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PREFACE.

the true style; and I may be pardoned if I venture to observe, that those of my brethren who restrict the psalmody of their Churches to a very limited number of chants and tunes, from the fear of their people being unequal to a larger number, are in unwitting error upon this point. It is proved by experience that the periodical recurrence of the same tune, however good, at very brief intervals, is obstructive of congregational singing. The tune, in process of time, loses its freshness, and palls upon the ear, and the people become weary of the perpetual repetition. A compiler of psalm- tunes is bound to provide a sufficiency, not for a short time, but for all time.

THE HARMONIES.

That

These have been adopted from the most trustworthy and unimpeachable sources. A few others, as in Eisenach, Halle,& c., which have been simplified from Sebastian Bach, may appear at the first sight difficult; but the difficulty is only in appearance, as the motion of the parts is natural and easy. there may be no apprehension on the score of accuracy, the Compiler has pleasure in adding that the whole of the Harmonies throughout the entire work have been rigidly revised, and, whenever necessary, corrected and re­arranged by John Goss, Esq., Organist of St. Paul's, London. The task could not have been confided to safer or abler hands, and the skill and care which Mr. Goss has brought to it merit my warmest commendation. And it is encouraging to me in my labours for the promotion of a good object, that Mr. Goss authorizes me to add, that the selection itself of Tunes and Chants has his entire approbation. My best thanks are also due to the Rev. W. H. Havergal, Rector of St. Nicholas and Canon of Worcester, for placing at my unfettered disposal the harmonies in his invaluable work, Old Church Psalmody: a reference to the Index of Tunes will show that I have not been sparing in my use of so generous a permission. I have also great pleasure in acknow­ledging my obligations to the compiler of the Congregational Church Music, and to the editor of The Standard Tune Book, for so kindly permitting me to use the arrangements which I requested of them; and to my able Organist, Mr. Phillips, whose skill on his instrument is only equalled by his exact taste, for his kindness in rendering me assistance, whenever required.

THE TABLE OF HYMNS.

This is constructed upon the presumption that all the tunes have been mastered. Where this is not the case the Clergyman can easily draw up a separate index for himself, and use it till the complete index can be brought into full requisition. The peculiar advantage of a tabular index of this kind is, that the Hymns, like the lessons for each Sunday, are known beforehand, and the people, by private or by public practice during the week, can prepare them­selves to take their part upon the Sunday.

THE PRICE.

The Compiler is anxious to offer his work at the very lowest price, consistently with immunity to himself from personal risk. If he be indemnified for actual outlay, he will be satisfied: remuneration he desires not, but that arising from the consciousness of having contributed in some humble degree to the right discharge of a great and glorious duty. The work is stereotyped, and the whole of the plates cast from entirely new type; consequently there need be no fear of the supply being exhausted. The Psalter and Hymn Book can be had separately at proportionably reduced prices.