Hymns and Spiritual Songs
for the Little Flock
– Part 4: Words and Tunes

WORDS:  INTRODUCTION

The words of the hymns are from two sources:

1. 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Little Flock – Re-Selected 1973' – the most recent edition. Preface.
   • Thanks to my friend Seng Kee Ng who originally input the text for use in his 'Hymn Concordance' – which now also includes the 1993 Supplement.

2. The privately compiled 1993 Supplement. Preface.
   • Click 'Back' to return from links on this page.

For information on the Authors see Part 3.

G.A.R.

TUNES:  INTRODUCTION Suggested tunes for the 1973/1993 Hymn Books
Most tunes have been converted to MIDI from AdLib ROL files originally prepared for personal use with the Hymn Book. Tunes marked * are used by permission of The Cyber Hymnal. Note: The music is computer generated and so does not equal professional quality music, and may offend the ears of some. Tune numbers are shown for those who play the piano/organ.

Tunes were first allocated in the 1932 Tune Book compiled by Mr. C. T. Lambert – but the practice was short-lived.

• It was discontinued in the succeeding 1954 Tune Book – issued for use with the 1951 Hymn Book – as being in conflict with "dependence upon the Holy Spirit".

The sorrowful events of 1970 and later, and reduction in numbers, have resulted in a severely reduced and extremely limited knowledge of suitable tunes by some brethren.

• Therefore these suggestions are made for brethren with whom I am privileged to have fellowship in the Lord's supper and the service – i.e. worship – of God,
  • and for others in reduced circumstances, and for any whom the Lord may raise up to carry on the service of God.

May this list stimulate an active and growing interest in the many excellent tunes available,

• and thus promote an increased variety of use in the service of God and meetings generally.

With a few exceptions, the tunes allocated here are in one or more of the 'Little Flock' tune books – 1932, 1954, 1965, 1979 – published by the Stow Hill Depot or Kingston Bible Trust. No prefix = Green Cover, 1979 - all the earlier editions below are out of print R = Red Cover, 1965 Supplement B = Blue Cover, 1954 D = Dark Blue Cover, 1932 A = Appendix, Dark Blue Cover, 1932 C = Choice Hymns ? = Source private or unknown.

The tune suggestions here have been carefully considered,

• but should only be used as a help,

• not regarded as absolute, and

• never substituted for being under the headship of Christ and the direction of the Spirit.
• Many tunes can serve usefully with several hymns – other than as listed – but a tune should never be used merely because it is the correct metre.
  • The tune should complement the hymn's theme.

Many of the 1932 allocations – which have been thoroughly reviewed – usually associated with particular hymns, have been adopted.

• Later – and other – tunes have been assigned based on
  • experience of pre-1970 usage, or

  • suitability to the subject of the hymn.

• Almost from the introduction of 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Little Flock' in 1856, brothers and sisters, walking in separation according to 2 Timothy 2, composed many tunes.
  • Most of those tunes are of excellent quality and, in many instances, have been given priority over older traditional tunes.

G A.R.

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COPYRIGHT  INFORMATION

Personal: Copyright Information sets out the principles and practices applicable to the hymns on this page as well as the midi tune files assigned to hymns,

• except for midi files marked * which are used here by permission of 'The Cyber Hymnal'.

• If you use a tune marked * on a web site, a credit with a link to The Cyber Hymnal should be shown.

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1973 RE-SELECTION
Links to midi tune files in hymn headings require a compatible sound card and computer speakers to play. After starting a tune, minimize the Windows Media Player to view words unobstructed. Hymns can still be scrolled. An unlinked tune = awaiting conversion to midi format. 'Tune to come' = a suitable tune awaiting identification.

Page Top   1973 Re-Selection Top

1993 SUPPLEMENT
Links to midi tune files in hymn headings require a compatible sound card and computer speakers to play. After starting a tune, minimize the Windows Media Player to view words unobstructed. Hymns can still be scrolled. An unlinked tune = awaiting conversion to midi format. 'Tune to come' = a suitable tune awaiting identification.

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