PREFACE.
teaching, correctness of rhythm, strength and propriety of phrase and sentiment, comprehensiveness of subject, and the general exigencies of public worship; with what success must be left to the decision of others. All bald and meaningless Hymns have been rigidly excluded. The metres of a few of the Hymns may sound unusual to English ears; but they could not be omitted or altered, save by the sacrifice or mutilation of some of the finest of the German Chorales. Two of these, Hymn 122 and Hymn 381, were composed expressly for the original metres, by the late James Montgomery, Esq., who, for some years before his death, statedly attended the Compiler's Church. It may be added that the present collection was favoured with his most careful examination, and he was pleased to speak in the kindest terms of it.
F
THE METRICAL TUNES.
These consist chiefly of the stately melodies of our own Church, and the finest Chorales of Germany. In selecting them, the Compiler has carefully examined a large number of the best repertories of Psalmody, both English and foreign. He has not felt himself at liberty to reject the least objectionable of the tunes in triple measure, such as Rockingham, Irish, Abridge,& c. They are good in their particular style, though that style may not be pronounced the best: but all tunes of a florid structure and of secular associations are allowed no admission here. The tunes selected are suitable, easy, and methodical in their phrases, symmetrical in their proportions, and, for the most part, syllabic in their partition. Such, doubtless, are the tunes best adapted for the ready, distinct, and simultaneous utterance of the congregational voice. A considerable number of them have already acquired great traditional renown, and an established position in the public favour; and the rest, when once mastered, will be equally appreciated. Some of them, on their first enunciation, may be thought dull and lifeless, and the Clergyman may feel a little hesitation in introducing them, lest he should seem to run counter to his people's predilections. For these the Compiler craves a patient hearing; and for the encouragement of others