The Christian psalmist : or, Watt's psalms and hymns ...

Preface

A general idea of the plan of this work will be derived from a mere perusal of the title-page. Watts's version is of course made the basis of the compilation ; and, in revising his Psalms and Hymns, the various readings have been carefully compared with an original English copy, containing his own notes and observations. The book, however, embraces copious selections from other sources, as appears by the authors' names in the body of the wor£. Watts's alone stand without a name ; so tnat they can be easily distinguished from the rest.

Much attention has been bestowed on the arrangement of the Hymns in reference to subjects and occasions ; and in this part of their labor, the Compilers have had constantly in view, the convenience of selection, and the preservation of a pleasing succession of topics to the devotional reader. This two-fold object was not to be gained without study and effort. Its advantages, we trust, will be obvious on the slightest examination.

The great importance of lyrical character has not been overlooked ; but the Compilers have not dared to sacrifice sense to sound, devotional sentiment to the beauties of diction, or unity of design to the special convenience of adaptation. The great interests of devotional edification can be secured, only in proportion as the claims of music and poetry, pious sentiment, and discriminating taste, are properly united.

The musical references are the initials of the technical terms in common use, and the tunes named in connexion with the poetic pieces, are, for the most part, such plain

PREFACE.

and familiar ones, that their character will not easily misunderstood. The advantages of this plan will appear on a perusal of the following article. See also the order of subjects, at the close of the volume.

This work has not been undertaken without mature deliberation; nor has its completion been the offspring of a series of desultory efforts. The work has been several years in a course of preparation ; and the Compilers, providentially located within a few doors of each other, have had every advantage of mutual consultation which the subject required. How they have succeeded in their undertaking must be left to the public decision.