technical phraseology, has never been apparent to my mind; I have therefore constructed my little volume on a plan of universal adaptation, that its benefits may be available to the Cottager and Mechanic, as well as to the Soldier and the Sailor.-I have been generally careful to select chaste poetry, and hope that I have succeeded in my wish to publish only such religious sentiments as will obtain the cordial approbation of the judicious, in every department of our British Zion. Controverted doctrines it has been my uniform aim to avoid; and as my book is not intended for the use of regular churches, (each class of which, whether of the national or dissenting order, has its own peculiar manual) I have altogether omitted the subject of baptism; but for the accommodation of such rural or other congregations as enjoy the occasional administration of the Lord's Supper, I have, under the head CHURCH, added a few hymns suited to the celebration of that sacred rite. Delightful as I deem that part of worship which it is the design of this publication to assist, I am no friend to the practice of singing long hymns, and have therefore studied brevity in those which I have selected: it has consequently been necessary, in many instances, to abridge the compositions even of some of our best authors; but in doing this, it has been my constant endeavour to preserve an entireness of sense. And for the convenience of those congregations, whose instruction is the object of itinerant or occasional preachers, I have (with but one or * Notwithstanding the sentiment I have thus expressed, I have studied the convenience of those who may attach some importance to the selection of hymns adapted to peculiar classes or circumstances, by appending to the Table of Contents, Indexes of such as may be considered exclusively appropriate for worship, in either Naval, Military, or Village congregations. I have, in a similar way, pointed out a few hymns which may be suitably sung during worship in the open air, as well as those which refer more or less to the religious privileges of our Country. two exceptions) admitted those metres alone, which are in common use; well knowing the difficulty not infrequently experienced, in such assemblies, of providing suitable tunes for many peculiar metres which are -published. The copious Scripture Index I have formed, will be deemed, I presume, no unwelcome appendage to this work; and its various subjects, though not presented in the usual alphabetical order, may be found, without difficulty, in a full and minutely arranged Table of Contents. It will be observed, that I have not a knowledge of the names of all the Authors whose labours have contributed to my pages, and I may, in some cases, have erred in the authorities I have given; but I believe such instances are few: and I have occasionally taken the -liberty, it will be seen, of making a verbal alteration in the productions of even the ablest pens. Any information with respect to the authorship of the hymns, or suggestion for improvement in other particulars, I shall be grateful to receive from any quarter, with a view to future correction; for I am quite alive to the conviction that notwithstanding all my endeavours to reach perfection, I have fallen very far short of it.* Those who are conversant with the Collection published by my respected friend, the REV. T. WILLCOCKS, of this town,—a work destined, I think, to be more extensively known, and more highly appreciated in his peculiar denomination, than it now is,—will perceive that I have, * Of the 500 Hymns forming this Collection, (according to my present information on the subject) Watts has furnished 113; Doddridge 46; the Wesley's 47; Steele 36; Beddome 20; Newton 19; Cowper 13; Gibbons 10; Kelly 11; Montgomery, Kirke White, Stennett, and Fawcett, 6 each; Toplady, Haweis, Edmeston, Browne, Voke, and Francis, 4 each; Scott, Needham, Heginbothom, and Swain, 5 each; with one or two from Addison, Heber, Cennick, Logan, Turner, Conder, Mrs. Rowe, and upwards of twenty other authors respectively; and 72 from anonymous sources. in some measure, followed his plan of arrangement, and have borrowed largely from the beautiful compositions which he has selected. I would remark, in conclusion, that I conceive it is the duty of all who themselves possess, even in a moderate degree, the advantages of literary, or moral, or religious attainments, to unite in their endeavours to enlighten and elevate the minds of their less favoured fellow men, whether of the Naval, Military, or Civil walk of life. And it is with a view to contribute my feeble aid towards effecting this desirable object, and hastening that glorious era, in which, to use the language of Scripture prophecy, "wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of our times," that I send this volume of Hymns into the world. I must, however, in justice to myself, aver, that I am perfectly uninfluenced by any motive of hostility to similar publications which are already extant; and though I do conceive that some of my predecessors have left me ample room to improve on their attempts, it belongs to an enlightened public, rather than to myself, to assign to my book its proper grade in the scale of comparative adaptation and excellence. I now consecrate the NAVAL, MILITARY, AND VILLAGE HYMN BOOK to the service of my God and Saviour, humbly commending it to His blessing, and sincerely praying that it may conduce to His glory, by promoting the spiritual benefit of every class of society throughout the British empire. Ker-Street, Devonport, May 1st, 1832. R. WEYMOUTH. PROMISES. The First Promise-Promise to the Humble-Of Its Nature and Importance-God heareth-Unut- FOR VARIOUS BLESSINGS. (Alphabetically arranged.) The Divine Presence-Faith-Grace-Guidance- Humility-Love and Unity-Pardon-Patience -Repentance-Resignation-Simplicity-Sup- port in Trouble-Zeal-For Spiritual, rather than FOR THE CHURCH. Her Protection, Prosperity, Revival, and Safety when Dangers threaten 265-270 FOR THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST. The Spread of the Gospel-Extension of the Redeemer's Conquests Adherence to Christ-Confession-Confidence- Contentment-Conflict-Courage - Dedication Surrender-Tempe- rance- -Trust-Walking with God-Warfare- ....... 326-396 UNIVERSAL. Described-God's Dwelling-place- Her Safety and Protection-Refreshed from the River of God- Prayer heard for Zion-Her future Peace and Joy-Dawn; and Coming of the PARTICULAR SOCIETIES. Opening a Place of Wor- ship-Invitation to join a Church-Joy over Converts-Excellency of Gospel Worship and Order-Provisions of God's House-Christ's care .... ...... THE LORD'S SUPPER. Its Institution-Preparation |