Front matter
Reading edition
E-text prepared by Stephen Hutcheson
The Story of Our Hymns
by ERNEST EDWIN RYDEN PASTOR OF GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
Copyright 1930 by Augustana Book Concern
First Edition, December, 1930 Second Edition, April, 1931
AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
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To the Sweet Memory of Our Bonnie Boy Richard Edward Ryden Who at the Age of Ten Years Went Home to Sing with the Angels.
He is not dead: he only sleeps, Safe in the arms of Him who keeps His lambs secure from earth’s alarm, From grief and sin and foes that harm.
He is not dead: he is at rest, Content upon his Saviour’s breast; Dear little child, we loved you so, But Jesus loved you more, we know.
He is not dead: the Shepherd came To call His little lamb by name; The gentle Shepherd watch will keep, While His beloved child doth sleep.
He is not dead: by angel bands Now welcomed to the heavenly lands, With theirs a childish voice shall sing Hosannas to the children’s King.
He is not dead: though tears may flow, Faith whispers: “It is better so.” With joy we’ll meet on that fair shore, Where God’s own children weep no more.
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