writers concerned (so far as known) are given. The dates added to the names signify, when without brackets, the time at which each hymn is believed to have been first composed or published when within brackets, the date of the edition or copy, from which the text of a hymn (known or believed to have been published at an earlier date, not correctly ascertained) has been taken by the Editor. The text has been verified by collation with the original work of the author, or an authentic copy, in every case, except those specified in the notes at the end of the volume. The notes also show in what cases the text consists of any selected parts or part, less than the whole, of an original work. When a double date is appended to a single name, it signifies that the work, published at the earlier date, was afterwards altered by the author himself, the text of the later date being that adopted. The Editor cannot conclude without returning his thanks to many friends, and to some not personally known to him, for the kind assistance, and offers of assistance, which he has received from them, while this work was in progress. His obligations to some of them will be found specially acknowledged in the notes. He has also to thank the owners of copyrights in many of the more modern hymns, which are included in the volume, for the consent which they have, in all cases when applied to, kindly given to the use of their works. And if, in any instances, he has, either through ignorance of the existence of a copyright, or for want of means of communication, made use of any work, in respect of which a similar permission ought to have been obtained, without actually obtaining it, he ventures to hope that the oversight may be excused, and the same liberality extended to him, as if a request for permission had been previously made. |