This Hymn Book is the result of an agreement between Alexander
Campbell—the former proprietor of the Christian Hymn Book—and the
Christian brotherhood at large, as represented in the American
Christian Missionary Society. At the annual meeting of the Society, in
1864, an overture was made by Mr. Campbell, of the copy-right of the
Christian Hymn Book, to be held by certain brethren, in trust, on two
conditions: 1. That a committee be mutually agreed on by himself and
the Society, to revise and enlarge the book, so as to meet the general
wishes of the brotherhood of Disciples; 2. That the profits arising
from the sale of the book be given to the A. C. M. S. This overture was
accepted, and the Committee of Revision was immediately appointed. That
Committee, having fulfilled their task, now present the fruit of their
labors to the public.
It will be seen that, while the former book was made the basis of this,
the work of revision and enlargement has been made as thorough as
possible. Still, comparatively few hymns have been expunged. After
making as complete an exploration as our time would allow, of the
realms of Christian Hymnology, we were more than ever convinced of the
value of the labor, judgment, and taste, displayed in the compilation
of the book we have so long used and cherished. We have met with no
book of equal size, that possesses equal merit. The principal changes
we have made, are:
1.—A new classification of subjects—increasing the facility of
reference to hymns on the various subjects of song.
2.—An unbroken series of numbers to the hymns, which, while it
necessitates the abolition of the formal distinction between Psalms,
Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, enables us to avoid the confusion that
constantly grew out of the three series of numbers, which the former
classification required.
3.—The numbering of the stanzas of every hymn, for easy reference, when
any stanza is omitted in singing.
4.—An arrangement of _meters_, under every heading.
5.—A greatly enlarged number and variety of hymns, suited to the
diversified wants of personal, social, and public devotion.
We take pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness to numerous
brethren, for counsel and assistance; especially to Elder William
Baxter, whose collected material and original contributions have been
cheerfully placed at our disposal.
While we have admitted a few original hymns, prepared expressly for
this work, the additions have been made mostly from the old authors, or
from the new resources furnished by the living authors of our own and
other lands. It is believed that the work is brought fully up to the
resources and demands of the present time.
Knowing that in Christian families, the Hymn Book is generally the most
popular book of sacred poetry, and, not seldom, the sole resource of
the family in that department, we have felt the importance of a large
variety of the choicest lyrical productions that our language affords.
We have done what our time and means would allow, toward this end. We
hope that it may minister to the comfort, strength, and purity of the
Church of God; throw over many a hearth-stone, and many a weary
pilgrim-path, the sweet radiance of heavenly song; and give fresh
encouragement to the cultivation of all pious sentiments and emotions,
alike in the closet, the family, the prayer-meeting, and the public
assembly.
ISAAC ERRETT,
W. K. PENDLETON,
W. T. MOORE,
T. M. ALLEN,
A. S. HAYDEN.
Cincinnati, O., August 7, 1865.