Christ, in all his Characters, Offices, and Relations, is precious. In these superior excellencies, this edition is, I hope, equal to any that has yet appeared; and will, with Doctor Watts's Psalms and Hymns, in four books, be sufficient for any church of Christ, in any circumstances, and on all subjects. The subjects in this volume, which are various, are adapted to console the saint and awaken the sinner— are suited equally for the public worship of God, the closet, and the family. And, as singing in families is an uncommon, though necessary part of worship, I embrace this opportunity of presenting to the reader the words of an old writer:-"As the increase or decay of christian piety is generally accompanied with the use or neglect of family worship, so the duty is more or less defective as singing in families is more or less used. If christians would but consider the great necessity and usefulness of this duty, and the decay of religion and piety that attends the neglect of it; and if they had a due regard to their own souls, the good of mankind, and the glory of God, surely they could not make so light of it. I wish that all who make a profession of religion would more seriously consider the happiness that results from it. The closet is a sweet employment, but we should not, by any means, cause family worship and singing to be neglected thereby. Why should we be ashamed to let our neighbours know that we owned and praised God in our families as well as in our churches? The fear of being thought singular appears to be one great cause of this neglect. If those persons would consider how great a Benefactor Almighty God is to them, they would find no reasonable plea for the neglect of it. Let every one consider that the most ready and effectual means to make it universal is, for every family to begin. So let our light shine that others als may glorify our Father which is in heaven. I appea to any religious person, whether they have not beer much affected when (as they occasionally walked the streets) they have heard a family thus employed. The occasion of the Jailor's conversion, was by the sing ing of Paul and Silas; and we know not how many persons may be converted by our practising this dutyand this I may say, that it is a very ready way to discountenance profane songs and to promote religion O that it could be said of us, as it was of the primi tive christians, who, instead of profane songs, used nothing but spiritual and divine hymns; so that, (as St. Jerom relates of the place where he lived,) you could not go into the field, but you might hear the ploughman at his hallelujahs, the mower at his hymns, and the vine dresser singing David's Psalms." I deem it unnecessary to make any apology for taking many of the following hymns from authors who differ in doctrinal sentiments from myself, and the churches with which I am connected. The hymns, themselves, superior in their kind, and on subjects in which all real christians agree, must and will be their own apology. Committing all my imperfect, but well meant labors, to the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, whose honor alone has, I trust, been my motive for engaging in them, and to the candor of the christian church, I remain with unceasing affection, to all that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, their brother and servant, for Jesus' sake. JOHN DOBELL. Poole, Dorset, March 1st, 1806. A TABLE TO FIND ANY HYMN BY THE FIRST LINE, ACCEPT, O Lord our songs of praise A debtor to mercy alone 636 233 Aflicted soul. to Christ draw near 489 Almighty God, while earth and heaven 353 Aloud we sing the wond'rous grace 404 289 And will the Lord thus condescend And art thou with us, gracious Lord Angels, roll the rock away 303 650 417 81 50 Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat 482 Arm of the Lord, awake! awake! 665 A sight of Jesus, with his eyes At anchor laid, remote from home 228 332 155 Behold th' expected time draws near At this unwonted hour, behold Awake, my soul, attune the lyre Awake, sweet gratitude, and sing BACKSLIDERS, who your mis'ry feel Before Jehovah's awful throne Begone, unbelief, my Saviour is near Begone, ye gilded vanities Behold a sinner, dearest Lord Behold the day! th' appointed day-2d part Behold the gift of God Behold the gloomy vale Behold the holy place Behold the mighty Saviour comes Behold what condescending love Beyond the glitt'ring, starry skies Blest Jesus, when my soaring thoughts Bright as the sun's meridian blaze CAN reason comprehend a God 106 519 26 547 94 67 502 238 630 652 287 28 60 253 124 628 326 Come, dearest Lord, and bless this day Come, happy souls, who know the Lord Come, humble sinner, in whose breast DARE we indulge our wrath and strife Day of judgment, day of wonders 382 Dear friends, as you have own'd 552 Dear Jesus, when, when shall it be 351 Dear Lord, my best desires fulfil Dear Lord, and will thy pard'ning loye 96 604 527 Dear Saviour, remember the word |