creasing taste for religious poetry which is now prevalent, and from the conviction that the work will be useful in the private and family reading of the Psalms, and other Scriptures, of Sermons, and other religious works. Such private and family use, whether by reading or singing, will at once be edifying in itself, and preparatory to the intelligent use of these Psalms and Hymns in public worship. The annexed Indexes will render some assistance in adapting the contents to these various purposes, by means of which several yearly courses may be selected; but a familiar acquaintance with the book will be found the best guide. The Spirit of the whole book of Psalms is here exhibited, in a form suited for congregational singing; a second version being sometimes added, either as having been long in use among us, or as suited to many choice tunes, which are, or may be, introduced in congregations, where sacred music is more carefully cultivated. The prophetical and historical Psalms are adapted to our use, in these latter days, in connection with the successive Evangelical Festivals, and the Proper Lessons. Short explanatory prefaces are prefixed, and Scripture references given, especially where the Old Testament is quoted in the New. Scripture Hymns will be found a prominent feature of this Selection. Those excepted which are read or chaunted in our Liturgy, most of the Songs of Scripture have been introduced; and Hymns on the Types, and Prophecies, and on other doctrinal and devotional passages, similar to the book of Psalms, in as large a measure as utility seemed to require, and comprehension allowed. The Apostolical prayers and doxologies will be found nearly complete. The adaptation of these has been an especial object to the Compiler; inasmuch as they, together with the other Scripture Hymns, appeared to him the most appropriate Supplement to the book of Psalms. But as very many of them were not discovered by him at all, in the religious poetry hitherto extant, and others not in a form sufficiently suited to this purpose, he has attempted to supply the deficiency by original compositions. They aim only at utility, and pretend to no poetical elegance: but, such as they are, they are quite at the service of the Christian public. In other instances, and indeed throughout the work, he has been induced to use such freedom in abridging and altering the compositions of others, in order to adapt them to the principles upon which the Selection was projected, that he can scarcely do less than make himself responsible for all the defects which may be discovered. He wishes it to be view. ed as an original work, and to be judged of according to it. own merits, in the form in which it appears, by the sole test of congregational utility. It is, however, greatly indebted to almost all the writers of religious poetry; and many even of those Psalms and Hymns, which might otherwise be called original, are indebted for all the value and beauty they possess to some stanza, line, or expression, either of deceased, or living writers. The Compiler would have rejoiced to think he had realized more successfully the idea of a Scripture Hymn Book, which, as Mr. Montgomery justly observed to him, might be useful" in every sanctuary under heaven." But the materials which the Bible affords for Scripture Hymns, are very abundant. He trusts he has selected the most useful; and has endeavoured to exhibit faithfully, by whatever expressions he could find or devise, the exact sentiment of the passage; and to present it in a form suited for congregational singing. The remaining Hymns, though not exactly Scripture Hymns, are at least Scriptural; and will be found perhaps to make the Collection sufficiently comprehensive; although very many well known and valuable Hymns have been unavoidably omitted, in order to approximate to a completion of every part of the original plan. The Editor continually endeavoured to comprise each portion in three or four verses; but the selection of a more quickly-moving tune, so that it be also suitable to the subject, will enable a congregation to sing five or even six verses with equal brevity and propriety. Sometimes a portion only of such longer Hymns will be found suitable to particular subjects and occasions. (See H. 62.) In the hope and prayer that the work, as now prepared, may contribute to christian edification and devotion, and that the principles upon which it has been compiled may, if approved, be more happily applied by some more competent person, the Compiler commends the volume to the blessing of God. Truly animating, and much more edifying, would be the worship in our Churches, if our congregations more generally complied with the request, to join "with a pure heart and humble voice" in the united and responsive parts of our Liturgy;-in chaunting the Psalms and Hymns after the Lessons, the simplest and easiest mode of music;-and in that, which is not much more difficult of attainment, the full unison and harmony of "Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual Songs," sung to suitable congregational tunes. J. C. FRANKS. Vicarage, Huddersfield, } INDEX OF SUBJECTS. The figures refer to the Pages. GOD. THE natural attributes of the one, only, true, and living God's glory and power in heaven, 381; in Creation, 16, The Name of the Lord, 194, 238, 279; His moral attri- God of patience, comfort, aud hope, 365; all creatures Blessedness of the knowledge of God, 220, 224, 227, 289; God's peculiar care of his Church, 26, 73, 127, 165, 166, Prayer to God, in general, 5, 10, 13, 17, 18, 24, 29, 56, Praise to God, in general, 7, 15, 27, 58, 103, 117, 119, Universal praise to God, 113, 131, 167—171, 321. MAN. Created, and to be renewed, in the image of God, 178, Man's fall, condemnation, and sinfulness, 9, 53, 59, His misery without God, 218, 220, 236, 245; man's help Character and blessedness of the faithful servants of God, Righteous and wicked compared, 1, 8, 9, 34. Sin, fatal, 246; its deceitfulness, 181, 210; secret and Folly, fruits, and consequences of Atheism and Infidel- Wisdom's call and promises, 211, 220, 222—224, 243, The world, and the flesh, 13, 51, 139, 287, 288, 289, 328, The Devil, or Satan, 15, 160, 161, 307, 378, 385. SCRIPTURE. Value and properties of the word of God, 16, 135–139, Necessity of attending to it, 86, 367, 373, 375. Gospel, 95, 199, 235 240, 261, 276, 281, 303, 322, 367, 376. Prophecies of Scripture; First promise, 182, Covenant Prophetical Psalms, 2, 6, 12, 15, 19, 20, 29, 34, 41, 42, Types of Christ; Melchizedec, 186, 126; Ram in place of Other Scripture types; The fire on the altar, 198; Jubi- Characters, and events of Scripture, Creation, 178; Fall, JESUS CHRIST. His divinity, 2, 46, 224, 230, 235, 250, 254, 266, 268, 315, His humiliation and incarnation, 7, 42, 254-256, 295; |
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