Christ are of this category. But, the undersigned respectfully submits, whether Universalists, (who are also Unitarians) can, conscientiously, address prayers to Jesus Christ? Do the scriptures any where-did the Savior himself at any time, warrant such a practice? The undersigned thinks not, and, consequently, he has guarded against this error in his book. And, together with several other errors which he was careful to exclude, is that of pharisaically addressing one class of men under the appellation of saints, and another under that of sinners-a thing quite foreign from the practice of either the Savior or his apostles. Jesus more commonly employed toward sinful men the term "friends," and in no single instance, in a direct address to them, did he call them sinners. The term "brethren," was used by Peter towards the murderers of his master, who were also persecuting himself and fellow apostles; (Acts iii: 17.) Stephen called those who in a little time subsequent stoned him to death, "men, brethren, and fathers," (Acts vii: 1.) which are the very terms employed by Paul in addressing the tumultuary assembly who were clamoring against him, (Acts xxii: 1.) And even toward the idolatrous Athenians he used no worse a term than that of " men," (Acts xxii: 22.) A modern preacher in his situation, would not fail to say, "Ye sinners," rather than "ye men of Athens." The undersigned pleads these considerations as his apology for omitting these offensive distinctions wherever it was practicable, and for substituting such other less invidious forms of address as the measure and accent of the piece in each case would admit of. To the brethren afore-named, the undersigned tenders sincere thanks for the aid their respective books afforded him. He also feels under great obligation to the compilers of the "CHRISTIAN PSALMIST," by which admirable collection he was essentially assisted. He likewise drew freely from the Methodist Hymn-book, which he found to be a mine of poetic wealth, whose treasures, however, like the precious stones and metals in nature, were encumbered with much dross and rubbish, and great labor was necessary to their being got, into a condition suitable for this collection. Sincerely thanking Almighty God for the preservation of his life, and health, for the accomplishment of this, to him, most conscientious undertaking, the undersigned respectfully submits it to the Universalist public. GEORGE ROGERS. Cincinnati, November, 1842. TABLE OF FIRST LINES. For Spiritual Songs, see page 428. Hymn. 640 Absurd and vain attempt to bind. . Scott 408 334 450 612 309 Wragham .571 527 Again our ears have heard the voice Montgomery 278 Again the Lord of life and light. . Mrs. Steele. 18 A King shall reign in righteousness S. Streeter All-gracious God, our fleeting days. All hail the power of Jesus' name All nature feels attractive power. All-powerful, self-existent God. All ye who serve the Lord with fear Almighty and immortal King Almighty Father, gracious Lord. Almighty God, in humble prayer. Almighty God, thy word is cast. Almighty Maker, God. Amazing, beauteous change And art thou with us, Lord And can our hearts aspire so high Angels, roll the rock away. And is it so, our gracious King. And let this feeble body fail Appointed by thee Arabia's desert-ranger Are we the soldiers of the cross A song of endless praise belongs 595 .210 . 402 39 336 Geo. Rogers Merrick 534 do. 96 Awake, our souls, and bless his name Doddridge . 157 TABLE OF FIRST LINES. For Spiritual Songs, see page 428. Scott Hymn. 640 Absurd and vain attempt to bind. 527 408 334 450 612 .309 Again our ears have heard the voice Montgomery 278 the cross Watts do. off thy fears. Geo. Rogers Merrick 595 210 . 402 39 336 Drummond. 418 605 444 d bless his name Doddridge .157 290 Awake the song that gave to earth. Deering Bear me, ye spirits of the blest. Ogilvie H. Ballou .581 Behold where, breathing love divine Mrs. Barbauld 423 Enfield. Behold, where in a mortal form Bread of heaven, on thee we feed .425 48 Cease, ye mourners, cease to languish Come, fellow-sinners, come away 505 .468 |