BV

445

C3

PREFACE.

THE foregoing Title indicates the purposes for which this Collection has been formed. It is especially designed for the use of those who, while they cherish reverential faith and grateful love towards the Lord Jesus Christ, deem themselves imperatively obliged to confine their religious worship, and the supreme homage of their affections, to Jehovah, his God and Father, who sent him to be the Saviour of the world. No serious candid persons, however, who make the teachings of Christ and his Apostles their guide in duty, faith, and worship, can find in it much, if any thing, to offend them. A very large proportion of the hymns are such as must approve themselves to the heart, and the judgment, of every one who understands and partakes the spirit of the Gospel.

This Hymn Book corresponds, in several respects, with that known by the appellation of the Exeter Collection; but it is considerably more copious, as the latter contains only three hundred and thirteen hymns. It was a leading object in the compilation of the Exeter Collection, to increase the number of hymns peculiarly Christian-relating to the blessings of the Gospel, the character and offices of Christ, and the affections due to him. The course adopted in it has

a

met with extensive accordance. The Collection itself been adopted by many Unitarian Congregatio and its system has, in this respect, been followed most of those Collections which have been formed, for use of others, since the first publication of it in 181

The class of hymns above specified, will be fo considerably augmented in the present Collection : the chief additions have been made in the Fourth B which respects the experience of the Christian life, trials, and its duties.

The influence of devotional poetry, and perł especially of hymns, (from their general brevity, u of thought, and musical rhythm,) is very great in hours of despondency, of contrition, of solicitude, of affliction, as well as in guiding the soul in its per of thankfulness and confiding hope, and in strengthen its purposes of faithful duty. The hymn book c supplies valuable aid to devotion, support to fortit balm to the wounded spirit, and elevation and anima to all the pious affections. Consisting of the positions of various individuals, with great diversit views and feelings, it may reasonably be expecte present something to touch the corresponding chord the heart of every one who employs it for the purp for which it is designed: and-just like express from the Scriptures-hymns which, in some stat the affections, or in some of the ordinary circumsta of life, may present nothing to interest, will, in ot appear to have a force, and an adaptation to spir wants, which the inexperienced cannot understand.

While, therefore, no composition has been adm into the Unitarian Christian's Hymn Book, whic exclusively adapted to the case of a solitary indivi it is hoped that there are no circumstances in

Christian life, for which there will not be found something peculiarly suitable; and when an adequate acquaintance is gained with the contents of the Collection, the appropriate hymns will often suggest themselves in the time of need, to aid in yielding peace, and strength, and comfort.

From the system which has been followed in this compilation, it is obvious that many of the hymns must be unsuitable for the ordinary purposes of public worship; and that some must be exclusively adapted to individual use. It has, however, been deemed unnecessary to specify these; and, indeed, it would not be easy to draw any well-defined line of distinction. The separation of such hymns from those for more general use, has been attended with inconvenience in the private employment of hymn books.

Should it appear to candid judges that, in some cases, the verbal expression will not bear a strict critical examination, it may nevertheless be found that the sentiment is conveyed so clearly and forcibly, that it was not worth while to alter the words, at the risk of lessening the strength and perspicuity of the passage. In some instances, defective rhymes have been left, rather than do injury to the sense; and in others, hymns of little poetical merit have been admitted, for the sake of the sentiment. It has, however, been the constant aim, to satisfy the understanding, the correct taste, and the regulated imagination, as well as to animate and elevate the affections.

The compilation of this Hymn Book was commenced in 1824, in consequence of the liberal offer of one hundred pounds, made anonymously to the Lewin's Mead Congregation in this city, when the Collection

in use among them had become out of prin to defray the expense of printing a new on dividual proposing that a copy of it should b each copy of the former possessed by a Men Congregation. Various circumstances have to delay the execution of the object; but it been out of sight. The arrangements since the Congregation, have enabled the publishe a small pocket edition, at the same time w duodecimo. Both are executed with great c and the labour of conducting this Hymn Bo the press, has been made light by the typ skill and accuracy of the printer.

About three hundred of the following derived from the valuable Collection above r which has been employed by the Lewin's I gregation for the last twenty-five years. Th of some contained in it, may, perhaps, be re those to whom they have become familia however, be found, that none which it would desirable to retain, have been omitted, wit replaced by others, from some cause dee suitable. It may be allowable to add, that has been made without repeated considera indeed no time or exertion has been spared, this Collection complete and useful.

The Hymn Book which formed the ba present, like the London Collection which I gives many of the hymns that are here reta considerable variations from the originals: of them are so much altered by various 1 scarcely to be referable to their Authors. Collection it has been kept in view, to e original readings where practicable; but no

has been felt in adopting or in making alterations, if. by this means the hymns seemed decidedly improved, either in sentiment or in style. Nothing, however, of this kind has been done inconsiderately, or through a love of change; and in forming an opinion of the alterations, the effect of familiarity should be taken into account, and time allowed before a decided judgment is formed against them. In pursuing the system here stated, it has been deemed probable that the desire to aid others in raising their hearts to God, or in cherishing christian affection and principle, would surmount the little feelings of authorship. If, in any case, pain should be given by the alterations made or adopted in this Hymn Book, either to the Author, if still living, or to those who watch over his reputation, it may prove a healing balm, to think that with them the great purposes of his compositions will be answered among thousands, to whom, without such change, they might have proved of little or no service. But whenever suitable opportunity has occurred for seeking it, the alterations made in this, and in the Exeter Collection, have obtained the concurrence of those most concerned.

The chief difficulty arising from the altering of the hymns, consists in assigning them to their respective Authors, which, on the whole, appeared desirable, and which, as far as practicable, is done in the Index of First Lines. When the original has been left without alterations, or, at most, with slight verbal ones, the Author's name, if known, is given. If, while the general tenor of the hymn is unchanged, the alterations have been considerable, an indication of this is annexed to the Author's name. Where it is known that the object of address has been changed, or the general