The old hymnal

The note attached to the fragile hymnal of the father of my grandmother's cousin in 19th century script said it was the first Brethren hymnbook. That wasn't quite the story, but it may have been one of the first in English. It was published by Henry Kurtz in 1856 in Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, A choice selection of hymns, from various authors recommended for the worship of God.These hymns probably weren't familiar to many of the Brethren unless they'd been to services or revivals of other groups.

Alas, and did my Saviour bleed
And did my Sov'reign die
Would he devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

That wouldn't go over these days--calling yourself a "worm," even if you thought it, even if you knew you were a sinner. I found another one where the author refers to himself as a "clod." No, that probably wouldn't fly today. Today, the message must be positive--just look how far the church has come by being upbeat. How much better off society is. Yes, look.