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lation, which I consider as essentially erroneous in doctrine, and therefore calculated to corrupt the minds of some who use them, especially of young christians. And 3dly, To furnish those who choose to make use of them, with a greater variety and more correct edition of what are called Spiritual Songs, than they now possess. This kind of composition has, for several years past, been greatly abused-Songs have been circulated, not only in MS. but also in print, which have been so barbarous in language, so unequal in numbers, and so defective in rhyme, as to excite disgust in all persons even of tolerable understanding in these things; and what is infinitely worse, so extremely unsound in doctrine, that no discerning christian can sing or hear them without pain. Many of them, notwithstanding, contain valuable ideas; and such I have laboured to render acceptable. I still see in them many imperfections; and persons of better taste and discernment must necessarily see in them many more; however, I have learned, and all who make the attempt will learn, that, easy as it may be discover faults in pdetic composition, it is very diffie for a man, not born a poet, to correct them.

In selecting materials for this work, no respect has heen had to the religious defemination of authors: Hymns or Songs that were thought to be good, wherever found, were taken.

As it is expected that this book will have its chief circulation wirere Dr. Watts Psalms and Hymns are in common use, there are but very few taken from that excellent book; and yet for the benefit of such as do not possess Watts, and especially for the use of travelling ministers, to whom it would be inconvenient to carry both, a few choice ones from that book are inserted in this. The books of Newton and Hart, also Watts's Lyric Poems, and the Songs in the Night, have considerably enriched this volume. As a proof of the high esteem in which I hold Dr. Rippon's selection of hymns, I have selected about one half of the same. Some of them, to be sure, are slightly altered. Many are taken from other collections, either as I found them, or with alterations. A considerable number, especially in the second part, are either such as I found in writing in different places, and among different societies, or such as have been sent to me in letters, and which were never before in print. Some of them in deed have undergone such alterations, as that little more than the general idea remains. I do myself make

pretensions to poetic talent; nevertheless, at dif

ferent times, since I profess to have known the Lord, I have been led to compose hymns: of these a few will appear in this book; and that no other person may be charged with their blemishes, they are distinguished by the letter P, as the others are by the names of their respective authors when known-when the authors are unknown, the books are mentioned from which the hymns or songs are taken.

The book is divided into two parts: the first containing what are called the Hymns, the second what are called the Spiritual Songs. In this general division, I have been governed partly by the metre, and partly by the tunes usually sung to those of the second part: but principally by the denomination under which they commonly pass among us. The first part contains 420 hymns, and is especially designed for the use of con gregations, in the same manner in which Dr. Rippon's book is used; that is, as an Appendix to Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns. The second part contains 150 Spiritual Songs; some of which may be used in common with those of the former part, but which are chiefly designed for the use of Society meetings and other circles of religious friends.

To this kind of singing I am aware that many se rious persons object; however it is hoped that they bear with those to whom it has often been made a means of great refreshment, and the rather so, because it appears to have been owned, in many instances, as the means of bringing careless sinners to think seriously of eternal things.

As in Dr. Rippon's book, so in this, both the hymns and songs are arranged under particular heads, and the number of each made to agree with the number of the page on which it stands; which must greatly facilitate the finding either of any particular one sought for, or of one suited to any particular subject or occasion.

Should the sales of this work produce any surplus of money, after defraying the expense of printing, distribution, &c. it shall be scrupulously applied to the interests of Sion. And should the book be rend red at all useful, either to the dear people I statedly serve, and for whose use it is primarily designed, or to any other church or individual, my Lord and Master shall have all the praise.

New-York, 1809.

W. P.

ADVERTISEMENT.

IN presenting to the Public a second Edition of this Selection, an opportunity has been offered to the Author of correcting the typographical errors which occur in the first; also of improving the composition of several of the pieces, especially in the second part.

By printing this Edition in a smaller type, all the matter of the former is comprised in a book convenient for the pocket; which has frequently been called for, and which will be an accommodation to travelling ministers, and to all persons who may choose to take it with them to Society meetings, on journeys, &c. Moreover, as the alterations, at least in the Hymns, are not very material, consisting chiefly in the substitution of here and there a different word, and as both the numbers and pages will exactly agree with those of the former edition, it will probably be preferred by many young persons for use in public worship.

ADVERTISEMENT.

IN presenting to the Public a second Edition of this
Selection, an opportunity has been offered to the Au-
thor of correcting the typographical errors which oc-
cur in the first; also of improving the composition of
several of the pieces, especially in the second part.

By printing this Edition in a smaller type, all the
matter of the former is comprised in a book convenient
for the pocket; which has frequently been called for,
and which will be an accommodation to travelling
ministers, and to all persons who may choose to take it
with them to Society meetings, on journeys, &c. More-
over, as the alterations, at least in the Hymns, are not
very material, consisting chiefly in the substitution of
here and there a different word, and as both the num-
bers and pages will exactly agree with those of the for-
mer edition, it will probably be preferred by many
young persons for use in public worship.

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