If there be any distinctive peculiarity in this little volume, it is one that would naturally expose it to literary censure; the verses are very unequal, some of the hymns are avowedly written for the very poor. To admit rhymes for ragged children, needlewomen, and paupers into a book of sacred song, may—in the opinion of some critics—deprive it of all claim to the name of poetry. Yet I venture to hope that those who love to labour in God’s vineyard, will not be sorry to bear to their poorer brethren verses intended to meet their peculiar trials, and cheer them under their peculiar sorrows; while the subjects of many of the hymns are such as are of equal interest to the prince as to the peasant. Humbly I commend my little work to Him whose blessing can alone make it useful in strengthening the tempted, in cheering the sad, or in lifting up the hearts of the happy in joyful adoration and praise.
A. L. O. E.
CONTENTS
Page HYMNS. [The Willing Sacrifice,] 11 [The Resurrection,] 13 [Hymn for the Communion,] 15 [The Beacon,] 16 [The Blossoming Rod,] 18 [Hymn for the Penitent Convict,] 21 [Hymn for the Blind,] 23 [The House not made with Hands,] 25 [Sexton’s Hymn,] 27 [The Second Advent,] 29 [Hopes that Abide,] 31 [Soldier’s Hymn,] 32 [Hymn for Night,] 34 [Song of Joy,] 35 [The Retrospect,] 37 [The Supplicant,] 39 [Weaver’s Hymn,] 41 [Emigrant’s Hymn,] 43 [Fishermen’s Hymn,] 45 [Teacher’s Hymn,] 47 [Workman’s Hymn,] 49 [Sempstress’s Hymn,] 51 [Ragged Boy’s Hymn,] 53 [Ragged Girl’s Hymn,] 55 [Policeman’s Hymn,] 57 [Pauper’s Hymn,] 59 [Postman’s Hymn,] 61 [Servant’s Hymn,] 63 [Miner’s Hymn,] 65 [Gardener’s Hymn,] 67 [Labourer’s Hymn,] 69 [Wife’s Hymn,] 71 [Hymn of Industry,] 73 [Social Hymn,] 75 [National Hymn,] 77 [Soldier’s Hymn,] 79 [The Wise Men from the East,] 81 [Song of Hope,] 85 [The Fearful Heart,] 88 [Conviction of Sin,] 90 [The Sacred Guest,] 92 [The Mourner,] 95 [The Christian Bond,] 97 [The Cure at Gethsemane,] 100 [Hymn for the Communion,] 102 [Hymn for the Dying,] 104 [Death is not Dreadful,] 106 [Never Forsaken,] 109 [Thy Father’s Friend,] 111 [Fear of God and Fear of Man,] 113 [The Sinners’ Portion,] 115 [Death-Bed Hymn,] 117 [Save One!] 119 [New Year’s Hymn,] 121 POEMS. [The Indian Maid,] 125 [Blanche,] 136 [Pride,] 149 [A Dream of the Second Advent,] 153
HYMNS.
