moirs and compositions of seven hymn-writers, respecting whom satisfactory information could not be obtained in time for the alphabetical arrangement. Three anonymous hymns have likewise been included in the Appendix. To the Notes at the close of the volume the reader is referred for some particulars respecting the hymns and their writers, which could not conveniently be introduced into the text.

To many kind friends, who have from the outset evinced a deep interest in his task, the Editor owes some explanation for the long postponement of the date of publication. Five years ago, when residing in a country town, he had, by relying on information derived at second hand, conceived himself justified in proceeding to press. About two hundred pages of the work were printed, when on obtaining additional access to originals, he found that he had fallen into a succession of errors, which rendered the cancelling of the impression imperative. Even at the expiration of five years, three additional cancels have been found necessary to secure

a correct text.

In the course of his recent labours, the Editor has procured his information chiefly by personal research. In the prosecution of his inquiries, he has made a tour throughout the United Kingdom, ransacked the public

libraries, and availed himself of many private collections. To his numerous correspondents he returns an expression of his best thanks. To the original contributors, and the owners of copyright hymns who have waived their privileges on his behalf, he is most sincerely grateful.

He returns his cordial thanks to Anthony Webb, Esq., Bath, for the use of his ample, and in some respects unique, hymnological library. From the Rev. William Reid, editor of the elegant "Praise Book," he obtained the use of some rare and valuable hymn-books, for which he would express his acknowledgments. To William Euing, Esq., Glasgow, his deepest gratitude is due, for not only throwing open to him his richly stored library of sacred song, but for kindly making purchase every work which was essential to his purpose.

of

Indefatigable as his labours have been, the Editor acknowledges that he had only succeeded partially in his undertaking, unless for the assistance which has been. rendered him by two most accomplished hymnologists, Mr. C. D. Hardcastle, Keighley, and A. C. Hobart Seymour, Esq., Bristol. Mr. Seymour is the well known author of the "Life and Times of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon," and has been engaged in hymnological studies for upwards of half a century. Mr. Hardcastle has accumulated a remarkable collection of the works of

British hymn-writers, and his knowledge in every depart ment of hymnology is unrivalled. The assiduity with which Mr. Hardcastle has applied himself to the perfecting of this work the Editor feels he cannot sufficiently prize, or too gratefully acknowledge.

It would be unjust to one who has diligently laboured in the same field were the Editor to conclude these remarks without some allusion to the "Book of Praise," edited by Sir Roundell Palmer. From this compilatior. he has derived considerable assistance; but he cannot withhold an expression of regret that the learned Editor, while generally careful respecting the purity of the text, should so frequently have subjected the hymns selected by him to a process of curtailment.

In bringing his labours to a close, the Editor feels he is parting with an occupation which he has long cherished with delight. But he trusts that the result will prove edifying to others. He is not without a measure of hope that this publication may be found the most authentic collection of the classic productions of the British Lyre ever offered to the public.

2, HEATH TERRACE,

LEWISHAM, GREENWICH.

November, 1866.