together, and thus prevent the inconvenience and confusion of using different books at the same meetings. The same general principles which are stated at considerable length in the preface to the larger works referred to, as having guided the compilers in selecting and preparing the materials for those, have been adhered to in making this collection. The aim has been to have every hymn conformed, in a good measure, to the requisitions of a correct taste, and to be of a truly lyrical character-capable of being set to music and sung with ease and spirit. That the principles of lyrical taste, heretofore advocated, should have secured such a degree of public approbation, as various circumstances show that they have already secured, is more than could have been expected; and should be hailed with a gratification proportioned to their importance to the cause of sacred music. A few hymns have been admitted to this collection, of a more free and familiar character than would have been thought desirable in a work designed specially for Sabbath and congregational worship. The large number of pieces in peculiar measure, have been inserted, because they were thought to possess intrinsic excellence sufficient to entitle them to a place, or because they were associated with favorite tunes, or were suited, on some other account, to be useful as 'spiritual songs.' The compilers trust that they are not wholly unaware of the high responsibility which they have assumed, in preparing for the Christian public collections of hymns, which, if adopted, must tend so greatly to promote the cause of truth or error, and to invigorate or chill the piety of God's people: and they would consider themselves altogether unfaithful to their trust, if they could have consented to make the inculcation of correct religious sentiment subordinate to any other consideration. It has, therefore, been their constant endeavor to see that nothing should find a place here, which is not strictly in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Spirit. This they would regard as of peculiar importance in this col lection, which they have aimed to adapt especially to the meetings and instructions connected with revivals of religion; and they would hope and pray that the pieces of this book may be found promoting, not impeding, the enlightening and sanctifying influences of that Divine Agent; and that, wherever they are sung, He may be present, to impress the truths on the minds of the worshippers, and to enable them to worship in spirit and in truth. Still, the compilers do not venture to hope that all the truth of God is embodied here; nor that a full developement is made of all which every person may regard as important truth. This and all similar compilations must probably remain liable to objection, on account of their supposed or real deficiencies. The only reply is, as heretofore, that, on the most important topics, all the pieces have been inserted that seemed worthy of a place in so limited a collection. It requires but a moment's reflection to render it obvious, that a collection of hymns is not an appropriate place for a full and minute specification of the points in technical theology. Many things which would be proper, and even indispensable, in our confessions of faith, would be sadly out of place in our lyrical devotions. Nor has it seemed necessary to retain, in this abridgment, hymns having special reference to the Christian ordinances, as those are already provided in the larger collections, with which each denomination of Christians is already supplied. With fervent desires that this book may assist all those who use it to make melody in their hearts to the Lord, and thereby increase the union and spirituality of all those who ascribe PRAISE UNTO HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB, it is now submitted to the public. LOWELL MASON, DAVID GREENE, RUFUS BABCOCK, JR. INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Page. And will the Lord thus condescend. Angels from the realms of glory. Appear, great God, appear to me.. Arise! arise! with joy survey.. Arise, my soul, on winga sublime.. Arise, my tender thoughts, arise.. Arm of the Lord, awake! awake!. Ascend thy throne, Almighty King. Awake-awake! each sluggish soul. Awake-awake the sacred song... Awake, ye saints, and raise your eyes...... Awaked from sin's delusive sleep... Away from earth my spirit turns........ Before thy throne with tearful eyes.... Page. 260 141 172 37 135 Behold! the grace appears.......... Beneath our feet and o'er our head.. Blest are the souls who hear and know. 49 177 39 174 Blest work! the youthful mind to win... 251 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning.. 51 Christ, whose glory fills the skies.. 64 Come, dearest Lord, and bless this day. 199 Come! said Jesus' sacred voice.. 111 Come-sound his praise abroad.. 37 30 104 127 Come, we that love the Lord.... Come, weary souls, with sin oppressed... Create, O God, my powers anew.. Page. 182 112 113 25 131 191 87 DAUGHTER of Zion, awake from thy sadness!... 231 Crown his head with endless blessing.. Daughter of Zion, from the dust.... Dear Father, to thy mercy-seat.. Dear Jesus-when-when shall it be. Dear Saviour! when my thoughts recall.... 219 246 132 245 171 138 Deep are the wounds which sin has made.. Eternal justice speaks-.. Eternal source of joys divine........... Eternal Spirit! we confess.... FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee....... GENTLY glides the stream of life. Glory to thee, my God, this night..... |