Final answer:
The eighteenth century was a great age of hymnody due to the influence of English hymn writers, the Second Great Awakening, and the unique contribution of African American slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The eighteenth century was considered a great age of hymnody for several reasons. Firstly, the spread of Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian missionaries during this time brought English hymn writers like Issac Watts, whose hymns were widely adapted and sung. Additionally, the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement in the mid-nineteenth century, led to large gatherings at religious revivals where hymns played a prominent role in drawing crowds and creating an intense emotional experience. Lastly, African American slaves used hymns and psalms to learn literacy and created their own unique musical sound and culture that became influential for later genres like the blues.