When my father was still alive, he collected small antique books, most usually of a religious origin. This small Union Hymns manual was distributed by the American Sunday School Union in Philadelphia, 1873.
He told me that such small books were also normally carried by soldiers during the civil war. My father taught as a history professor in religious collages for over twenty years after retiring from ministry, so I suspect that his information is accurate. Although his doctorate was in Greek and Roman history, he frequently taught American Civil War history too.
I am very thankful for all he taught me about Jesus and this little post is dedicated to him.
Excerpt from the Thanksgiving category of the antique volume:
Thanksgiving.
For the blessings of the gospel. C.M.
Let every mortal ear attend,
And every heart rejoice!
The trumpet of the gospel sounds,
With an inviting voice:-
Ho! all ye hungry, starving souls,
That feed upon the wind,
And vainly strive, with earthly toys,
To fill an empty mind:
Eternal wisdom has prepared
A soul-reviving feast;
And bids your longing appetites
The rich provision taste.
Ho! ye who pant for living streams,
And pine away and die;
Here you may quench your raging thirst,
With springs that never dry.
Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
Salvation in abundance flows,
Like floods of milk and wine.
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| The front cover of the New Union Hymns: American Sunday School Union. |
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| The backside of the New Union Hymns: American Sunday School Union. |
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| The inside inscription of the New Union Hymns: American Sunday School Union. |
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| The two illustrations of the New Union Hymns: American Sunday School Union. |
