ment to Watts and his compositions, will suffer none besides to be sung where they have any influence. They must either suppose him to have psalms and hymns upon every subject in the word of God, and the experience of Christians in all states, and these represented in every proper point of view; or that the rest of the hymns, composed by others, are not worthy to be introduced into the worship of God. But neither of these ideas can be supported, because they are both equally unjust. Have not many ministers, and others, who choose the hymns, often complained that they could meet with no hymn or psalm in Watts' works, which suited their subject and views of it? And in the judgment of many judicious and worthy persons, there are at least some hymns, composed by other hands, that may vie with any of his individual psalms or hymns; still admitting that he ought to have the preference upon the whole: and I verily believe, if he was alive, he would blame the above mentioned conduct, as tending to rob the church of Christ of the edification which might be derived from that diversity of gifts which the Lord himself hath given, in his own infinite wisdom, for a valuable end. Hence there appears to me a propriety, and a probability of usefulness, in a well-chosen collection of hymns from other authors, especially when used as a supplement to Watts', and coinciding with him in his views of the Gospel of Christ. A greater variety of metres likewise may be introduced, which, if properly used, may have a tendency to remedy that insupportable dul ness in singing the praises of our covenant God, which too frequently, in many congregations, renders that delightful part of divine worship tedious and burdensome; and also to bring about that desirable end of engaging whole congregations to join in singing, by enlivening it, instead of the preposterous method of leaving a set of singers to do that for them all, which God requires from every one himself who is capable of it. This is only a part of the professed design of this publication; what success besides may attend it remains with him alone who is able to make all means salutary; this however we know, that the topics dwelt upon in these hymns are such as he has always blessed; that, in the hand of the spirit they are calculated to awaken sinners from their state of carnal security; to lead the weary and heavy laden to rest in Jesus; to raise the affections from earth to heaven; to rouse the slumbering to activity; to raise the fallen; to direct the heart and mind into the love and peace of God; to establish, strengthen, and comfort believers; and to make our hearts burn within us by the way to our eternal home: and, as this has been the case in times of old, why may we not expect the same glorious and happy effects? why may we not yet, in an attendance to the same means, have a shower of grace, and times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power? My heart's desire, and prayer to God for you is, that the precious opportunities you possess may be eagerly seized by you all, and improved for that eternity to which we are fast approaching; that you may each know Jesus as your Redeemer and eternal Friend; that you may taste the joys of sin forgiven through his blood, and rejoice in his righteousness imputed to you all the day long; and that, being changed into the image of Jesus here by the spirit, you may at last sit down with the Almighty Saviour on his throne. What are all the vain things which can be had here below, compared to that exceeding great and eternal weight of glory? If we have any just grounds to expect it, let us rise above the world; set our affections on things above; gird up the loins of our mind; fight the good fight of faith; and be as men that wait for their Lord's return. Yet a very little while and all our toils, our difficulties, and our sorows will be over; and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. He will take us to his home, his rest, his joy. There shall we sing the song of Moses and the Lamb for ever. Then shall we join in the general chorus of all the ineffably happy tribes of the redeemed, and sing, salvation, and blessing, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb in the midst of the throne for ever and ever. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. -That this honour and joy may be yours, is the sincere wish of BOLTON, Your affectionate Pastor, 13th September, 1792. W. MAURICE. HYMNS. 1 YE E servants of God your Master proclaim, 2 God ruleth on high, Almighty to save; 3 Salvation to God, who sits on the throne, 4 Then let us adore and give him his right, B 2 Universal Praise. P. M. PRAISE the Lord, who reigns above, And all his greatness show. 2 Publish, spread to all around The great Immanuel's name; 3 Him in whom they move and live, |