The Lord through the Psalmist exhorts those who would worship him, to "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts. with praise." One of the means for carrying out this exhortation is by the use of hymns designed to implant gratitude and spiritual devotion in the minds and hearts of the people.

In the preparation of the Advent Christian Hymnal the Committee have had the above purpose in view. Nearly all the hymn books of the various denominations have been placed under contribution, and a careful selection made therefrom. We would here gratefully acknowledge the kindness of the publishers and authors, who have so generally granted us permission to use their copyright hymns and tunes.

Among other especially noteworthy features in this Hymnal, we call particular attention to the following:

The very clear and legible size of the type in both the words and music.

The general freedom of the pages from being overcrowded. The classification of hymns to cover a vast variety of subjects, some of them not being found in any other hymn book.

The metrical arrangement of the tunes.

The selection of a large number of old standard hymns.

As a Committee we have endeavored conscientiously to carry out the instructions of the Advent Christian Publication Society in preparing a book containing hymns in harmony with our faith as a denomination, and suitable for both public worship and social services.

For lack of space allowed, we were compelled to leave out some hymns which we would otherwise have gladly inserted; but we trust that the many very choice new ones will more than compensate their loss.

Praying for the blessing of the Great Head of the church to rest upon our humble effort, and committing the Hymnal to the charitable judgment of all, especially of those who are "Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ," we respectfully subscribe ourselves.