Christian Hymns of the First Three Centuries

by Ruth Ellis Messenger

Glory be to the good

Who hath honoured and exalted

The first day of the week.^[65]

It is possible that the hymns of Ephraem were influenced by the Syriac Odes of Solomon, discovered in 1909, which were produced in the first century. Whether the Odes themselves are of Gnostic or Christian origin cannot be definitely asserted but the probability of the latter is strong. For a full discussion of this most interesting but highly controversial topic the work of special commentators must be consulted.^[66] The intrinsic interest of the collection demands more than a passing comment. Ode VI opens,

As the hand moves over the harp and the strings speak,

So speaks in my members the Spirit of the Lord, and I speak by His love.^[67]

Ode IX,

Open your ears

And I will speak to you,

Give me your souls,