The Hymn Book by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 21, 1873

The Hymn Book.

By James White

We are glad to say that the edition of our large hymn book is nearly exhausted. There are but a few dozen of copies unsold. These, and many more, will be called for, and those in use will be pretty well worn out before we can complete a carefully prepared, stereotyped edition, that will admit of no more changes.

One of the most difficult things we have found in the publishing line has been to suit the people on a hymn book. But we shall suit next time, if toil and expense and time will do it. It will probably take one year to collect the material, carefully select and revise, and get the book, or books, through the press.

We propose to first publish a book of hymns only, so that those who have no use for notes may not feel that they are purchasing that which is of no value to them. Then we shall publish a small-sized book with music on every page, with hymns adapted to the music. These books will be of the same size, though opening differently, printed on fine, firm, tough paper, only about 320 pages each, so as to be portable pocket companions. Then purchasers can take one or both.

Our last edition of hymn book was brought into existence by a committee appointed by the General Conference. The arrangement was controlled by others, and is bad. Our plan of two books for those who use notes will save this everlasting turning from hymn on one page to music on another page, and back again, the appearance of which is unpleasant in the house of worship, especially in those who are utterly ignorant of notes.

And then there has been so much complaint about the binding. It is said that the leaves of the book sometimes fall out in a few months' use. The binding generally, especially that which has been done at our Office, is good. The difficulty is in the paper, which was not ordered and accepted by us. It is dark and coarse, and so tender that it will drop out of the best binding after a little use.

And while the new books are in preparation, the friends will have to fall upon the small hymn and tune book, entitled, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, for sale at our Office.

JAMES WHITE, Pres. S. D. A. P. A.