tends to deceive them while it angers Thee! Be pleased to use this work to check that sin."

By the untruth of the words here referred to, is meant of course that the feelings of those who use them do not correspond with the words themselves. Here then is set before us in these solemn sentences addressed to the great Searcher of hearts, the design the compiler had in view in producing this volume of hymns. And as before intimated, the design is an original one; for, probably, no other hymnbook was ever published with such an object so fully in view, and so completely carried out in every hymn. The late Mr. Philpot, in the preface to his supplement to Mr. Gadsby's Selection, tells us that in making choice of hymns he was guided by two things: the savour he had felt in the hymn itself, and its meeting the average experience of God's living family. The reason he gives for the latter rule is this::- "As in music a tune may be pitched in too high a key for the average of voices, so a hymn may be written in too high a strain of assurance for the average of experiences; and as one would not choose a tune in which only a few voices could join, so one would not select a hymn which would require many to be mute." A similar rule influenced Rowland Hill in making his collection of psalms and hymns, as he states in his preface dated 1794. Probably some attention to such a consideration should be paid in the selecting of hymns for congregational worship, a strict adherence to it, however, in practice, would involve the exclusion of some of our best hymns from the service of the sanctuary. Moreover, God has not written the Bible on such a principle, for whilst there is something in its pages to meet the case of the weakest believer, much more is to be found in both Testaments, specially adapted for those who are "strong in faith, giving glory to God." But the present volume of hymns goes much further than Rowland Hill or Mr. Philpot in the direction their words indicate, being in

tended for the use of those whose experience is much lower than the average experience of God's living family," and even for those who have no such experience at all. For the author, in his "Explanations," tells us that "the design of the work has rendered it necessary either to reject all hymns suitable to Christians only, or to make some alteration in the mode of expression." The book, therefore, is intended for the special benefit of those who are not Christians, that they may unite in the praises of God with those who are without, using words that do not express their own feelings, and are consequently "untruths as issuing from their lips. How, when, where, or by whom the author considers such a book should be used, he does not tell us, nor is it easy for others to conceive. However, here is the volume presented to the public, with all the mechanism of a hymn-book fully arranged and carefully prepared, excepting that there is no classification of the hymns, the order followed being that of the Psalms, from the first to the 150th, or last. The indexes comprise those of first lines of hymns, first lines of verses, subjects, authors, and metres. Besides these, every individual hymn has prefixed to it a Scripture reference, its metre, (indicated in a somewhat novel manner,) the names of three supposed adapted tunes, with references to the books wherein they are to be found, and a motto describing the subject to which the hymn relates.

The immense amount of labour all this involves can only be estimated by those who have executed or attempted to execute a similar task. The author, Mr. Norton, has reason to be thankful, at his advanced age, for health given him to accomplish such an undertaking in which it is evident he has been actuated by the best of all possible motives-a desire to promote the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls. He gives us to understand that by grace divine, the labour was made a "joy" to him, and it is easy to conceive that with such high and holy aims in view, it

66

are

was so. He has, therefore, had his reward in his work; whether much good may arise from it remains to be seen, and seems somewhat doubtful. For if the volume is to be of use, congregations must be induced to adopt it as their praise book, either wholly or in part; and both courses rendered alike improbable by the extraordinary alterations which the plan of the compiler has rendered it necessary for him to make in nearly the whole of the selected hymns. To give three examples:-In Montgomery's hymn, "For ever with the Lord, only the first four lines of the original appear in this volume, three verses by Mr. Norton being made to do duty for the rest; Charles Wesley's hymn, Jesus, lover of my soul," which appears generally with thirtytwo lines; in these "Hymns of Hope," stands represented by sixteen only, and of these six are either wholly or in part by Mr. Norton; Dr. Watts' hymn, The wondering world, enquirers to know," consisting in the original of ten verses, appears here with six only, seventeen lines of the twenty-four being wholly or in part substitutions for the original words; and there are scarcely any of the hymns from other authors in this volume that the compiler has not found it necessary to alter somewhat after this fashion, in order to adapt them to the plan of his book. Many of the hymns thus altered present a strange and uninviting aspect, as compared with their appearance in their native dress. Added to this it should be stated that many of our best hymns are altogether omitted; even- "Come let us join our cheerful songs," is absent. With such alterations and omissions, what congregation of Christian people can be expected to make use of the book? On what occasions could they with propriety introduce it in preference to their own approved and accustomed selections ?

