Chapter 1
Hymns for Christian Devotion.
by J.G. Adams and E.H. Chapin.
PREFACE.
In presenting this work to the public, the compilers would say, that they do not intend it as a rival of any other Hymn Book already in existence; but, if advancement in the light of other good works be allowable, as an improvement on them all. Although evidently designed in one sense for a denomination, they have also intended that it shall answer in some measure the demands of a liberal and progressive Christianity--a Christianity, under whatever name or pretension found, that would diffuse Christ's spirit and do his works of truth and love among men.
We have sought to give variety in these Hymns; to have the number ample enough; and while cautious in reference to their literary character, to select those of a devotional tendency, rather than those chiefly commendable for their poetical excellence. We have intended also to pay due respect to the old Hymns so justly familiar with those of every age among our wors.h.i.+ppers, while we have not been unmindful of the new claimants of public favor.
It will be perceived that there is a greater variety of Hymns on several topics than in most other Hymn Books now in use among us; especially in reference to the philanthropic nature of our religion, and the peculiar indications of this nature in the present age. In the department of the book ent.i.tled "Triumph of Christianity," faithfulness in representing this great truth is designed. In all instances where the authors.h.i.+p of a hymn could be ascertained, it has been given. Of a few hymns, however, taken from a copy of the new Cambridge Unitarian Hymn Book, kindly handed us in sheets, it was not known whether they were original or not. They appear in this book, therefore, in company with quite a number of original ones, without any special mark thus to designate them.
To the friends who have so kindly aided us, by suggestions or contributions, we return our
J. G. Adams, E. H. Chapin.
_ Boston, August 1, 1846._
Humble Wors.h.i.+p
1 When before thy throne we kneel, Filled with awe and holy fear, Teach us, O our G.o.d! to feel All thy sacred presence near.
2 Check each proud and wandering thought When on thy great name we call; Man is nought--is less than nought: Thou, our G.o.d, art all in all.
3 Weak, imperfect creatures, we In this vale of darkness dwell; Yet presume to look to thee, 'Midst thy light ineffable.
4 O, receive the praise that dares Seek thy heaven-exalted throne; Bless our offerings, hear our pray'rs, Infinite and Holy One!
2. P. M. Anonymous.
Solemn Invocation.
1 Come, thou Almighty King!
Help us thy name to sing; Help us to praise!
Father all glorious, O'er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of days!
2 Come, thou all gracious Lord!
By heaven and earth adored, Our prayer attend!
Come, and thy children bless; Give thy good word success; Make thine own holiness On us descend!
3 Never from us depart; Rule thou in every heart, Hence, evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty May we in glory see, And to eternity Love and adore.
3. S. M. Montgomery.
Exhortation to Praise.
1 Stand up and bless the Lord, Ye people of his choice; Stand up, and bless the Lord your G.o.d, With heart, and soul and voice.
2 Though high above all praise, Above all blessing high, Who would not fear his holy name, And laud and magnify?
3 O for the living flame From his own altar brought, To touch our lips, our minds inspire, And wing to heaven our thought!
4 There, with benign regard, Our hymns he deigns to hear; Though unrevealed to mortal sense, The spirit feels him near.
5 Stand up and bless the Lord, The Lord your G.o.d adore; Stand up and bless his glorious name, Henceforth for evermore.
4. L. M. Watts.
Public Wors.h.i.+p.
1 Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy; Know that the Lord is G.o.d alone; He can create, and he destroy.
2 His sovereign power, without our aid, Made us of clay, and formed us men; And when, like wandering sheep we strayed, He brought us to his fold again.
3 We are his people; we his care; Our souls, and all our mortal frame: What lasting honors shall we rear, Almighty Maker, to thy name?
4 We'll crowd thy gates, with thankful songs High as the heaven our voices raise; And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.
5 Wide as the world is thy command; Vast as eternity thy love; Firm as a rock thy truth shall stand, When rolling years shall cease to move.
5. L. M. Tate & Brady.
The Same.
1 O, Come, loud anthems let us sing, Loud thanks to our Almighty King; For we our voices high should raise, When our salvation's Rock we praise.
2 Into his presence let us haste, To thank him, for his favors past; To him address, in joyful songs, The praise that to his name belongs.