Transcription of the Title Page and Preface, from a copy in the Congregational Library, London. There is a hand-written note on first fly-leaf -
- See the Collection by Henry
- Foster Burder D D Son of this
- George Burder of Coventry
- in which Collection appear
- a few hymns by S M Burder
- Daughter of George Burder
[ Title page ]
The Collection of Spiritual Songs which now solicits the patronage of the public, is not intended to supersede the use of Dr. Watts's Hymns, and Imitation of the Psalms, but to serve as a Supplement to them : The praise of those incomparable works, has long been great in the British Churches, and will probably continue so to be, while any relish for evangelical truth, or experimental religion, remains.
Indeed, a considerable part of them must have become useless, not to say obnoxious, in those Congregations where the new scheme has been adopted, or Arian and Socinian Heresies imbibed. For the doctrines of MAN's APOSTACY FROM GOD -- THE ATONEMENT AND RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST -- THE PROPER DIVINITY OF OUR SAVIOUR, and THE WORK OF JEHOVAH THE SPIRIT, are uniformly maintained in them ; though disdained and exploded by a set of men in this day, who arrogantly assume the title of rational Dissenters.
But the persons for whose use this collection is formed, are content with the old religion - the religion of the Reformation - the religion of the Bible. They look upon the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, not as matters of speculation merely, but as essential to faith, comfort and holiness. They consider the praise of Christ, their atoning sacrifice, and their redeeming God, as a grand and delightful part of religious worship, in their present militant state ; and what they hope will be their eternal employment in the heavenly world.
Since the death of Dr. Watts, several eminent and pious authors, animated by his example and success, have contributed to enlarge and enrich our fund of sacred poetry : among these, are the respectable names of Doddridge , Newton , Hart , Wesleys , Cowper , Toplady , and Cennick . From their publications, chiefly, the following hymns are selected. Some are taken from anonymous writers, and a few were never printed before. The initial letter of the author's name, when known) is affixed to each hymn, except where the Editor has taken the liberty of making such alterations as affected the sense.
To enjoy the labours of such excellent writers -- to introduce a larger variety of musical measures and tunes -- to do this at a small expense -- and without laying aside Dr. Watts ; were motives for compiling this volume, and publishing it as a Supplement.
May He, who inspires, hears, and accepts the praises of Zion, smile on the attempt, and make it useful to serious Christians of all denominations.
[ The book contains CLXXXVII hymns, grouped under (many) subject headings; the metre indicated by name at head of each hymn; A Contents list is included, in the form of an Index to the subject headings.]
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The approbation with which the religious Public has favoured this Collection, is sufficiently evident from the numerous editions which have been called for. This has encouraged the Editor to render the present Edition superior, in all respects, to any of the former ; particularly by the Addition of nearly Fifty Hymns, most of which are intended to celebrate the praises of the Saviour for his dying love.
G.B.
The Eighteenth Edition
(circa 1820)
RECEIVES a further improvement, by the introduction of a number of Hymns, adapted to public meetings on behalf of Missionary Societies and Sunday Schools.
G.B.
The Twenty-fifth Edition.
(1827)
FORTY-THREE years have elapsed since the First Edition of this little volume was presented to the Public. Since which, several additions have been made to the original number, -- particularly to the ninth and eighteenth impressions. A further addition is now made, in which are included some admirable verses from Mr. Montgomery , taken, by permission, from his "Christian Psalmist," with others from Bishop Heber, and Mr Conder, &c.
Another improvement has been made. The initial letter of the Author's name (when known) was formerly annexed to each of the hymns ; but the names are now placed, at length, where they will not, as before, attract the attention of the worshipper, when engaged in the service of God.
The Editor hopes he may now safely conclude that the wish he expressed in 1784, has been graciously fulfilled. -- May He, who inspires and accepts the praises of Zion, smile on the attempt, and make it useful to serious Christians of all denominations.
Hackney, March 20, 1827
[ This edition contained 294 hymns; an Author's Index by Hymn Number; a Subject Index (as before); and an Index of (Biblical) Texts Illustrated.
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(The Rejoice & Sing Enchiridion:edited by David Goodall; last amended 10/1/04)