One of the earliest references to hymnody comes from the writings of Origen (c. 185-c.265). Origen was one of the Christian church’s early martyrs. He was persecuted by the Roman Empire and died as a result of torture. During his lifetime he was prolific writer. In one of his treatises called Against Celsus there is this reference to hymnody:
So we sing to God and all his only begotten as do the sun, the moon, the stars and the entire heavenly host. For all these form a sacred chorus and sing hymns to the God of all and his only begotten along with those among men who are just.
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