HYMNS FOR CHRISTIAN DEVOTION; ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO THE UNIVERSALIST DENOMINATION. BY J. G. ADAMS AND E. H. CHAPIN. BOSTON: ABEL TOMPKINS. BV 450 .16 1866 PREFACE. IN presenting this work to the public, the compilers would say, that they do not intend it as a rival of any other Hymn Book already in existence; but, if advancement in the light of other good works be allowable, as an improvement on them all. Although evidently designed in one sense for a denomination, they have also intended that it shall answer in some measure the demands of a liberal and progressive Christianity—a Christianity, under whatever name or pretension found, that would diffuse Christ's spirit and do his works of truth and love among men. We have sought to give variety in these Hymns; to have the number ample enough; and while cautious in reference to their literary character, to select those of a devotional tendency, rather than those chiefly commendable for their poetical excellence. We have intended also to pay due respect to the old Hymns so justly familiar with those of every age among our worshippers, while we have not been unmindful of the new claimants of public favor. It will be perceived that there is a greater variety of Hymns on several topics than in most other Hymn Books now in use among us; especially in reference to the philanthropic nature of our religion, and the peculiar indications of this nature in the present age. In the department of the book entitled "Triumph of Christianity," faithfulness in representing this great truth is designed. In all instances where the authorship of a hymn could be ascertained, it has been given. Of a few hymns, however, taken from a copy of the new Cambridge Unitarian Hymn Book, kindly handed us in sheets, it was not known whether they were original or not. They appear in this book, therefore, in company with quite a number of original ones, without any special mark thus to designate them. To the friends who have so kindly aided us, by suggestions or contributions, we return our sincere thanks; and to the Christian public do we now humbly dedicate this work, invoking the blessing of God upon its use, and praying that it may be welcomed by many souls seeking the aids and blessings of Christian devotion. Boston, August 1, 1846. J. G. ADAMS, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, by In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. STEREOTYPED BY GEORGE A. CURTIS, BOSTON. 26 95 GENERAL INDEX OF SUBJECTS. THE CHURCH AND ORDINANCES, DEDICATIONS; ORDINATIONS; INSTALLATIONS, MEETINGS, EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE, Almighty former of creation's plan, Amazing, beauteous change, Amid surrounding gloom and waste, 121 459 139 515 489 874 521 312 502 369 994 487 627 481 357 563 And now, my soul, another year, 895 Angels! roll the rock away,. 235 Another day is past, 950 Another six days' work is done, 58 Approach not the altar with gloom in thy soul, 965 Approach, thou blessed of the Lord, 663 Around Bethesda's healing wave, 221 Arrayed in clouds of golden light, 210 A soldier's course, from battles won, As body when the soul has fled, As o'er the past my memory strays, As showers on meadows newly mown, As the evening shadows gather, As the sweet flower that scents the morn, As when the deluge waves were gone, 773 579 421 549 637 893 340 292 716 428 582 551 968 |