The Gymnal PUBLISHED IN 1895 AND REVISED IN 1911 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PHILADELPHIA THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION 1919 The Revised Edition of The Hymnal has been compiled by a Committee of The Presby. The Hon. ROBERT N. WILLSON, Chairman. FRANKLIN L. SHEPPARD, Esq. The Rev. LOUIS F. BENSON, D.D. The Rev. LOUIS F. BENSON, D.D., Editor. Copyright, 1911, by The Trustees of The Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath-School Work TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINTH THOUSAND First Edition issued September, 1911; Reprinted November, 1911; February, 1912; 1918; March, 1919; July, 1919 M 2181 prz 1919 PREFACE T HE Hymnal was published in October, 1895, with a preface setting forth the principles which governed its preparation. The present edition marks no departure from these principles, and no change in the general character of the book. It has been prepared with a twofold aim. First: to make a thorough revision of the materials in the light of sixteen years practical use of the book. Hymns and tunes failing to establish themselves in popular favor have been removed. Many tunes have been set in lower keys or modified in harmony, in the interests of congregational singing. In these matters the Committee has been fortunate in having the sympathetic coöperation of the Musical Editor. The text of the hymns has been minutely scrutinized from the point of view of accuracy, of rhythm, and of a sincere worship: the text of the Psalter continues to be that of the standard of the American Bible Society. The arrangement of the main body of hymns under the subjects of the Apostles' Creed has been more completely carried out, with a view to assist the memory in locating hymns; and the system of cross references has been extended. The notes upon the history of hymns and tunes have been carefully restudied and revised. Second: to bring the book abreast of the latest developments of hymnody, and of the present state of Christian thought and feeling; especially to meet the demand for the recognition of God's nearness to every-day living, the coming of the kingdom in the sphere of common life, the spirit of brotherhood and of manly and resolute Christian life and service, social betterment, and evangelistic work. In the choice of new tunes preference has been given to those whose acceptability has been elsewhere tested in actual use; and some familiar tunes have been restored. For permission to use hymns that are new to this edition, the Committee is indebted to the Rev. Dr. Henry van Dyke for No. 115; |