs so sweet and special
They outlast the new stuff by a hundred years,
And if you pay attention while you sing
You'll stain the page with tears.

You will stain the page with tears,
You'll stain the page with tears.
If you pay attention while you sing,
You will stain the page with tears.

They speak of Jesus and say His name.
There is no confusion there.
You know you sing of the Lord's dear love,
"Him" or "You" could not compare!
"Him" or "You" could not compare!
You'll know you sing of the Lord's dear love,
"Him" or "You" could not compare.

There is doctrine in those dear old songs
That makes some preachers scared.
There is the blood, the cross, and the Risen King
Real conviction's waiting there.

Real conviction's waiting there,
Real conviction's waiting there.
There's the blood, the cross, and the Risen King,
And conviction's waiting there.

For, you see, the hymn is not about
"What can Jesus do for me?"
Instead, these songs cry,
"Here am I. I'll Go! Dear Lord, send Me!"

"I'll go, dear Lord, send me!"
"I'll go, dear Lord, send me!"
Instead these songs cry,
"Here am I, I'll go, dear Lord send me."
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Hymnwriters had no secondary motive, however noble. They were not trying to feed families, get airplay, be famous, raise money, get a Dove, crossover into the mainstream, nothing. The hymn is pure, undiluted worship. I think it is a tragedy that we have substituted a fair amount of Christian bubblegum for some really valuable meat that takes a bit more effort to chew.
Look up the history of "It is Well With My Soul" and "He Keeps Me Singing". The stories of these priceless hymns will be a blessing to each of you.