The gospel psalmist : a collection of hymns and tunes, for public, social and private devotion, especially designed for the Universalist denomination

Front matter

tmmz^M

BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO

THE LIBRARY OF

Introduction

THE HYMNS.

A work like the one here given to the Christian public seemed justifiable on the part of the publisher. As Congregational Singing had been coming into practice in other Christian churches, there was a call for it in our own. And as none of our Hymn-Books now in usecould be made to answer to this call, except through a complete re-construction of them, it was deemed advisable to prepare this collection.

The compiler has sought in this work to select such hymns as were expressive of thanksgiving and praise to God, and of the spiritual wants of his children, and thus suited to the devotional offerings of the Christian sanctuary. The book contains hymns old and new to most of our congregations. Some of the old could not well be spared from any Christian collection. The hymns of Watts, the Wesleys, Doddridge, Cowper, Mrs. Steele, Montgomery, Bowring, and others, are among the most acceptable of these ; and without them we should hardly deem a book of Christian psalmody complete. Some of the best hymns of these popular authors are in this collection. Here are, also, hymns of a much earlier date than any of those by the authors just mentioned, — handed down to us from Catholic and Protestant churches of olden time, and breathing a devotional spirit as pure and fervent as any with which the churches have ever been blest. Hymns from German authors, which have never yet been generally used in our American congregations, and which are among the grandest in any language, are embodied in this work. Hymns applicable to the special reformatory manifestations of Christianity at the present time, have also been specially regarded.

In the selection of these hymns due attention has been given to their agreement with the great truths of the Paternity of God in the government of mankind, and the restoration of all souls to holiness and happiness through Jesus Christ his Son. Although our book contains many hymns which can be sung in heart-unison by all Christian sects, yet throughout the collection it is intended that this grand and essential truth of the gospel shall be conspicuous — a truth toward which, we believe, the whole Christian church is gradually but surely tending — that '* God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself."

It has been our intention, moreover, in this work, to represent our denominational authorship as we have been able to avail ourselves of it within the compass of our diligent inquiries.

In reference to the hymns for Funeral occasions in this book, we would say, that we have sought to avoid the expression of that idea now most generally discarded in the churches, that this material body of man shall be raised again and immortalized. We have ventured to change forms of expression in some of these hymns, which may not seem warrantable to all who see them. But we have had the approval of a good conscience, in the alterations, and have followed some very notable examples in presuming to make them.

That this compilation will give satisfaction to all who may examine it, is not among the expectations of the compiler. Some little experience in hymnology has revealed to him the fact that tastes respecting hymns may widely differ. A valuable collection recently published in England, numbering between eleven and twelve hundred hymns, was submitted to fifteen

4 INTRODUCTION.

clerical critics, each being requested to erase the hymns which in his judgment should be omitted. Less than one hundred hymns passed through all their hands approved. Other similar instances might be mentioned, evincing this variety of taste. The compiler of the "Plymouth Collection " (Rev. H. "W. Beecher) has truly said, " Scarcely any two ministers would agree in the selection of hymns. A collection should be made so large and various that every one may find in it that which he needs. Neither should one complain of the number of hymns useless to him. They are not useless to others. A generously-spread table is not at fault because in the profusion, each guest cannot use everything ." While the compiler of this collection has consulted, as far as practicable, the judgments of those in whose wisdom and taste he had great confidence, he has at the same time been obliged to make his own decision as to the character of the hymns. He trusts that this decision will meet the approval of a candid Christian public.

In the prosecution of this work — a part of the time while passing through severe domestic affliction — the compiler has been aided in such encouragements, suggestions and contributions of friends, as have given him confidence and strength. He takes this occasion to express to these friends his warmest thanks.

For the accommodation of churches desiring to use this book, one form of it is issued with the tunes, and the other without them ; the hymns in both books being alike, and numbered the same.

That "the Gospel Psalmist " may prove an acceptable companion and effective helper to many souls seeking the enjoyment of God the Father in the spiritual life of the Son, is the prayer of the Christian public's humble servant,

JOHN G. ADAMS.

Providence, R. I., May, 1861.

THE TUNES.

Of the Tunes in this Collection, the undersigned would say, that the greater number of them are adapted to Congregational Singing. They are tunes well known and acceptable to most singers in all our Christian congregations. There are other tunes adapted to the Choir or Quartette, and most of them are well suited to social or family devotion. The "Psalmist" is intended as a Singing Book for all who would make proficiency in the science of 6acred music.

If the Tune set to the Hymn may not suit the taste of the leader of the choir or congregation, he may choose some other.

The compiler of the Tunes cannot consent to offer this work to the public, without an expression of his thanks to the friends who have kindly granted him their aid ; especially to those who have supplied him with original tunes ; to Mr. B. F. Baker, for the free use of any of his times and arrangements, many of which are highly valuable ; to Mr. Leonard Marshall, for his generous permission to use much of his music ; to Messrs. Oliver Ditson & Co., Messrs. Chase, Nichol8,and Hill, for like favors ; and also to Mr. Charles Henderson, for his timely advice and

assistance.