Of the numerous original compositions in the volume what shall be said, comprising as they do two or three thousand verses, written by a devout and godly man, and mostly

when nearing the borders of the heavenly Canaan. The first thing

that occurs to the mind after a careful examination is that throughout this whole mass of metre, consisting of some ten thousand lines, not a single word is to be met with that expresses a feeling of appropriate faith or of endearment towards the blessed Saviour. This was necessarily required by the design the author had in view in compiling his work, and, probably, like the selected hymns, his own have been altered to make them accord therewith; for it seems impossible for a Christian to write so many thousands of lines of sacred poetry in the form of hymns for devotional purposes, without their containing a single word of grateful love or thankful praise for mercy shown to himself without an utterance denoting a claim or aspiration to that relationship with his heavenly Father which the child of God so earnestly desires, or a believing apprehension of the pardon through the blood of the cross, which every true disciple, at one time or other of his spiritual life, must surely realize, as vouchsafed to him. These, however, are 66 Hymns of Hope," not of Faith or Love, and designed for the benefit of those who are not Christians in the believing or loving character-as that expressive term is usually understood to imply, when not used in a mere geographical or nominal sense. The author has very consistently carried out his design in the construction of his own verses as well as in the alterations made in the selected hymns that appear in his volume.

As to the merits of the poetry of the original hymns, amongst several thousands of verses much variation

must necessarily exist. The hymn, No. 699, on Jehovah Jesus, may be considered as one of the best of these very numerous effusions of Mr. Norton's muse, the first verse of which reads thus:

"He reigns, whom God appointed
Good news to us to bring;
He reigns, whom God anointed
To be both Priest and King.

Beside the Father seated, Him, Cherubim adore; By angels He is greeted, Most Holy evermore."

There is a devout and revential tone of feeling running through the whole of these original hymns; but hardly enough of the sweet music of gospel notes to make them, as a whole, a welcome addition to our store of Christian lyrics. Occasionally, however, a verse like the following

Occurs:

"To feel His love, to spread His fame,
Be mine while here I stay!
Be mine to sing His blissful name
When all things else decay."

or as this:

"Salvation sing; what word so sweet
When joined with Jesus' name?
Let every tongue His praise repeat
And utter forth His fame."

As regards the doctrine expressed in these hymns, it is sound enough except where tinctured with the author's sentiments as regards the duty of sinners to believe savingly on Jesus, and the consequent one of double condemnation on hearers of the gospel who do not so believe. The same blemish, however, is to be met with in Dr. Watts' book of Psalms and Hymns, which, together with occasional expressions implying the doctrine of universal redemption, makes the indiscriminate use even of that precious volume, an impossibility to those who desiderate sound speech in the song as well as in the sermon. Mr. Norton, however, is a firm believer in the doctrines of free and distinguishing grace, notwithstanding his opinions respecting faith and the twofold condemnation of unbelievers just referred to.

The book is "got up" in an attractive style, portable in size, and may very well be carried in the pocket. Considering, therefore, the large number of original compositions it contains, it is adapted for a gift book to young persons, or others fond of reading sacred poetry.

May its usefulness, in the form in which its author so earnestly prays

that it may, be blessed; be somewhat commensurate with his own desires, although it may not arise in the manner he may have anticipated.

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MR.

PHILIP DICKERSON. Continuation of my Narrative. JOYFULLY would I, at the moment described, have taken the place of one of the candidates, and yielded obedience to my exalted Saviour to whom I felt myself so deeply indebted, and whom I considered I had so shamefully neglected. However, I returned home, resolved in the strength of the Lord to be baptized as soon as I possibly could. Now arose a heavy trial, -I must leave my dear ministerwhich seemed like severing the flesh from my bones. I did indeed love that man of God, and with thankfulness to God, revere his memory to the present moment.* But after a painful struggle, the powerful application of several portions of the word of God to my mind, I was brought to a decision which course to take. Some of the scriptures were the following: "He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me;" "He that would be My disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." I was enabled thus to commit my way to the Lord, and earnestly desired to be baptized, because Christ had enjoined it, and because He had a right to my obedience. Now also arose another difficulty: by whom should I be baptized, and to what church could I be united? There was not a Baptist church within five miles of where I

* Mr. Seaton, several years afterwards, became the pastor of the old church at Wandsworth; and after a few years he conformed, took orders in the Church of England, and had the living of Lampeter belfry, in Pembroke shire, Wales, presented to him, where he preached till his affliction, which terminated in his death, about June, 1851. In 1842, he paid me a visit, and never shall I forget his prayer at parting. He preached the next evening in Huntington Old Chapel, Gray's Inn-lane, for Dr. Mortimer.

resided, and the place where I had heard the sermon above referred to was upwards of six miles. Thither, however, I went, the next Lord's-day morning; but strange to tell, never could I hear that good man to profit any more. I tried to like him, and prayed I might enjoy his ministry, but could not.

After a few times, finding I could not profit, I recollected another place, about the same distance off; thought I would go and try there. I knew the minister but did not know one of the people, therefore thought it would be very dull; but when Sunday came I went-I felt gratified. It was a young cause; the people seemed alive, cheerful, and affectionate, and I liked the minister. After a Sunday or two I stayed in the vestry to dinner, and one woman by the name of Mary Jacob spoke to me very kindly, and encouraged me to seek the Lord. I there also found, to my great surprise and delight, a man and his wife who lived in our parish, upon a heath, about a mile from our village. His name was Lewis. This was a very agreeable matter; with these good people I soon became acquainted. They were simple-hearted, spirituallyminded people, and as I became more conversant with them, found I had discovered treasures indeed; and so they proved themselves to be for many years.

