to been sufficiently considered. Above all, we have made it our chief aim to give an earnest Scriptural tone to the work, by gathering together in one all the noblest strains of devotional poetry from whatever quarter and denomination, provided the sentiments were not inconsistent with our own faith. But if there should appear, here and there, the glimpse of a discarded doctrine, or the remnant of an antiquated creed, let it be remembered how difficult and ungracious a task it is to fetter the free wing of a rapt imagination and enkindled heart, though reason may sometimes pause and judgment condemn. We have culled from a most extensive field of both the later and the earlier poets, and have introduced not a few hymns of merit, which have appeared in no previous compilation. Slight alterations have occasionally been made, but we have preferred to restore rather than to change. While we have wished to assemble the holy minstrels of every name and church in a loving brotherhood of harmony and devotion, that should make us forget, if possible, while singing the praises of God, the jars and discords of the great Christian family, we have, nevertheless, welcomed with a peculiar delight" the goodly fellowship" of our own sweet singers. We are indebted to the names of Adams, Barbauld, Bowring, Bryant, Bulfinch, Flint, Follen, Frothingham, Furness, Gilman, Moore. Norton, Peabody, Pierpont, and Ware for some of the finest hymns in the English language. To those friends, who have kindly afforded us their aid in making this compilation, we would here express our thankful acknowledgments. In the title of the book, we embody our leading idea and purpose in this enterprise, which have been to provide a collection, not of Jewish psalms or elegant songs, but essentially Christian hymns, pitched, so to say, after the grand master-tone of our faith, whatever intermingling subordinate notes they might have of joy or sorrow, encouragement or warning, praise or confession. We have striven that the high doctrines, duties, and promises of our holy religion might shine forth from these pages in their noon-day distinctness, and arrayed in all the charms of taste and melody, that the great Master might be honored with the love of his disciples, and the greater Father worshipped with the fervent adoration, praise, and thanks giving of his children. January 29, 1845. L. W. L. W. A. W. C. C. A. A. L. AOCORDING to thy gracious word Again, from calm and sweet repose Again our ears have heard the voice Again the Lord of life and light Again we 've seen the Sabbath day A host of spirits round the throne Alas! how poor and little worth All hail the power of Jesus' name All men are equal in their birth All nature dies and lives again All nature feels attractive power All nature's works his praise declare All-seeing God! 't is thine to know All ye nations, praise the Lord Almighty God, in humble prayer Almighty God, thy word is cast |