The Christian Lyre ed. Joshua Leavitt. (1830-31)
Part of the Preface to an edition of 1831* , transcribed from a copy in the Harvard Divinity School Library
[ * Vol.1, 3rd edition 1831 ]
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This work is intended to contain chiefly those popular tunes and simple melodies which are used in social worship, families, social parties of christians, and prayer meetings: and particularly in revivals of religion. We want music here which is easy, yet effective; simple, touching, animating, moving; such as will, by its melody, affect the mind in correspondence with the language; music, in short, which will produce a religious effect, rather than that which is only calculated to please a musical ear. It is well known that there is a great deal of music, of this kind, used in the churches, particularly when the religious affections are highest. But it has chiefly been excluded from musical books and schools, by the fastidiousness of scientific musicians. Such pieces, it is intended to collect and preserve. The want of sugh a work has long been felt by zealous christians all over the country. And the compiler has been led to undertake it, because he saw no prospect that it would be done by any of the multitudes in the church, who are abundantly better qualified than himself.
The Editor feels grateful to many ministers, editors, and other friends, in different parts of the country, and of different christian names, who have encouraged him in his novel undertaking, by an extensive patronage, and by a kind commendation of his humble endeavours. From among the testimonials of approbation which have already been received, the following are selected: -
From Rev.J.W.Alexander, Trenton, N.J.
"I highly approve of the plan and contents, and execution of your little work; it is a jewel which I shall endeavour to introduce among my people."
[ and others not transcribed here ]
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