PREFACE.
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of Cathedral and of Parochial Churches, I desire, in conclusion, to record my thankfulness for the degree of success which has already accompanied my labours. I am gratefully sensible of the Royal,* Archiepiscopal, and Episcopal patronage which has been so liberally vouchsafed to the work, nor can I deny myself the satisfaction of tendering my thanks also to those of my brethren who have, in such large numbers, given it their support. In the first preface I remarked:
" 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 best practical proof I can now allege of the sincerity of this profession is that, although the work has been favoured with an immense circulation, I am not yet indemnified for my outlay. But the assurances which I constantly receive from my brethren of the impulse given to their Congregational singing, of the augmented attendance at their Churches, and of the quickened spirit of their services, have cheered me incomparably more than any mere pecuniary and have filled me with thankfulness to Him who alone can render recompense, effectual whatever is designed for the edification of His Church.
Nov. 6th, 1860.
WILLIAM MERCER.
* The work is in regular use in Her Majesty's Private Chapels.