As the employment of heaven will yield an infinite diversity-for the theme is infinite-so it is a laudable desire, while we are travelling towards the superior mansions to attain a variety in our songs of praise on earth. I freely confess that no part of public worship has more frequently elevated my mind above earth, than that of singing. And to your honour, my Christian Friends, I speak it in few Churches is that part of devotion performed with more propriety and excellence. And many of you are living evidences of its utility in the hands of the Spirit of God, of bringing you first within the sound of salvation, and afterwards of elevating your souls to God: others now uniting their voices with the angelic choir, have left their honorable testimony to this truth. With these views this collection of sacred Poems, which originated from your repeated solicitations, now makes its appearance, containing a considerable number of original compositions, which are now for the first time presented to the public from the press. Permitme to express a wish that you would suffer a different mode of reading and singing from that which prevails. It would be peculiarly desirable, that the whole verse should be read at once: and the tune continued through it, without interruption. This would prevent that confusion of sense, and that violation of harmony, which frequently occur, where two lines only are read at a time. The inconvenience of this method, would speedily vanish, and its propriety force conviction on every reflecting mind. I present to you this humble effort with that warm affection, which I have long felt, and shall continue to feel, as long as my heart is susceptible of the endearments of christian friendship: a friendship begun on earth, cemented by a thousand expressions of attention, and perfected in that better, purer world, where I anticipate the pleasure of joining you in nobler praises. I remain, Christian Brethren and Friends, your affectionate Servant in the Gospel of Christ, HERBERT MENDS. Plymouth, September, 1801. Angels, roll the rock away 44 164 176 190 208 223 236 224 Angels, attend your Sov'reign slain B. Blow ye the trumpet, blow - - By faith in Christ, I walk with God Beside the gospel pool Behold a stranger at the door Beyond the glittering starry sky C. Come ye sinners poor and wretched D. Dear refuge of my weary soul E. 37 - 58 - 121 189 - 228 53 167 202 219 225 240 Earth has detain'd me a prisoner long |