PREFAСЕ.

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THE purpose of this book is to promote a spirit of thoughtful devotion. There are times when the mind craves some earnest expression, which may give direction to its own feelings, which may kindle heavenward aspirations and strengthen right principles. The individual heart, in its solitary communings, may crave such assistance. Under such circumstances, a good book, adapted to its wants, may prove an invaluable companionship.

And when a circle of sympathising friends have met in cordial good-will, either in the family or for an interchange of friendly feeling, a book of wellselected Hymns by authors of various Christian communions, glowing with one devotional spirit, may thus unite all hearts in the bond of cordial fellowship.

Audible Responses at such a time will bring all nearer together, and not only lift the spirit upward, but bind hearts in truer companionship.

Well-selected passages of Scripture, from the New and Old Testament, from Prophets and Psalmists, from Evangelists and Apostles, give a divine sanction and sacredness to the whole.