To those friends, who have kindly afforded us their aid in making this compilation, we would here express our thankful acknowledgments.

In the title of the book, we embody our leading idea and purpose in this enterprise, which have been to provide a collection, not of Jewish psalms or elegant songs, but essentially Christian hymns, pitched, so to say, after the grand master-tone of our faith, whatever intermingling subordinate notes they might have of joy or sorrow, encouragement or warning, praise or confession. We have striven that the high doctrines, duties, and promises of our holy religion might shine forth from these pages in their noon-day distinctness, and arrayed in all the charms of taste and melody, that the great Master might be honored with the love of his disciples, and the greater Father worshipped with the fervent adoration, praise, and thanksgiving of his children.

January 29, 1845.

L. W. L. W. A. W.

C. C.

A. A. L.

Eternal Source of every joy

Eternal Source of life and light
Eternal Source of joys divine
Eternal Spirit, God of truth
Eternal Wisdom, thee we praise
Ever sounds with holy hymns
Exert thy power, thy rights maintain

Faith adds new charms to earthly bliss
Faith, hope, and charity, these three
Faith, hope, and love now dwell
Faith is the brightest evidence
Faith is the Christian's prop
Far as thy name is known

Farewell, dear friend! a long farewell
Far from mortal cares retreating
Far from these narrow scenes of night
Far from thy servants, God of grace
Father and Friend, thy light, thy love
Father! and is thy table spread
Father, bless thy word to all
Father, breathe an evening blessing

Father divine, the Saviour cried