Manual of Christian psalmody: a collection of psalms and hymns, for public worship

Prefatory Note

An ardent desire to facilitate the praises of God in the Sanctuary prompted me to engage in the preparation of this collection of Psalms and Hymns. Neither my ability in this department of sacred literature, nor the leisure at my command, would enable me to compile so faultless and valuable a manual as seemed requisite for the denomination with which it is my happiness to be connected. Xor have the past efforts of those who have engaged in this service proved so successful, as to leave nothing more to be desired. On the contrary, it is believed that, by a large and increasing portion of our congregations, the compilations now in use, though containing much that is excellent, are, as a whole, rather tolerated than approved. They will of course maintain their place only until a comparison with better specimens shall furnish an opportunity for their abandonment. Under such circumstances, it seemed perfectly allowable to avail ourselves of the assiduous and decidedly successful labors of the compilers of ' Church Psalmody.' This work, recently published, has been received with such commendation as indicates its decided superiority to any other collection in the English language. It was found, on examination, that very few of the hymns were objectionable on account of denominational differences, and none of them more faulty in this respect than those of Dr. Watts; which, by a strange inconsistency, are continued in nearly all the collections which are exclusively used in Baptist churches. In this book, their place has been supplied by hymns of decided excellence, exhibiting the express sentiments of the Scriptures on one of the interesting and solemn ordinances of Christ's appointment. While very many in other denominations are now beginning to obey the precept as illustrated by the example of Christ in baptism, the hope is cherished thai these hymns will be acceptable to them also ; and thus hasten the desirable period, when, among those having "one Lord," and "one Faith," there shall again be seen but "one Baptism." With the above exception, the ' Manual of Christian Psalmody' is substantially the same with the ' Church Psalmody,' a distinct name being used for mutual convenience. The original Preface should therefore be referred to, for ascertaining the general principles on which the work has been compiled. It is believed there will be found, in this instance, a very perfect accordance with what the title indicates — a book for ready and convenient use — various in its subjects, evangelical in sentiment, and at the same time promotive of a pure and elevated taste. To the blessing of God, and the favor of those who join in his praises, it is now humbly commended.

In our opinion, the plan and general execution of this ' Manual of Christian Psalmody' are, pre-eminently, entitled to the favorable regard of the public ; and we trust that the time is not distant, when a book like this will exert its happy influence in all our

Salem, August 10, 1832.

RUFUS BABCOCK, Jun.

Pastor of die First Baptist Cliurch,

Newton Tlteological Institution, August 17, 183*2.

churches.

IRAH CHASE, H. J. RIPLEY.