THE translations in the following pages are all new, unless when the contrary is stated; because, the object of the translator being rather historical than literary, it was more essential than in ordinary cases that the colouring of the present should not be thrown over the faith of the past. The first aim, therefore, has been to represent faithfully the creed of the hymn-writers—the next, to reproduce their thoughts and images. Wherever this has been found practicable, the original metres have been imitated. It is hoped that this volume will explain its own purpose; and it therefore only remains to state the authorities on which the hymns and biographies are given. The historical facts are drawn from the ordinary |