FOR THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH, ARRANGED ACCORDING TO The Seasons and Holy-days OF THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. By Rev. J. Oldknow Do- AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM. A NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. LONDON: MASTERS & SON, NEW BOND STREET, W. Advertisement. THE first edition of this Hymn-Book, prepared especially for the use of a single Congregation, appeared in 1850, and has been followed by two others. These, however, being exhausted, it became a question whether its use should be superseded by that of some other hymnal, or another edition should be published, enlarged and re-arranged. The latter measure was finally decided upon, and the present book is the result of the decision. It contains various hymns which are not to be found in any other collection; but, of course, to supply its deficiencies as it previously stood, recourse has been had to divers hymn-books which have appeared since its original publication. Amid the contents of these it was impossible to distinguish, except when distinctly specified, what was the copyright of the proprietors from what might be considered public property: and so, if any hymns of the former class have been unwittingly appropriated, it is hoped that this explanation will be kindly accepted. Where the distinction was made, leave of insertion has been asked and obtained: but on this point, it is presumed that there are few who will not assent to the following noble remarks of the lamented Dr. NEALE, contained in the Preface to his "Hymns on the Joys and Glories of Paradise:" "I am very glad to have this opportunity of saying how strongly I feel that a hymn, whether original or translated, ought, the moment it is published, to become the common property of Christendom; the author retaining no private right in it whatever. I suppose that no one ever sent forth a hymn without some faint hope that he might be casting his two mites into the treasury of the Church, into which 'the many that were rich,'-AMBROSE and HILDEBERT, ADAM and BERNARD of Cluny, and S. BERNARD,— yes, and SANTEUIL and COFFIN,-'cast in much.' But if it has so been cast in, is not the claiming a vested interest in it, something like 'keeping back part of the price of the land'?" The list of tunes assigned to the different hymns in the present book is the laborious and carefully considered work, gratuitously afforded, of an able Organist and Musical Professor. It may not be superfluous to add that the price at which the book is sold, even if every copy be disposed of, will not by any means be sufficient to cover the bare expenses of the publication. Passion-Week, 1870. |
