of the old book, and though, perhaps, in the judgment of some, they have not, in every instance, been substituted by hymns of greater merit, yet we can confidently approve this Re vised Copy; and we do, most cordially, recommend it as a greatly improved and standard edition of the Methodist Hymn Book. We congratulate you, brethren, on having now such a Book as, from the number, variety, and adaptation of its hymns, will not require another revision for generations to come. In presenting to you this Standard Hymn Book, we believe that we are putting into your hands one of the choicest selections of evangelical Hymns for Private Devotion, as well as for Family, Social, and Public Worship. We are gratified also to add, that no mercenary ends are sought in this publication; for after the necessary expenses are met, its avails, if any, will be sacredly devoted to charitable and religious objects, as were the profits of the former edition. We urge you, therefore, by your regard for our Church, and for the authority of the General Conference, to purchase only suck Methodist Hymn Books as are published by our Agents, and have the names of your Bishops. We exhort you, dear brethren, to sing with the Spirit, and with the understanding also; and we shall rejoice to join you in time and in eternity. Your affectionate pastors in Christ, New-York, May, 1849. ELIJAH HEDDING, *** After a careful examination by the Editors and Book Committee, the following resolution was unanimously adopted, at a joint meeting in New-York, May 4, 1849 :— Whereas, We believe the Revised Hymn Book, as a whole, will be found, in view of its objects, superior to any other in the English language, therefore Resolved, That in our judgment the thanks of the Church are due to the Committee to Revise the Hymn Book, for their faithful and judicious labours; and especially to the Rev. James Floy, D. D., and to Mr. Robert A. West, upon whom, as a sub-committee, the principal part of the actual labour has devolved. HYMNS. INTRODUCTORY TO WORSHIP. 1 С. М. General Invitation to praise the Redeemer. FOR a thousand tongues, to sing The glories of my God and King, 2 My gracious Master, and my God, To spread, through all the earth abroad, 3 Jesus! the Name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease ; 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tis life, and health, and peace. 4 He breaks the power of cancell'd sin, His blood can make the foulest clean; 5 He speaks, and, list'ning to his voice, New life the dead receive; The mournful, broken hearts rejoice; The humble poor believe. 6 Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, Your loosen'd tongues employ; Ye blind, behold your Saviour come; And leap, ye lame, for joy. 2 S. M. 3 The song of Moses and the Lamb. AWAKE, and sing the song Wake, every heart and every tongue, 3 Ye pilgrims, on the road 5 There shall each raptured tongue The heavenly Guest. С. М. COME, let us who in Christ believe, common Saviour praise: To him, with joyful voices, give 2 He now stands knocking at the door The worst need keep him out no more, Or force him to depart. 3 Through grace we hearken to thy voice, Yield to be saved from sin; In sure and certain hope rejoice, That thou wilt enter in. |