It affords me no small gratification, that both the plan and the select Hymns have received the approbation of many whose judgment and taste the public have long been accustomed to respect But the consideration that the book may be used in the same congregation with the common editions of Watts, will highly recommend it to the attention of Christians.

It has long been a subject of regret among judicious persons, of all religious denominations, that so many hymns should have obtained circulation, which are entirely destitute of poetic merit, and which serve only to corrupt the taste, and excite the passions, without benefiting the heart.

The injurious effects of such Hymns it is hoped the use of this Supplement will have a tendency to counteract, and at the same time preserve entire those inimitable compositions of Dr. Watts, which many persons, of late, have discovered too much willingness to mutiláte or neglect. No selection, however excellent, should be suffered to supersede the use of them.

"It is deemed unnecessary to make any apology for taking a few hymns, from authors who differ in doctrinal sentiments, from myself and the churches with which I am in connection. The hymns themselves, superior, in their kind, and on subjects in which all real Christians agree, must and will be their own apology."

May the great Head of the Church bless this humble effort to promote His glory, and the beauty of Christian worship.

BOSTON, May, 1819.

JAMES M. WINCHELL.