S. B. BALL.

Boston, Mass., May, 1861.

GENERAL INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

TAG©

His Life 10G

Sufferings and Death • 110

Confidence and Joy t 200

Dedications ; Ordinations ; Installations 268

Associations ; Conventions ; Missionary Meetings 276

National Hymns 31g

Hymns for Seamen 332

Closing Hymns and Doxologies o^g

PARTICULAR INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

The figures designate the Hymns.

A call, and answer, 294, 850.

to action, 422.

to Christ, 339.

to duty, 396.

Acceptable offerings, 2.

Acknowledgment,

of God in national blessings, 875. " " " the seasons, 886, 887, 899.

of love, divine, 362.

of mercies, 340.

Admission, knocking for, 295. Adoration, and praise, 22. Affection, domestic, 634. Affliction, divine origin of, 702. Aid, divine, implored at sea, 930.

" in national distress, 910.

" in unbelief, 447.

mutual, 589, 594.

All from God, 10, 11.

Anniversary, 751.

national, 883.

of an orphan asylum, 791. Aspirations, for heavenly things, 390.

Sabbath, 41.

Associations, close of, 760. Assurance of divine favor, 386.

of heaven, triumph in, 713.

B.

into Christ, 580.

of a household, 553.

Believek, the dying, 6S8.

spiritual voyage of, 927. Blessing implored, 966.

820.

Children, called to imitate Christ, 837.

looking to Jesus, 840.

praver for, 858.

teaching, 838.

Christ, all fulness in, 502. * and the believer, 525.

" " Sabbath, 43.

Christ, at the pool of Bethesda, 175. bearing the cross, 197. by poverty made rich, 182. condemned, 188. consecration to, 320. crucified, 189, 194. glories of, 239.

God's love in, 170. going to Jerusalem, 176. his advent, 161, 162, 165, 166.

" ascension, 207.

" " the ground of ours, 254.

" banner, flocking to, 863.

u baptism, 172.

" beauty, 243.

" blessings, 160.

" character, 249.

" coming and kingdom, 167.

" compassion, 552.

" entry into Jerusalem, 185.

" exaltation, 208, 209.

" example of love, 238.

" " in suffering, 248.

" excellency, 290, 291.

" invitation, 297.

" love for Lazarus, 183.

" nativity, 163.

" nearness, 310.

" passion, 187.

" redemption completed, 216.

" reign of blessedness, 271.

" " blessings of, 261, 263.

" " predicted glory of, 289.

" self-sacrifice, 191.

" submission, 186.

" teachings, 180.

" temptation, 177.

" worthiness. 212. hosannas to, 184. in life and death, 356. living to, 352. looking to, 457. one in, 569, 571. our comforter, 247.

m example, 226.

PARTICULAR INDEX OP SUBJECTS.

Chbist, our leader, 541.

" pattern, 225.

" strength, 405 " support in temptation, 407. rejoicing in, 520. remembered, 542, 551, 557, 558. the branch, 218.

" bread of life, 242, 543.

u cornerstone, 219.

" day-spring, 159.

u door, 236.

" fountain, 234.

" high priest, 230, 231.

" holy guest, 178.

*' image of God, 217.

" king of saints, 237.

" lord of all, 232.

" prophet, priest and king, 275.

" redeemer liveth, 202, 203, 227.

" true church of, 597.

" true light, 171.

" witness of his works, 193.

" world's restorer, 252. walking on the sea, 173.

Christian, armor, 350. brother's burial, 687. brotherhood enjoyed. 829.

calmness, 929. charity, 782. effort for good, 803. farewell, 960. fellowship, 381, 605. festival, 949, 950. graces, 380. hope, 596, 715.

" and action, 801 independence, 382. near death, prayer for a, 945. obedience, 540, 577. profession, 548. progress and reform, 817. race, 346. readiness, 421. reformer encouraged, 816. reliance, 518, 519. rest, 363. retirement, 434. standing-place, 777. teachers, prayer for, 762. Christianity, 269, 790.

Christmas hymns, 164, 168, 169. Church, attachment to, 574. below and above, 566. glory of the, 545. increase of the, 559, 565. receiving members, 550. recognition of, 53b. strength of the, 538, 567. triumphant, hymn of the, 262. Communion, 546, 568, 570, 578, 581. with God and Christ, 573.

Closing hymns, 957, 959, 964, 970, 971. Conference hymns, 5SS, 5'Jl, 593, 603. Confession of sin, 338.

Consolation, in mourning, 711.

source of, 530.

joy in, 333.

Cornerstone of church laid, 731. Creation, and providence, 125.

voice of, 115.

