Episcopal collection contains only about four hundred pieces. Perhaps few pastors use more than that number, even when three times as many are afforded them. This book embraces, in round numbers, five hundred hymns and one hundred and fifty tunes. It would have been easy to enlarge or diminish the number of either hymns or tunes, or of both. The chief reason for fixing upon these numbers was the belief that thus the various requisites for congregational singing were most fully met. DIRECTIONS AND GENERAL REMARKS. It will be understood, then, that the Psalms or Hymns found on any page are intended to be sung to the tune at the head of that page; and it is recommended that the intention be carried out in every possible case. The Psalms and Hymns in the body of the book, and a portion of those in the Supplement, are taken from the Assembly's collection. That the book may be used in connection with that collection,—neither displacing it, nor putting those who may use it to any inconvenience,—the original numbers of the Psalms and Hymns have been preserved. Also, in every instance, omissions of stanzas have been expressly stated at the head of the hymn, as well as indicated in the numbering of the stanzas; so that if only the pastor and choir, in any case, should use the book, and that only at times, all difficulty will be obviated by announcing the Psalm or Hymn both as it stands in this book and in the original collection. Where the book is used exclusively, as in the lecture-room or family, the hymns in the Supplement may be found valuable. Tunes suitable to be sung to these have been indicated. In cases where a pastor may not wish to be confined to the selection of hymns here made, and where likewise it may not be convenient to furnish the lecture-room with the book, it is conceived that the book would still be of much service in promoting congregational singing, if only the choir were supplied with it, with directions that whenever a hymn contained in this selection was announced, the tune here designated to it should be sung. Most of the tunes in this book are standard and familiar. By a little care on the part of the pastor, the newer tunes may be so introduced as to be learned and become familiar, without serious embarrassment. An hour of the Sabbath, spent by families in singing together these hymns and tunes, would help prepare the children for taking part in the praises of the solemn assembly. Many thanks are due to the owners of copyright music who have here permitted its use. In conclusion, while dedicating this book to the service of the Great Head of the Church, the compiler has in special remembrance his own congregation, for whose sake particularly it has been prepared. BALTIMORE, May, 1859. N. C. BURT. Pastors Selection. -ADMAH. L. M. Abridged from Dr. L. MASON. 9 1. BLESS, O my soul, the living God; Call home thy tho'ts that rove a-broad; [Psalm 103, P. 1. | Sel. 2. (Stanzas 4-7 omitted.) BLESS my soul, the living God; Call home thy thoughts that rove Let all the powers within me join [abroad; In work and worship so divine. 2. Bless, O my soul, the God of grace; 3. 'Tis He, my soul, that sent his Son 8. Let the whole earth his power confess, [Hymn 340. (Stanza 4 omitted.) JOIN, all who love the Saviour's name, To sing his everlasting fame; 2. With him I daily love to walk; 3. Bless him, my soul, from day to day, 5. Praise him in cheerful, grateful songs; 1. BEASTALL. GREAT God, whose u-ni-ver-sal sway The known and unknown worlds obey, Now give the kingdom to thy Son, Ex-tend his pow'r, ex- alt his throne. Sel. 3. [Ps. 72, P. 1. | 3. Sustain when sinking in distress, (Stanza 1 in Music, 3 omitted.) 2. Thy sceptre well becomes his hands, All heaven submits to his commands; His justice shall avenge the poor, And pride and rage prevail no more. 4. As rain on meadows newly mown, 5. The heathen lands that lie beneath 6. The saints shall flourish in his days, - AMES. L. M. Dr. L. MASON. 9 1. COME, dearest Lord, who reign'st above, And draw me with the cords of love, (Stanza 1 in Music.) 2. Sweet are the tidings, free the grace, TMy God, and praise becomes thy house; It brings to our apostate race: 3. The gospel bids the sin-sick soul 4. It stems the tide of swelling grief, HEN Jesus dwelt in mortal clay, THE praise of Sion waits for thee, There shall thy saints thy glory see, And there perform their public vows. 2. O thou, whose mercy bends the skies, To save when humble sinners pray; All lands to thee shall lift their eyes, And every yielding heart obey. 3. Against my will my sins prevail, But grace shall purge away the stain; The blood of Christ will never fail To wash my garments white again. 4. Blest is the man whom thou shalt choose, And give him kind access to thee; W what were his works from day to Give him a place within thy house, 2. Teach us, O Lord, to keep in view Thy pattern, and thy steps pursue; Let alms bestow'd, let kindness done, Be witness'd by each rolling sun. 3. The man who marks, from day to day, To taste thy love divinely free. 5. With dreadful glory God fulfils What his afflicted saints request; And with almighty wrath reveals His love, to give his churches rest. 6. Then shall the flocking nations run To Sion's hill, and own their Lord; The rising and the setting sun Shall see the Saviour's name adored. 8 ALFRETON. L. M. BEASTALL. 9 1. GREAT God, whose u-ni-ver-sal sway The known and unknown worlds obey, Now give the kingdom to thy Son, Ex-tend his pow'r, ex- alt his throne. (Stanza 1 in Music, 3 omitted.) 2. Thy sceptre well becomes his hands, All heaven submits to his commands; His justice shall avenge the poor, And pride and rage prevail no more. 4. As rain on meadows newly mown, 5. The heathen lands that lie beneath 6. The saints shall flourish in his days, 2. Our guilty souls are drown'd in tears, 3. Our very frame is mix'd with sin; 4. Jesus beholds where Satan reigns, Binding his slaves in heavy chains: He sets the prisoners free, and breaks The iron bondage from our necks. 5. Poor helpless worms in thee possess |