538 numbered hymns, etc. (indicating, where possible, names of tunes, many of which are cross-referenced) ; 197 numbered and named tunes [close score] (cross-referenced to hymns and indicating meter).

Includes indexes : of hymns--p. [5]-10 ; of subjects--p. 10-12 ; of tunes--p. [215]-216.

Signatures: 1-18₆.

Title header commencing text--p. [13].

Copyright : by John M. Butler--verso t.p.

Stereotyped by J. Fagan ... Philadelphia--t.p.

Index of tunes ends with note on psalmization ; followed by 5-quatrain hymn ; Look aloft [attributed in inscription to "Lawrence"]--p. 216.

" ... prosaic and inelegant style of most ... hymns ... in general use. Watts, Rippon, the Wesleys ... [et al.] ... [have] claims to our ... regard ... but ... not so ... as to forgo ... improvement" ; "I ... have disregarded the originals, wherever departure from them ... desirable ... in imagery, expression, rhythm, and rhyme ... [remodelled for] indications of their primitive form ... new stanzas substituted for excinded portions. [Thus] ... the names of authors are omitted, and the alterations are not ... designated"--Pref. p. [iii]-iv (signed : A.C.T.).

"Many original hymns are inserted. To some ... initials of the writers are affixed ... authorship of others is acknowledged in the Index. These are not ... specimens of what sacred lyrical poetry should be--but as a contribution to the materials from which a volume may hereafter be arranged" ; "In ... music, simplicity and variety ... The tunes ... generally easy ... ; and a sufficient number ... to gratify every reasonable taste ... And believing that many of the most beautiful secular melodies might be profitably appropriated ... a number ... harmonized and inserted in this work ... disconnected with improper associations ... In some ... those who have studied music ... will find deviations ..." ; "The sentiment ... should always determine the style of execution in the music. Singing is but speaking with greater modulations of voice ... musical marks of piano, forte ... of little service, except ... [e.g.] in Anthems ... I have omitted all such ... saving in a few instances ..."--Pref.

" ... obligations to Thomas Whittemore ... Joshua Leavitt ... and Lowell Mason ..."--Pref.

Hymns, English > United States > 19th century.

Universalist churches > Hymns.

Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.