Cross, before the, 537.

celebrating the, 278.

consecration to, 547.

glorying in, 539-

welcome the, 506.

D.

Darkness of providence, 944. Day, a christian's, 629.

the latter, 257.

work of the, 620.

Dead, the, are ours, 710. Death, and immortality, 652.

the happy, 719.

made easy through Christ's presence, 705.

of aged christian, 692.

of a female, a pious young, 689. * scholar, S70.

of an infant, 660.

of a magistrate, 943.

of a minister, 675, 698.

of parents, 662.

of the righteous, 658, 680, 691.

of a scholar, 846, 852.

of a teacher, 845.

of the youug;, 670-672.

support in, implored, 533. Dedication of a cemetery, 955.

of an organ, 951.

of a schoolhouse, 939, 940.

of a town hall, 954.

Devout, blessedness of the, 626. Devotion to Christ, 321.

habitual, 354 Dismission, 958, 961.

Divine, guardian, 931.

guidance implored, 384, 473, 491.

life, prayer for, 316, 429.

light implored, 612.

light, power of, 74.

mercies, through life, 101. Doxologies and closing hymns, 972-996.

E.

Easter, hymns for, 213.

Exhortation to the young, 833.

F.

Faith, dead without works, 397. excellence of, 344.

PARTICULAR INDEX OP SUBJECTS.

Faith, joy and peace in, 342. prayer for, 359, 360. in the redeemer's sacrifice, 313. triumphant over sorrow, 714. Fathers our, faith of, 872.

•' God of, 873, 874.

" heritage, 876.

" pilgrim, 878.

" providential mercies to, 884. " remembered, 881.

Female friendly society, 952. Fire, on occasion of a destructive, 942. Forgiveness, and mercy, 807.

implored, 317.

Freedom, advancing, 827.

meeting fourth of July, 799. Fruits, known by their, 379. Funeral chant, 657.

G.

God, abiding in, 417. a faithful, 56, 107. a holy, 104. and man, 697-699. confidence in, 554. daily life in, 453, 475. dependence on, 468. eternal and unchangable, 84, 532. forever and ever, 76. his blessing the highest good, 378. his care, constant, 614.

" " guardian, 639.

" glory, brightness of, 221.

" goodness, and truth, 67.

in his works, 130, 138

" " unfailing, 717.

" u universal, 128.

" grace, healthful spirit of, 28.

" greatness, 78. hidden and manifest, 376. hope and glory of, 424. his indwelling desired, 402.

" kingdom on earth, 256.

" mercies in the gospel, 264.

" offspring, liberty of, 285.

" presence, constant, 401.

w " in light and darkness, 510.

" " in nature, 123.

" promises, 268.

" providence, all-embracing, 93, 98, 108.

" " mysteries of, 513.

" still small voice, 455.

" word, for youth, 836.

" " perfection of, 153.

" " prayer for spirit of, 158.

" " recounted to posterity, 832. house of, 42. delight in 80. incomprehensible, 83. in his works and word, 119. is love, 21, 97, 135. learning of, 437. living to, 408.

God, nearness to, 111, 590.

of salvation, 281.

omniscient, 85.

our benefactor, 105.

" father, 848, 877.

" hope in, 665.

" protector and guide, 99. " shepherd, 403.

" sufficiency of, 431.

" supporter, 523.

overall, 103.

perfect, 88.

serving, 323.

the earth full of, 127.

the indwelling, 967.

the light from above, 90.

the peace of, 49.

the soul's constant need, 441.

the source of all, 137.

" " life, 91.

thirsting for, 474.

truth and goodness of, 92.

walking with, 451.

Avith the lowly, 450.

Gone before, 706.

Gospel, banner, 768.

efficacy, 274.

feast, 258.

fountain of living waters, 298.

freedom, 778.

influence, 270.

light, 765.

order, 575.

proclamation, 307.

record, 152.

triumph of, 288.

work of the, 284.

Grace, 272.

abounding over sin, 259.

breathings of, 312.

covenant of, 318.

implored in trial, 493, 494.

of God, unfailing power of, 722.

teacher's prayer for, 843.

triumphant, 277.

H.

Hallelujah universal, 767. Harvest, 889, 890.

HEART-offering, 477.

prayer of the, 483.

the weary in, 686.

Heaven, 666.

attractions of, 708.

children in, 695.

everywhere, 466.

glories of, 693.

longing for, 724, 725.

the true rest, 723.

vision of, 716.

PARTICULAR INDEX OF SUBJECTS.

Heaven, who shall enjoy it, 392. Heavenly, home, the, 712.

joy on earth, 606.

life here, 374.

How to live and die, 192. Humanity, its cause hopeful, 265. Humiliation, public, 909,914. Humility, 406.

Hymn for rural gathering, 141.

to the Deity, 82, 113.