The General Conference of 1889 ordered the publication of a hymnal
that should be fully adapted to the needs of our church. In compliance
with these instructions, the publishing agent, Rev. W.J. Shuey, arranged
for its issue. Rev. E.S. Lorenz, well and favorably known throughout the
Church, was asked to edit it, and, with the assistance of a thoroughly
competent committee, has accomplished his task. I have carefully examined
it in every part, and cannot see where any improvement can be made. It
is pre-eminently a United Brethren Hymn-Book, providing as it does for
every phase of our characteristic church life. It combines the solidity
and stateliness of the standard hymns of the ages, with the life and
sprightliness of the modern gospel song. The most recent songs are here
for the young people, while the older members of the Church will hail
with delight the reappearance of old songs dear to the hearts of many
of us, because they are precious and good, and because our mothers
sang them. Meeting every need of the public service, revival and social
meetings, the Sunday-school, and the family, I can most cheerfully
recommend this collection of hymns to our people, and trust that it
will speedily be permitted to bring its help and blessing into every
United Brethren church in our broad land, and beyond the seas, and that
it will prove one of the many tender ties that unite our widely scattered
members.
A. WEAVER,
_Senior Bishop._
DAYTON, OHIO, April 9, 1890.