TREES ALONG THE RIVER
117 new hymn and song texts 2008–2018
with other verses
By Christopher M. Idle
Lost Coin books. 184 pages.
ISBN 978 1 784 984 250
Christopher Idle is a prolific writer of hymn texts. This is his third collection, after Light upon the River and Walking by the River.
The texts are based on passages from Scripture, each with a theme, and arranged in biblical order with suggestions for tunes. Some of the texts are written to well-known tunes, some have tunes commissioned for them and others are set to specific metres, waiting for a tune. Other Scripture references and background notes are provided for each text.
The book opens with a short biography, followed by ‘On Rivers, Trees and Writing’, a selection of biblical texts and quotes from other writers, ranging from A.A. Milne to Augustine of Hippo. A memoir entitled ‘Why Do People Write Hymns?’ gives an insight into the author’s reasoning as he writes.
Wide range of subjects
The texts are traditional in style, usually written to be sung to regular metres, but relevant to modern-day living. They can be learned quickly to be sung in churches where congregational participation is valued. The texts are free from jargon and can be trusted to reflect biblical truth.
The hymns cover a wide range of subjects, from a text based on Ruth’s promise to her mother-in-law and sung to ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’, to texts based on Revelation 22, ‘The Alpha and Omega’. Each hymn has a subtitle suggesting possible usage. Some texts are written for specific occasions.
There are several indexes at the end of the book for the main Scripture references, selected themes, tunes, contemporary composers and a combined index of hymn texts.
This book will be very helpful to people who are looking for modern hymns written in a traditional style with a strong biblical basis. I would recommend it to pastors and leaders of services who would like to broaden the range of hymns they use, particularly if they are looking for texts that will complement the scriptural basis of a message.
