PREFACE TO THE EDITION WITH TUNES.

Much difference of opinion will be found to exist as to the best method of performance of hymn music. Whilst a hurried style of singing is to be deprecated, it is suggested that much advantage would be gained by an approximate return to the lively, vigorous singing, which characterized the early period of the history of our Connexion.

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In order to remove the tendency to pause at the end of each line, where very frequently the sense of the hymn does not require it, the use of double bars has been discarded, except at the end of a musical period; the end of the lines being indicated by dashes("). To avoid an overcrowded appearance from the too frequent use of expression marks, it has been deemed advisable to omit all mezzo- signs, it must therefore be understood, that all unmarked verses, or parts of verses are to be sung with medium force, the letters p, pp, f and ff having their usual significance in modifying such medium. The graphic signs A⇒ for crescendo and diminuendo have been used as more clearly expressing the effects desired.

The adoption by the Compilers of the Hymnal of the Editor's suggestion, to place in each section, hymns of the same measure together, has considerably reduced the size of the work, and possesses this additional advantage, that if the tune selected is not known, possibly a tune already familiar may be found on the same or the adjoining page, and may be used until the one chosen has been learnt. The logical sequence of the hymns has been less interfered with than was anticipated.

The Committee desire to recognize the professional ability and judgment of Mr. Henry Coward in the examination and re- arrangement where necessary, of the harmonies of non- copyright tunes, and the skill more especially shown in improving the harmony of many of the old tunes by imparting vigour and melody to the" parts" while retaining the character of the tunes.

The Committee moreover desire gratefully to record the valuable and unwearied labours undertaken by the Secretary, the Rev. W. Cutts, and their deep sense of obligation to Dr. Booth, the Editor, upon whom has devolved most onerous and responsible duties. With the earnest hope that it may prove instrumental in rendering the Service of Praise typical of that higher and brighter worship of the" Saints in Light," the Committee commend this edition of the Hymnal with Tunes to the use of the families and congregations of our beloved Connexion.

The Committee desire to thank the following proprietors of copyright tunes for their permission most generously given to insert their tunes without payment:-Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, for Gotha, by H.R. H. the late Prince Consort; Dr. Allon, for Finchley; Mr. Malcolm Allison, for Eadric, St. Deny's, Blasius, Faith, and St. Jerome; Mr. E. Aykroyd, for Burnett and Eden Grove; Mr. A. Knott Baines, for Greenock; Mr. F. G. Baker, for St. Saviour; Rev. H. Baker, for Hesperus; Rev. 0. R Barnicott, for Warrenne, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Mr. J. Barritt, for Day of Gladness; the proprietors of the Bristol Tune Book, through Mr. F. Morgan, for Caterham and Beachley; Mr. F. Brain, for Kensington; Dr. G. Booth, for St. Margaret, Pastor, and Nocturn; Mr. J. B. Birkbeck, for Everlasting Light, Providence, Adela, Worship, Sacred Rest, and Christian Submission; Mr. J. W. Best, for Humility; Mr. J. Broadbent, for Rinder; Rev. R. Brown- Borthwick, for St. Peter and Grange; Rev. E. W. Bullinger, for Bullinger, Selattyn, and Tenterden; Messrs. Burns, Oates, and Co., for Rome, Toronto, and St. Justin; Mr. H. Elliot Button, for Rothesay, Watchword, Suppliant, Priodas, and Sursum Voces; Rev. E. S. Carter, for Wreford; the proprietors of Cheetham's Psalmody, for Fertile Plains, Ossett, Grosvenor, Maudsley Street, and Passing Bell; Mr. G. F. Cobb, for Holderness; Dr. Cooke, for Wanswell; the proprietors of the Christian Psalmist for Dawning; Mrs. E. Cottman, for Caterham and Beachley; Mr. R. F. Coules, for Dedicatio Anni; Mr. H. Coward, for Triumphant Host, Nature's Voice, Oxford, Entreaty, Clegg, Burngrove, Thornbury, Solace, Song of