Teach each member of the family singly, till those that sing best know the tune well; and then let all use it together. Use an instrument, unless you have sufficient skill and power in the family to do well without one. In most cases the use of an instrument will be found helpful, to encourage the timid, to support the weak, and to keep together the voices of all. Nor need it be thought to detract from the pure spirituality of the worship, by those who remember the words of the inspired Psalmist: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord." (Ps. 150. 6.) He In conclusion, the Editor has to observe, that as far as was in his power, he has assigned each Hymn to its proper author; a matter extremely difficult in that community of goods, which has prevailed in this department of literature. has exercised no discretion of his own in allotting tunes to the Hymns; but when he met with mention of the tune in any respectable collection, has printed it as he found it, leaving the rest to be filled up, and these to be corrected, by those who have skill in music. And he has also to state his regret, that he could meet with so few hymns expressive of that which is the most appropriate of all subjects for sacred music, not confession, not prayer, but the praise of God. The Psalmist, who in this matter is the most appropriate authority, whilst he declares that he will pray "Evening, and morning, and at noon," (Ps. 55. 17,) has elsewhere thus set forth the duty of praise, "Seven times a day do I praise thee." (Ps. 119. 164.) It is to be wished that those who are gifted with ability to write hymns, would follow some such proportion in the topics of their verse, a proportion for which some excellent reasons, amongst others rather forced and fanciful, are thus pointedly set forth by the amiable author of our Morning, Evening, and Midnight Hymns: PRAYER AND PRAISE. PRAYER in the state of war obtains recruits; When sinners to God's blessing lost their claim; To sacred rapture elevate the mind. Strives only to give God his glory due. Prayer moves within the limits of men's needs, In praise men cannot from their duty stray, pay. Prayer is the language of afflicted hearts, God's glory, with pure aim entire promotes. Which strove Messias from high heaven to draw. When great God Man meridian beams displays. Prayer, penitents with humble sense begin, Reviving the sad memory of sin. Praise, when God's favour on the sinner streams, Returns to God his own reflected beams. Prayer its perfection from high praise assumes, This to the incense gives its odorous fumes. Prayer is like Babel, (where audacious pride In an immense horizon God surveys, (From Poems by Bishop Ken, selected by Combe, London: Hamilton & Co. page 74.) 12mo. SEDGLEY VICArage, A TABLE OF PSALMS Selected from the Selection from the Old and New Version of the Psalms, published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; arranged to suit the usual Church Services throughout the year, and fitted with tunes suitable for Congregational singing. 4. S. a. EPIPHANY .A.M. 1. 119. p. 10. o. v. Devizes Greenhill Harrington 5. S. a. EPIPHANY.A.M. 1. 103. p. 2. n. v. Zion 95. n. v. A.M. 2. 1. n. v. 86. n. v. |