long as the originals are universally accessible, the opinions of the authors universally known, and the interest in their writings stimulated, rather than obstructed, by the examples which successive compilers recommend to the favour of some new order of readers. The present volume aims to give theologically a translation, but in respect of their piety and poetry, the precise originals, of the several authors whose works have been consulted.* Metrical necessity has also been recognised as a justifying reason for alteration; much religious poetry having been produced either without view to musical accompaniment, or by writers deficient in the feeling for musical accent and rhythm. The changes of this kind, however, being for the most part those of mere mechanical structure, are little likely to challenge objection, or require apology. If there are any deviations from the originals which appear not to receive defence from either of these pleas, of theological or of metrical necessity, they will be found referable to the change which time gradually makes in the meaning of words, and the force of imagery. In a very few instances, phrases once dignified or affecting, and now confessedly mean, or even ludicrous, have been exchanged for others more truly expressive of the author's real feeling. But in every case, the standard to which the Editor has endeavoured to conform has been, not the sentiment which he would have liked the poet to express, but that which he conceives the poet actually wished to express, and which, till the religious dialect of * With two or three exceptions, all the hymns in the volume have been traced back to the several works in which they originally appeared. his day began to play him false, he succeeded in expressing. It is hoped that a profound respect for the prerogatives of genius, and a hearty recognition of its right to be exempt from the emendations of a petty criticism, will be manifest throughout this volume. The Editor has endeavoured never to forget that his task is not that of the artist; but the humble and mechanical duty of setting in a suitable frame, and showing forth advantageously within his little compartment of the Church, the designs of men inspired with sacred and creative power. It is perhaps to be regretted that modern practice confines the hymn within such narrow limits of length that no sentiment can well be forcibly opened, developed and closed, without transgressing them. The custom of leaving out verses for the mere sake of abridgement, frequently destroys the true lyrical character of a composition. In the present selection, the compiler has thought it his duty to abandon the task of omission, in a great degree, to the minister who may use his volume; and often to print the whole of a long hymn, that the eye and mind of the worshipper may be permitted to advert to the portions which, though dropped in singing, may yet give a more vivid meaning, and a completed beauty, to those which are retained. In such cases, the stanzas which may be left out with least injury to the connection have their marginal numbers enclosed in brackets. At the end of the volume will be found several poems, some of them well known, which the Editor could not prevail upon himself either to mutilate or to withhold; he has therefore given them entire, for the private delight of his readers, without any attempt to force them into b a public service, for which they are neither designed nor adapted. The volume is now reverently sent forth to perform in its day its unambitious portion of service; dedicated to the honour of devout genius, the purity of Christian worship, the affections of Christian homes; commended to the spirit of that Messiah who has disclosed the sanctity of life; and to the blessing of that God whose presence and whose promise make the sanctity eternal. Liverpool, June 20th, 1840. ii. God, and his Relations to his Works: § 1. As the Object of praise and homage § 2. As glorious in his Works § 3. As excellent in his Providence § 4. As venerable in Himself § 5. As venerable for particular Attri- BOOK II. CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. Sect. i. Personal Life of Christ: § 1. Before his Ministry § 2. During his Ministry 52-101 102-117 . 118-142 143-158 159-190 191-198 199-215 § 3. The Cross 216-221 § 4. The Resurrection and Ascension 222-227 228-238 ii. Diffusion and Influence of Christianity: § 1. Primitive Spread of the Glad Tid § 2. Prayers for deliverance: Self-aban- 423-453 § 3. Perils of the Christian warfare 454-462 ii. Practice of Holiness: Actual Duty: § 1. Christian Character in general 463-483 § 2. Personal Graces 484-497 § 3. Duties to others 498-510 iii. Peace of Holiness: Issue of Duty: § 1. Peace of Conscience 511-515 § 2. Peace of Love § 3. Peace of God 516-517 518-527 |