in common use. In deviating from the first copies, the Compiler has had principally in view the important objects which have been stated. In other alterations, it has been his design to adapt the sentiments to the different classes of character which make up every assembly of worshippers, and some of whom cannot, with propriety, be supposed to use expressions which are fitted only to those who have made the highest attainments. It would have been useless, if not impossible, to have noted all the changes which have been made or adopted. He has, therefore, marked as altered, only those hymns in which any change has been made by himself. Hymns which have never appeared before in any collection published in this country, are distinguished by an obelisk. [+] Those with an asterisk [*] affixed to them, are originals, for which the Compiler is principally indebted to his friends. The arrangement in this Collection, it is hoped, will be found to possess some advantages, in admitting of an easy reference, when the first line is remembered, without the intervention of a table, while the subjects are kept sufficiently distinct for the general reader. The copious Index at the end will, probably, be a better guide to the different subjects, than any classification which could have been made. The Compiler has met with too many difficulties in satisfying himself in this undertaking, to permit the expectation that he can have succeeded in satisfying others: 'But all is in His hands whose praise he seeks.' To His blessing he commends the work, with an humble hope it may prove Lo unacceptable offering to the best interests of that religious society with which he is connected, and to that cause of pure christianity which it would be his highest ambition to serve. NEW-YORK, Oct. 3, 1820). ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH OR REVISED EDITION. IN revising this Collection of Hymns, the Compiler has endeavoured to improve, but has not designed materially to change its character. Some verbal alterations have been made; in a few instances verses have been added, and in others, omitted; and about forty hymns have been substituted for an equal number which were thought to be less adapted to the services of the Sanctury. And to bring the work more nearly to the present time, one hundred and forty-six hymns, selected on the same principles which governed the compilation of the original volume, have been added in the form of a Supplement. Among these will be distinguished some that have not appeared before in any similar publication in this country; and a few that were written expressly for this work, but so long ago, that to some of the contributors, time will probably have chilled, and to one, death has intercepted the acknowledgments it is yet grateful to offer. To preserve the uniformity of the work, it was considered necessary to retain the arrangement; but it is hoped that whatever inconvenience might result from this, will be found to be obviated by the new Indices, that are made to refer to the different portions as a continuous whole. To those who may minutely examine the subjects comprised in this Collection, it may appear that too large a portion of the hymns relate to the paternal mercy of God, to his unchanging love, as the sure reliance of his creatures. The apology for this, if apology be needed, is, that such hymns recommended themselves particularly to the mind of the Compiler; and when aware of the disproportionate prevalence of these views, he was reluctant to exclude what he felt that the experience of every added year of life would probably render less exceptionable to all. It has been no part of the object of the Compiler, in this revision and enlargement of his work, to bring it into competition with the many Collections which have succeeded its first publication. But it was due to those Societies that, for a quarter of a century, have adhered to it, to endeavour to make it more worthy of their continued favour; and to the Society for whose use this Collection was originally intended, the Compiler trusts his present labours may, at least, commend his grateful and affectionate attachment. WATERTOWN, N Y. Oct. 3., 1845. H. D. S. INDEX OF FIRST LINES. ABSURD and vain attempt to bind According to thy gracious word Affliction's faded form draws nigh Again our ears have heard the voice Again our earthly cares we leave Again the Lord of life and light Ah! wretched souls that still remain All nature dies and lives again All nature feels attractive power All-powerful, self-existent God All-seeing God! 'tis thine to know All that in this wide world we see Almighty Father, gracious Lord Almighty God! in humble prayer Almighty God! thy powerful word Almighty God! thy word is cast Almighty, listen while we raise Amidst a world of hopes and fears Amidst the thrilling leaves, thy voice And art thou with us, gracious God And is the Gospel peace and love And will the great, eternal God Another six days' work is done Arise, my soul! extend thy wings As body when the soul has fled As o'er the past my memory strays Behold the grace appears Behold the heavens declare Behold the morning sun Behold the Prince of Peace Blessed are the sons of peace Needham. 144 Peabody. 409 Mrs. Barbauld. 146 Doddridge. 145 Keble. 555 †Exeter Coll. 148 Watts. 152 Watts. 119 Cod. Coll. 509 Houghton. 150 Merrick. 12 tExeter Coll. 151 Watts. 13 Spirit of the Ps. 556 Heber. 557 Blessed day of God, most calm, most bright Calm on the bosom of thy God Come, let us search our ways and try Mrs. Hemans. 411 Watts. 153 Browne. 511 Johns. 512 Watts. 154 Mrs. Barbauld, 156 |