With these good people I pleasantly travelled to the house of God on the Lord's-day, and wondered when sometimes I heard the poor woman who had the baby complain of the distance, which to me was both pleasant and profitable. After attending with them a few weeks (at a little chapel, at Walton, in Suffolk), I found there were some persons about to be baptized, and being encouraged by my friends, Mary Jacob and Lewis, I offered myself as a candidate for baptism.

The evening for the church-meeting came; it was a dark night in November, and my friend Lewis being detained at home on special business, I had to walk all alone, which was very dreary. But my mind was active

all the way in arranging the manner in which I should give an account of my experience of what the Lord had done for me, and got up as I thought a decent tale; but when I was called into the vestry, the questions put to me not being in the order I had expected, I felt confused, and in endeavouring to recover my preconceived tale, felt perplexed. At length recovering my self-possession, I related how the Lord had been dealing with me from first to last; my heart was warm, and the friends appeared pleased, at which I was somewhat surprised. I retired, without a hope of being received; and never did I feel more astonished than when the pastor told me the church rejoiced with me for what the Lord had done for me, and unanimously agreed to receive me upon my being baptized. On my way home, I prayed to God to strengthen me and bless me, and enable me to walk to His glory; which I bless and praise His name He has done, in some humble measure for 68 years; though, as you may expect, with many failings and infirmities. My baptism took place in November, 1811, being then in my 17th year, I was the youngest member of the church.

Often attending our cottage meetings, when there was no one who could start and lead a tune; thought I would try and learn the notes, that when necessary I might be able to help in that department of worship. To this I applied myself, and in a fortnight acquired such a knowledge of music as to enable me to learn a tune from the book, and lead the singing in our little assemblies. I felt no difficulty in attaining to such an acquaintance with ordinary psalmody, so as to be able to conduct the service of praise in the house of God. In my new Christian fellowship I found a happy home; loving my minister and friends and being beloved. My friends Lewis (whom I have before mentioned), living about a mile from my mother's, became very agreeable associates, and thither Ĭ frequently resorted of an evening, two

or three times a week, for conversation, reading the scriptures, and singing. These visits were very grateful to my good friend, as he could not read; and many of these meetings were hallowed seasons, and both pleasant and profitable. My gracious Redeemer well knew how He intended to employ me, and thus He was filling my memory with the word of God, which has since been of excellent service to me. To that humble cottage I look back as my spiritual academy; there we often had "Bethel visits," for which we bless our God.

The Christian path, however, though perfectly straight in its heavenly plan, is for the most part zigzag in its development upon earth. Very soon after the baptism of the writer, and his joyous start, it pleased our heavenly Father to visit him with an attack of measles; this disorder was of an obstinate character, it was nearly a fortnight before the eruption made its appearance, during that time he was confined to his bed in high fever, and with such a dreadful cough as he has never forgotten; but God in mercy brought him through, and after a few weeks restored him to health, and enabled him again to go to the house of God. During the above trying ordeal, the enemy of souls did not fail to take advantage of his weak and suffering state, by suggesting to him he was a hypocrite, and that although he had been admitted a member of the church, he would be lost, there was no salvation for him. In this state of mind he tried to pray; but could not gain that lively access to heaven which the urgency of his case required. The lines of Newton ran through his mind, day night:

"You that love the Lord indeed i

Tell me, is it thus with you?"

and

O, he thought, could he see his dear old friend, Mary Jacob, he would ask her the important question, as he fully believed she loved the Lord indeed, and had no doubt of it.

Well, the first Lord's-day after his recovery he went to the house of God, and seeing his friend, he addressed her,

"You that love the Lord indeed; tell me is it thus with you?" But judge his surprise, when she replied, with tears, "My dear boy, I have reason to ask the same question of you; for I have quite as high an opinion of you as I have of myself!" At her reply he was astonished; but his mind became more composed during the services of the sanctuary, and his heart was cheered by the affectionate greetings of many friends, one of whom said, in relation to his late conflict:

"Flesh never lusts against the flesh;

No, no, my Christian brother-
'Tis flesh and grace commence the war-
'Tis these oppose each other.

But shall the carnal mind prevail,

And conquer sovereign grace?
This is the lie which came from hell;
It never was the case."

"Old Nature thinks hard, to be a downcast;

She played the first card, and would fain play the last;

But Grace, though the younger, comes down from the skies,

And proveth the stronger, and carries the prize."

Blessed privilege: "Sin shall not have dominion over you!"

We now come back again to our cottage visits, which became more frequent and more profitable. About this time, the writer purchased the Pilgrim's Progress, which he not only read himself, but also read to his friend Lewis, with which he was greatly delighted. Though he could not read, he possessed a lively mind and retentive memory, he entered fully into the various scenes and incidents of that beautiful allegory,