Hymns of the Early Church: being translations from the poetry of the Latin church, arranged in the order of the Christian year

"Hymns of the Early Church" by John Brownlie is a collection of translations from the sacred poetry of the Latin Church, arranged according to the Christian liturgical calendar, and seems to have been written in the late 19th century. This volume aims to bring to light the vast body of Latin hymnody that has been largely overlooked in Scotland, providing a selection of hymns that resonate in terms of spiritual depth and doctrinal integrity. The book is likely to interest readers who appreciate religious poetry and are looking for materials that can enhance their devotional practice. The opening of this work presents a preface outlining the purpose and background of the collection. The translator expresses a sense of responsibility in making the rich heritage of Latin hymns accessible to the Scottish audience, acknowledging a lack of such resources in the region. Brownlie emphasizes his intention to capture the essence of the original Latin works, conveying both their ideas and spirit while retaining the original poetic measures where possible. The introduction hints at the historical significance of the hymns, setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of early Christian liturgy through poetry.