PREFACE TO THE EDITION WITH TUNES.

THE publication of the Hymnal naturally gave rise to an urgent necessity for an edition with accompanying tunes, and a Committee was appointed by Conference to select appropriate tunes for use in the public and private Worship of Praise. The following are the names of those to whom the selection was entrusted:—

T. BEELEY, G. BOOTH,

W. CUTTS,

D. HAIGH,

W. HESLOP,

T. W. TURNER,

J. TOULSON,

W. SHACKLETON.

T. G. SNOWDEN,

B. SUTOLIFFE,

T. WAITE,

J. WIGELSWORTH, J. WOOD.

After several protracted sittings the Committee approved of a selection of tunes which are known to be extensively used by our congregations. These, together with a large number of original tunes, were placed in the hands of the Editor for final selection.

The task was found to be one of considerable difficulty, but by keeping in mind the needs of the present, the probable requirements of the future, combined with a due reverence of the past, it is believed that a collection has been provided which will give general satisfaction. To make the book more complete a comprehensive list of old favourites, not set to words, has been included in the Appendix, a feature which it is hoped will be greatly appreciated.

It has been the endeavour of the Committee to provide a book adapted to the increased musical culture of our organists, choirs, and congregations. That this was rendered imperative, is shown by the marvellous advance in congregational singing which has been made during the past few years, and great progress continues to be made through the attention given to the singing at anniversary services, choral festivals, and especially through the teaching of music in the Public Elementary Schools. The book will be found to contain old and familiar melodies, combined with the best modern tunes, selected from every available source, and further enriched by many original tunes composed expressly for this work. While no school of musical thought has been uniformly adhered to, care has been taken to select the tune best adapted for giving expression to the sentiment of the hymn.

Some tunes are inserted which a severe taste would reject, but as these are wedded to the hymns and hallowed by old associations, it was thought that their exclusion would have been a source of regret to many, not only on sentimental grounds, but because of the inherent vitality which they evidently contain. With these possible exceptions, it is hoped that there is no composition in this large collection of eight hundred and eighty- four tunes but will gratify the taste of the musician, and at the same time appeal to the highest and noblest feelings of our congregations. thus materially assisting them to" Make melody in their hearts to the Lord."