ΤΟ HYMNS FOR THE NEW CHURCH. Compiled by order of the General Conference. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, PREFACE. NEARLY half a century has elapsed since the compilation of the Conference Hymn Book, which the following collection is designed to supplement. During that period changes of taste have occurred, and many truly beautiful hymns have been written. Both circumstances united in rendering it desirable that some additions should be made to the hymns now in use among New Church Societies, so that their "service of song" might thereby be diversified and enriched. The differences of doctrinal belief among various hymn-writers, of whose compositions the Conference Committee have ventured to avail themselves, have necessitated the occasional alteration of phrases, lines, and even verses. This liberty has been taken with regret; but the Committee would have still more deeply regretted the introduction of anything that could not have been sung with the full assent of the mind, as well as with the entire approval of the heart, of those who worship the Lord Jesus Christ as the One Only God and Saviour. The Committee cannot hope that they have succeeded in introducing into the Supplement all the hymns which may be deservedly dear to many, who, however, may still welcome the little book, which, the Committee trust, may conduce to genuine devotion, and prove a help in praise and prayer. MANCHESTER, 1872. |