of his people, is the sublime and delightful subject of this volume of Hymns-I have pursued that end according to the best of my judgment: and I cannot help indulging a pleasing hope, that the cause of truth,-the profitable knowledge of God our Saviour,the edification of believers,-and the increase of fervent love among brethren, will be promoted by the present attempt. I am convinced that nothing short of a just, consistent, and comprehensive acquaintance with the gospel-a disinterested and earnest regard to the glory of God-a fervent love to the Redeemer, and the souls of men for his sake the continual teaching and influences of the Spirit of all grace-a most steady faith in the divine promises-deep humility, and diligent attention in learning the whole revealed will of God-the spirit of prayer and sublime devotion-an experimental foretaste of heavenly bliss and glory-with a delightful mixture of patient hope, submissive longing after the end of faith, and an unwearied prosecution of that end in the appointed means -nothing but those delightful blessings (which are indeed the fruit of the Spirit wrought on the soul) appear necessary to keep pace with this volume before you, as well as with the precious word of God. And these Hymns open many of the everlasting springs of life, love, and peace, contained in that word, which is the rule of our conversation while we live, and the hope of our glorification when we die. These are some of the blessings that I have sought of my Covenant God and Father for the Church of Christ in general-but more peculiarly for those among whom I labour-for myself, and all his sent ministers of every denomination. In the arrangement, great care has been taken to class such Hymns together as belong to the same subject. In each class also a regular method has been aimed at, that a proper connection might be maintained in the dependence of one branch of the subject upon another. This, it is hoped, will prove a great convenience to clerks, and others, in finding almost any hymn without a reference, except the general order; and in tracing the top of the page, you may find a hymn on any doctrine of the gospel. The subjects are so numerous, and various, that few circumstances can occur where a suitable hymn may not be found. It has frequently been observed, "that praise is the noblest employ of the Church of God, and that it bears the nearest affinity to the employ of Heaven. To this subject, the inspired Psalmist tuned his lyre, and observed, that "whoso offereth praise, glorifieth God," Psa. 1. 23. In singing the praises of God, Paul and Silas found their happiness in a dungeon, Acts xvi. 25. The Incarnate Saviour composed his mind, in the immediate prospect of his agony, by singing a hymn with his disciples, Matth. xxvi. 30. How sweet and sacred the harmony, when all shall form one assembly, and unite their hearts and voices in hymns of never-ending praise! I have endeavoured by these hymns to express those sentiments which God has taught me, and I now leave them to his blessing. St. Paul made this request,-" Brethren, pray for us." Reader, if thou art a brother, remember a poor brother, cast down, but not destroyed; persecuted, but not forsaken. I remain thine to serve in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. W. WILLIAMS. May 15, 1819. Blessings for ever on the Lamb.... Blest be the Father, and his love Blest morning, whose young dawning rays Blest be the dear uniting love Call'd by grace, the sinner see Christ is my rock, my hope, my stay ... Come hither, ye that fain would know ..... ... ...... |