INTRODUCTION .*

PECULIARITIES OF THIS WORK.

THE "BAPTIST PRAISE BOOK" differs from similar publications in most of the following particulars:

I. As its name intimates, it is peculiarly a praise book; hymns of praise to the adorable Deity, especially as the glorious Redeemer, being abundant.

2. A primary object in the publication has been to extend and improve Congregational Singing. Hence TUNES, as well as hymns, are given; it being now an accepted conclusion that music must accompany the words in order to secure the best results in the service of song. At the same time, an edition with hymns only (with uniform numbers) has been prepared.

3. It is a BAPTIST publication. When its preparation was commenced, no hymn and tune book for sanctuary use was available, or in prospect, except issued by some other branch of the Christian family and sought to be adapted to Baptist Churches; a circumstance for the existence of which at least no good reason could be assigned.

4. This work is the offspring of love. It was voluntarily undertaken with the sole purpose of furnishing the best possible hymn and tune book for the use of the Baptist churches; and with some of the editors it is the product of a life's enthusiasm and painstaking in this special direction.

5. The "Baptist Praise Book" is believed to be richer in the precious gems of hymnology than any other volume extant. Many of the old favorites, and of the most exquisite modern hymns, can be found in no collection except this. As is fitting, the hymns are set in a clear, bold type.

6. The tunes are very largely those which have been tested by use, and pronounced of current value by the universal award of Christian hearts. In some instances these are inserted more than once. The best of new tunes will also here be found.

Taken from HYMN AND Tune EdiTION.

7. The attempt has here been made, so far as singing goes, to give to the Sabbath service somewhat of the freedom and unction of the social or vestry meetings. It is believed that the soul of the denomination is yearning for more warmth and spirituality in the songs of Zion. Hence revival and other melodies, if they but palpitate with real spiritual utterance, are introduced; even in some instances where perhaps a cold criticism might have passed the edict of exclusion. Vitality has everywhere been preferred to stiff precision.

8. CHILDREN'S hymns are interspersed, especially adapting the book to Sunday School anniversaries, sermons to the young, and like occasions. These are of rare value. Some are entirely new.

9. The subjects and range of the hymns are broad and comprehensive, making the collection unusually full. They are thoroughly classified, and each verse is indexed.

10. Especial care has been given to the adaptation of hymns and tunes. In this particular no musical author excels Mr. J. P. Holbrook, whose fine taste and varied acquisitions have been admirably displayed in the pages of this book.

II. For such as may desire their use, a collection of Chants and Anthems, with select Scripture Sentences, a very brief Confession of Faith and Church Covenant, the Lord's Prayer and the Commandments are given. The Chants and Anthems are among the grandest that have been composed.

12. Finally; no pains have been spared, either in the carefulness and research of its editors, the expensiveness of copyright tunes, or the skill of mechanical execution, to make the "BAPTIST PRAISE BOOK" an inspiration and a joy with the great brotherhood of the Churches. And may He whose face shines on its every page, accept this labor of love, and cause it to animate the joys of His children until they unite in the chorus of praise with the redeemed in glory.

A CONFESSION OF FAITH.

WE BELIEVE

In one God, Maker and Ruler of heaven and earth, revealed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection ;*

In the Holy Scriptures as his inspired Word, and the only rule of faith and practice : ↳ In the fall of man and his condemnation as a sinner, and God's sovereign grace and love in redemption and the choice of his people:

In the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, the Son of God incarnate, who obeyed the law, suffered and died for the sins of men, and is risen and exalted a Priest and King:a

In the free offer of eternal life to all in the Gospel, and the aggravated guilt of those who reject it :*

In the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and of repentance toward God and faith in Christ: f

In the justification and adoption of the believer, through the blood and righteousness of Jesus: 5

In the Divine institution of the Christian ministry, and the visible church of professed believers with its initiatory and memorial rites, Baptism* and the Lord's Supper: h

In the sacred observance of the Lord's Day, for rest, worship, and religious instruction :i

In the final perseverance of all saints, through sanctification of the Spirit and obedience to the truth :j

In the present life as man's only day of grace, and the soul's entrance at death into conscious blessedness or woe: k

In the resurrection of all the dead at the glorious coming of the Son of Man, and his just adjudgment of the wicked to everlasting punishment and the righteous to life eternal.' 3:16, 30:5,6,

a Eph. 4 : 6, Is. 37: 16, Matt. 28: 19, John 10:30, Acts 5: 34. b 2 Tim. 3: 16, Prov. 30: 5, 6, Phil. 3: 16, 1 Pet. 4 II, Is. 8: 20. © Rom. 5: 12, 18, Gal. 3 : 10; 4: 4, 5, Eph. 1 : 4, 1 Thess. 1 : 4- d Acts 4: 12, Phil. 2: 8, 9, 1 Pet. 3: 18, Heb. 4:14; I: 8, Ps. 2: 6. e John 3:16; 10: 10, Rev. 22: 17, Matt. 11 : 24, Heb. 10:29. f John 3:3— 8, 16, Mark 16: 16, Luke 13 : 3; 18: 13, Acts 20: 21. g Rom. 5: 1, 9, Acts 13: 38, 39, Gal. 4 : 4—7, 1 Cor. 1:30, 1 Thess. 4: 3, 1 Thess. 5 : 23, 2 Cor. 7 : 1. h Mark 3: 14, Eph. 4: 11, 1 Tim. 4: 14, Matt. 28: 19, 20. 1 Cor. 1: 2, Phil. 1: 1, Acts 2: 41, 42, Rom. 6 : 4, Luke 22: 19, 20, 1 Cor. 11: 26. i Acts 20: 7, Rev. 1: 10, Ex. 20: 8, Heb. 10:25, Acts 11:26. j John 10: 27, 28, 1 John 2: 19, Phil. 1:6, 1 Pet. 1: 2-5, Rom. 8. k Luke 16 : 22—26 ; 23: 43, Rev. 22: 11, Mark 12: 26, 27. 1 John 5: 28, 29, Acts 24: 15, Matt. 25: 31—46, 2 Cor. 5: 10.

I

* Immersion only to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, and our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. NOTE. By "the visible church" is meant a local congregation, in distinction from the whole body of believers or kingdom of Christ, and from a territorial, national, or hierarchical church. The New Testament churches were evidently organizations of baptized believers, local, and independent, under Christ; their officers being pastors and deacons, bishop and elder being the same as pastor.