THE following collection of HYMNS has been selected and revised for the use of a christian congregation. And the editor submits it to them, hoping that the selection will be generally approved, and that the revision will have rendered it still more acceptable. Alterations have been made almost in every hymn; if, therefore, any inaccuracy or impropriety should be observed in any of them, the original composition may, nevertheless, be clear of every imputation of either.
It has been said of devotional poetry, that "the paucity of its topics enforces perpetual repeti❝tion, and the sanctity of the matter rejects the ❝ornaments of figurative diction." This observation is both just and important; and it is recommended to the attention of every reader of
devotional poetry, as being calculated to prepare him rightly to judge of, and to appreciate, the correctness and the taste of such compositions.
It may not be wholly unnecessary to add, that the editor has endeavoured to avoid in these hymns, more immediately designed for social use, all mysterious and all equivocal expressions, conceiving that plainness and simplicity of language would best promote religious truth, and, consequently, best edify the human heart.
THE FIRST LINES OF EACH HYMN,
ABSURD and vain attempt! to bind-Scott
Again the Lord of life and light-Mrs. Barbauld
All mortal joys how foon they fade!-Doddridge
All-feeing God! 'tis thine to know-Scott
Almighty God! thy pow'rful word-Browne
Almighty God! we all depend-Browne
Art thou not with us, gracious Lord-Doddridge
As various as the moon- -Scott
Author of good, we reft on thee-Merrick
Awake! my foul ! lift up thine eyes-Mrs. Barb.
Awake! my foul! roufe ev'ry pow'r
Behold! the prince of peace!-Doddridge
Befet with fnares on ev'ry hand-Doddridge
Blefs'd are the undefil'd in heart-Watts
Can creatures, to perfection, find-Watts
Come! faid Jesus' facred voice-Mrs. Barbauld
Dear is the mem'ry of thy love-Watts
Eternal God! almighty cause-Browne
Eternal fource of ev'ry joy!-Doddridge
Far from thy fervants, gracious God!-Doddridge 138
Father divine! thy piercing eye-Doddridge
Father of all! omnifcient mind!-Blacklock
Father of men! thy care we bless,-Doddridge
Father of men! who can complain
Give thanks to God; he reigns above ;-Watts
Give to our God immortal praife ;-Watts
God of eternity! from thee-Doddridge.
God of my childhood, and my youth,-Watts
God of the morning! at whofe voice-Watts
God of the fabbath! hear my vows,-Doddridge
God! our kind mafter, merciful as juft,→Barb.
God! our fupport and only hope,-Watts
God, who, in various methods, told-Watts
God, who is juft and kind,-Patrick
Great firft of beings! mighty Lord-Browne
Great framer of unnumber'd worlds,-G, Dyer
Great God! how endless is thy love!-Watts
Great God! how infinite art thou!-Watts
Great God how wondrous are thy ways!
Great God! in vain man's narrow view-Kippis 35
Great God! the heav'n's well-order'd frame-Watts 25
Great God! thy glories fhall employ-Watts
Great God! to thee, our grateful tongues-Flexman 33
Great God! our joyful thanks to thee-Watts
Great God! we jointly wish to fing-Watts
Great God! we fing that mighty hand,-Doddridge 144
Great Lord of earth, and seas, and fkies!-Browne 10
Great ruler of the earth and fkies!-Mrs. Steele
Greateft of beings, fource of life,-G. Dyer..
Hail, king fupreme! all wife and good!
Hail, fource of pleasures ever new!-Blacklock
Happy the man, and he alone,-Mrs. Steele
Hard and unfeeling is his heart,-Jervis
Hark, the glad tidings! Jefus comes- -Doddr.
Hear what the voice from heav'n proclaims-Watts 87
High in the heav'ns, eternal God !—Watts
How are thy fervants bleft, O Lord!-Addifon 55
How bleft the facred tie that binds,-Mrs, Barb. 139
How pleasant, how divinely fair,-Watts
123
How shall the young, O Lord! their hearts-Watts 73
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