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PREFACE.

IT has been well remarked, that "it would be almost impossible to overrate the value of really good Hymns for private as well as public use. Next to the Bible itself, Hymns have done more to influence our views, and mould our theology, than any other instrumentality whatever. There is a power in Hymns which never dies. Easily learned in the days of childhood and youth; often repeated; seldom if ever forgotten, they abide with us as a most precious heritage amid all the changes of our earthly life."

In these feelings and sentiments I most cordially concur; and if this little Volume be instrumental in fostering a taste for Sacred Poetry, it shall be an ample reward for any labour or trouble I may have had in its selection.

In the present edition of this Work, a great many of the Hymns which appeared in former editions have been expunged, as more suitable for public worship, or as too familiar to the general reader. The places of these have been filled by a number of Pieces of deservedly high reputation, though perhaps not quite so generally known.

I have to acknowledge, with grateful thanks, the kind courtesy of those publishers and authors who have permitted me to insert various poems, the copyright of which is their property. Among these

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are Messrs. Longman and Co., the publishers, and the Rev. Orby Shipley, the editor of Messianica" and "Lyra Eucharistica;" Messrs. J. H. and J. Parker, the publishers, and the gifted author of "Morning Thoughts;" Messrs. Blackwood and Sons, the publishers, and the representatives of the late Dr. David M. Moir, the "Delta" of "Blackwood's Magazine;" Messrs. W. and R. Chambers, proprietors of the well-known "Chambers' Journal;" the Rev. Mr. Trend, author of the "Hymnal;" the Rev. Dr. Horatius Bonar, author of "Hymns of Faith and Hope;" the Rev. Sir Henry W. Baker, the Rev. Dr. Monsell, the Rev. Mr. Kittermester, &c., &c.

I must also make especial mention to my readers of the pieces "Let me go," "We shall see Him as He is," and "Servant of God, well done!" the composition of Miss Mary Pyper (a resident in one of the "Closes" or Alleys in the old town of Edinburgh), whose misfortunes, total blindness, utter loneliness, extreme poverty, and the infirmities attendant on old age, must evoke the commiseration and sympathy of every Christian heart.

Let me add my hope, that the intrinsic excellence of its Contents, coupled with the improvement in its external appearance, will render the "LAYS OF THE PIOUS MINSTRELS an appropriate and acceptable Gift-Book.

LONDON, October, 1864.

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