Sweden is a musical nation, and these hymns are extremely popular. So far as the author can find out, they are the only means by which ninety-nine Swedes out of every hundred have any knowledge whatever of the Christian doctrine, or in any way differ from their Heathen ancestors—the worshippers of Odin and the mythology of Asgard.
As a specimen of Wallin’s poetry, we will take his hymn on the Creation—a paraphrase of the 104th Psalm,—perhaps as fine a specimen of rhythmic illustration as any that exists. We give it from Howitt’s translation:—
“Sing, my soul,
The Eternal’s praise,—
Infinite!
Omnipotent!
God of all worlds!
In glorious light, all star-bestrewed,
Thou dost Thy majesty invest,—
The Heaven of heavens is Thine abode,