PREFACE. THE following Collection contains a greater number of hymns, and probably a greater variety of topics, than any compilation hitherto made for the use of Universalist churches in this country. I will not say that it excels also in the character of the selections. It is hoped, however, that in this respect it will be found equal to other works of the kind, justly approved among us. It has been my aim to furnish, 1. a good supply of hymns for exercises purely devotional; 2. hymns adapted to every special occasion that may be observed in our churches, or occur in the labors of the ministry; 3. hymns on all the subjects commonly urged from our pulpits, so far as they are compatible with the spirit of sacred song; and, 4. hymns for private and domestic use. In selecting for these purposes, I have paid particular attention to what I deemed correctness of sentiment on all of the important points; allowing, however, free scope to poetic figure and imagery, in the form of expression. With regard to character, style, &c., it has been my wish to exclude, on the one hand, all effeminate, insipid nicety which cordiality and fervor are sacrificed to formal every thing in Correctness; and, on the other, all downright awkwardness, fondling endearments, puerile sentimentality, and rant. It should be observed that not every species even of good poetry, gious kind, is suitable for hymns. They should be and of the reli 1 as plain as possible, easy in their versification, and yet full of vigorous or moving spirit. On very impressive subjects, the austerest simplicity is doubtless preferable to the more brilliant style, which is too often sought after. I cannot say that I have not, at times, erred in some of these respects. There may be a few pieces too wild and sparkling for hymns; and others, again, that sink down towards prosaic flatness. The names of the authors, so far as I have been able to ascertain them, are prefixed. I had wished to insert the hymns just as their authors left them, only omitting such stanzas as were superfluous or objectionable. But after spending a considerable time in tracing them back to their original state, and finding that many, which were excellent on the whole, did absolutely require some changes, I concluded to take them in the best form in which I could find them, and sometimes to venture my own hand at their improvement. But in every case of known alteration, (except bare omission,) I have been scrupulous to signify the fact by prefixing a star [*] to the author's name. As for the anonymous hymns, I could seldom determine what was their original state; and in them, changes have been admitted or made, without notice. The alterations, after all, will be found, I think, to be much less, than in some compilations which make greater professions of adhering to the originals. The book is now humbly submitted, with an earnest prayer that it may prove an efficient aid to the spirit of devotion both in public and in private. HOSEA BALLOU, 2D. ROXBURY. February, 1837. INDEX OF FIRST LINES. ABIDE with us, the evening shades All-seeing God, 'tis thine to know.... Almighty Father, gracious Lord........... Almighty God, in humble prayer.. Almighty God, thy wondrous works... Almighty Lord, before thy throne..... Almighty Maker, Lord of all....... Almighty Maker of my frame.. Aloud we sing the wondrous grace Am I an Israelite indeed. Amidst unsatisfied desires... And is the gospel peace and love... Hymn. 233 601 587 44 21 443 246 236 480* 111 602 70 155 401 123 513 378 460 278 445 412 394 275 232 19 596 288 586 Another six days' work is done.. As parched in the barren sands.. As showers on meadows newly mown......... As the sweet flower, which scents the morn... A voice from the desert comes awful and shrill.... 212 Awake, and sing the song... Awake, my soul, in joyful lays.. Awake, my soul, lift up thine eyes..... Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve........ 238 237 414 415 Behold, what wondrous grace... 632 Behold, where, in a mortal form... Behold, where, breathing love divine..................... Be joyful in God, all ye lands of the earth.. 223 216 2 Beneath God's terrors doomed to groan... 555 Beneath our feet, and o'er our head... 464 Be with me, Lord, where'er I go... 377 Bless God, ye servants that attend.. 37 Blest are the men of broken heart.... Blest Instructer, 'Blest are the meek,' he said... Blest are the souls that hear and know......................... Blest be the everlasting God........ Blest is the man who fears the Lord... from thy ways. 382 572 Blest is the man whose heart expands.. 547 Blest Spirit, source of grace divine.. 359 Blow ye the trumpet, blow.. 287 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning.. 206 Celestial worlds, your Maker's praise........... 79 566 Christ the Lord is risen to-day................................. 235 Clay to clay, and dust to dust.. 560 .......... Come, fellow-sinners, come away...........*****. 622 Come, thou long-expected Jesus. Come, thou desire of all thy saints.. Come, hither, all ye weary souls....... .... Hymn. 291 371 240 298 265 332 ........... 294 4 5 540 251 Come, ye that love the Lord... Come to the house of prayer................ 16 Come, ye who know the Savior's love............ 256 .. 454 Exalted Prince of Life, -we own......... 243 .. 123 Far as thy name is known... Faith, hope, and love now dwell on earth.. FAITH adds new charms to earthly bliss....... 423 424 624 315 Far from these scenes of night... Far from my thoughts, vain world, be,ʊne.. 419 486 Father adored in worlds above..... 355 Father divine, thy piercing eye 577 Father, how wide thy glory shines... 327 Father, is not thy promise plodged 302 113 124 |