The New Hymn Book by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jan 23, 1855

The New Hymn Book.

By Editor

We have now commenced the work of compiling and publishing a Hymn Book for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote, not only public worship, but also social and family devotions.

It requires much care to select and prepare Hymns adapted to the faith of those who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Our object has been to select those of merit, which express the faith and hope of the Church, as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, and which are free from the prevailing errors of the age. Singing is an important part of the worship of God; and, certainly, those who would worship him "in spirit and in truth," should seek to express truthful sentiments in all their songs of praise. As most Hymns sustain some one or more of the popular "fables" of the times, it will be seen that our task in selecting is difficult.

We design giving about fifty pieces of music in the last part of the Book, which will greatly promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the scattered Churches, which is very desirable. And we would say to all interested, that if they have music, or hymns, original or select, that they desire to appear in the New Hymn Book, they should forward them to us without delay. We class the hymns on different subjects under their respective heads, therefore we should have all the hymns to be given in the Book, immediately. The price of the Book, containing about 320 pages, printed with new type, on fine book paper, and bound in morocco, will probably be 62½ cents single copy;—discount by the quantity.

We hoped that a Book Fund would be raised and kept good by the brethren in the several States, so that we could receive means in advance to publish the Hymn Book with; or, at least, so that the Book could be taken off our hands and paid for as soon as completed. In this case we could sell it 25 per cent less provided the entire edition should be taken off our hands. The edition will be about 4000 copies. Probably 2000 copies will be called for in three months after the Book is completed. And if the whole responsibility is left with us, being without capital, we shall be obliged to set a price on the Book that will insure us two thirds the first cost from sales the first six months. We shall be happy to hear from those interested in this matter, soon, that we may know what course to take. If we are to take the whole responsibility of the Hymn Book, then we shall obtain the necessary means, and move forward with it. We are assisted in preparing the Book by Brn. Andrews, Smith and others.