Our Own Hymn-book: A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social, and ...

adopted in deference to the Great Spirit who has so frequently blessed the use of them both to saints and sinners.

4. The Psalms of David are here, by the aid of various writers, more especially, Watts, the English and Scotch versions, Mr. Lyte and Miss Auber, all presented, in whole or in part, in forms suitable for congregational singing, and our endeavour has been to preserve the devout spirit of that inspired book even where the Jewish expressions have been necessarily changed for Christian language.

Our deepest obligations are acknowledged to Mr. D. Sedgwick, of Sun Street, Bishopsgate, without whose diligent assistance our work could never have been accomplished. His large collection of hymn-books, and his marvellous acquaintance with hymnology, render him the indispensable helper of all hymn collectors who would have their work well done. For the authorship, dates, and general correctness of the text, we have relied mainly upon him; and believe that he has enabled us to produce a volume altogether unique and unrivalled in value.

The editor has inserted with great diffidence a very few of his own composition, chiefly among the Psalms, and his only apology for so doing is the fact that of certain difficult Psalms he could find no version at all fitted for singing, and was therefore driven to turn them into verse himself. As

these original compositions are but few, it is hoped that they will not prejudice the ordinary reader against the rest of the collection, and possibly one or two of them may gratify the generous judgment of our friends.

To very many proprietors of original hymns we tender earnest thanks for the liberal manner in which consent has invariably been given to us to use their copyrights. If by inadvertence we have used any compositions without permission, we trust the owners will extend to us the same courtesy as if we had written to them, which kind assent we will gladly acknowledge in a future issue. We are bound to acknowledge our obligations to the proprietors of the invaluable works of James Montgomery, Conder, Lyte, Kelly, Sir Edward Denny, Miss Anna Shipton, and to the publishers of the hymns of Dr. Neale. We thank Rev. W. Hiley Bathurst for permission to use his excellent "Psalms and Hymns;" Rev. Thos. Davis, of Roundhay, for like liberty with his valuable "Hymns New and Old;" Dr. Horatius Bonar, for his choice "Hymns of Faith and Hope;" Rev. J. S. Monsell, for his most precious "Spiritual Songs;" Mr. Caswall for assent to use his hymns given through Mr. Stevenson; to Rev. James Kelly, for hymns from his selection; Mr. Edmeston, for several poetical odes; Rev. W. Reid, for aid through his noble "Praise Book;" Mr. Henry Bateman for use of "Heart Melodies" and other works;

Rev. Newman Hall for original pieces, and especially Mr. Albert Midlane for use of " Gospel Echoes," and for severa} contributions specially written for our assistance. We are grateful to representatives of Dr. Reed for the use of his hymns, and to Rev. Denham Smith and others for the same favour; while to many friends we are thankful for valuable information as to authorship and dates.

We are thus indebted to all classes of Christians, and are furnished with another instance of the intimate fellowship of all saints in their prayers and praises; we pray that believers of all denominations may derive a blessing from the combined works of so many of the Lord's servants.

C. H. SPURGEON.

September, 1866.