COURTEOUS READER, IF thou art acquainted with the divine life, I need not inform thee, that although all the acts and exercises of devotion are weet and delightful; yet we never resemble the blessed worshippers above more than when we are joining together in public devotion, and with bearts and lips unfeigned singing pra:ses to Him who fitteth upon the throne for ever. Consequently, Hynins composed for such a purpose ought to abound much in thanksgiving, and ta be of such a nature, that all who attend may join in them without being obliged to fing lies, or not fing at all.-Upon this plan the following Colleětion is founded. They are intended purely for social worship, and fo altered in fome particulars, that I think all may safely concur in using them. They are short, because I think three or four stanzas, with a doxology, are sufficient to be sung at one time. I am no great friend to long sermons, long prayers, ar long hymns; they generally weary instead of edifying, and therefore, I think, Jbould be avoided by those who preside in any public worshipping assembly. Besides, as the generality of those who receive the Gospel are commonly the poor of the flock, I have studied cheapness 39 X © Ø 8 6 as well as conciseness. Much in a little is what God gives us in his word; and the more we imitate such a method in our public performe ances and devotions, the nearer we come up to the pattern given us in the Mount. I think myself justifiable in publishing fome Hymns by way of dialogue, for the use of the Society, because something like it is practised in our cathedral churches; but much more fo, because the celestial choir is reprefented in the book of the Revelations answering one another in their heavenly anthems. That we all may be inspired and warmed with a like divine fire while finging below, and be translated after death to join with them in singing the Song of Mofes and the Lamb above, is the earnest prayer of Courteous Reader, Tby ready servant, for Christ's fake, Bege Beli A A good High Priest is come Begin, my tongue, some Page 252 151 157 85 160 251 ,164 91 18 66 38 69 269 44 161 198 80 249 240 55 171 267 125 6 257 59 140 44 a Bleft by Jesu's providence ye blow Children of the heav'nly King 22 68 Come, thou long-expected Jesus 102 177 3 115 21 DEAREST of all the names 95 98 63 273 2 Dearest Saviour, help thy servant 238 57 97 171 Far from our thoughts, vain 26 275 134 248 бо 276 238 |
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