PREFACE

TO THE ENLARGED EDITION.

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1.- REMARKS RESPECTING THE PRESENT COLLECTION.

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THE very extended circulation which the Christian Psalmody has obtained induced the Publisher to re­quest that the Author would endeavour to make it still more generally useful by adding about one hun­dred fresh Psalms and Hymns, on subjects not suf­ficiently noticed before. These additions and some slight alterations, and three or four omissions of Hymns, and of parts of Hymns, and additional verses to others, have been so made that the former editions will retain their usefulness, and the new edition will continue to be supplied at the same rate as previously. The additions are sold sepa­rately at the lowest rate.

REASONS FOR THIS COLLECTION. The increase of valuable hymns is a refreshing sign of our times, and furnished a reason for compiling a fresh collection. The advantage of having many preceding labourers has, it is hoped, enabled the Com­piler to combine in one volume several of the various improve­ments in Hymn Books, and to give some of the most generally useful of recent hymns.

But he can truly say, that it was with fear and trembling that he went on with this work, feeling the awful responsi­bility of seeking to direct the devotions of the Church of Christ, in some of the highest and sweetest acts of fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ, and the dan­ger of sentiments in any hymns that might leave an unscrip­tural impression on the mind. Let all be tried by the Divine word, and may the sprinkling of the blood of Christ obtain pardon for every thing not according to the Divine mind.

OBJECTS DESIGNED.- It was the Editor's wish, in compiling the present collection,-

1.- To bring both Psalms and Hymns under one arrange­ment, so as to preserve the unity of the whole book, and yet intersperse the fuller light of the New Testament with the rich experience of the sweet Psalmist of Israel.

2. To classify them so as to assist in readily finding those suitable for any required occasion.

3.- To furnish a sufficient supply of hymns for the varied circumstances of public, social, family, and private worship, printed in a good type, and at as cheap a rate as practicable.

4.- To prefix a text of Scripture, embodying the leading idea of the hymn, that might direct the reader to the clearer and fuller light of the word of God( the only infallible truth