cies of literature, will be found in a purer form in this volume than they are usually met with in other collections. Whenever a hymn by one of these, or any other author, seemed to require a great deal of alteration, it was not altered, but left; for it was my desire and intention that every hymn, as it appeared in this collection, should be really the production of the individual whose name is placed over it. I freely omitted such verses, however, as I did not approve, whenever it could be done without essential injury to the connexion. Those words and expressions which I consider as forming the peculiar and appropriate diction and imagery of sacred poetry, such as Zion, Israel, Canaan, Saints, &c., I have constantly retained. The adaptation of musical emphasis and expression to the words, I have left with intelligent and well instructed choirs. Although Fundertook this work, because I was not altogether satisfied with any collection which I had seen, yet I cannot hope to have succeeded to the entire satisfaction of others. I am conscious that I must, at least, have omitted some hymns which many persons have been accustomed to regard as indispensable, and introduced some which may be thought unworthy of the place which they occupy. It is to be presumed that there is a considerable number of them which will be admired by some, and disliked by othAmong five hundred and sixty hymns, there ers. will be found, it is probable, sufficient range for a variety of tastes. It is sincerely my prayer that this book, wherever it may be introduced, may be instrumental in heightening the interest of Christian worship, and serving the cause of religion and God ;-and as sincerely is it my wish that wherever and whenever it may be found inadequate to these great purposes, it may be superseded by one which will answer them better. F. W. P. G. Oct 1, 1830. NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION. In this stereotyped edition, the number and order of hymns remain precisely as before. "The only alterations which have been made; besides, the correction of a few typographical errors, are the two following:Instead of the hymn which stood as the 289th in the first edition, and which, through some oversight, was a repetition of the 187th, have been inserted four of those well known verses by Sir Henry Wotton, beginning, 'How happy is he born or taught.' And in the place of the hymn which was numbered 539 in the first edition, has been introduced one on a similar subject, beginning, 'God of the changing year, whose arm of power.' at For the sake of uniformity of editions, these are the only changes which I have permitted myself to make in the body of the work. In the few pages, however, which succeed the Doxologies, I felt more liberty, and have indulged in more considerable variations, as will be perceived by those who may be acquainted with the first edition, or will take the pains of comparing the two editions together. The whole collection now stands as it probably will remain so long as it shall continue to be in use. INDEX OF FIRST LINES. ACCORDING to thy gracious word Again our ears have heard the voice Again the Lord of life and light ... .... Ah wretched souls who strive in vain And art thou with us gracious Lord A soldier's course from battles won. As the chased hart midst sultry beams ... 517 282 29 232 300 287 100 311 64 405 137 30 409 308 As the sun's enlivening eye 513 As the sweet flower that scents the morn 515 As when the weary traveller gains.. 468 .... |