[Copyright, 1885, by THE LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY.] A GOOD book commends itself. This book is expected to commend itself. But, to do this, it must first secure attention and be used. To this end, as a stranger, it may seek an introduction; and here we give one, hoping that thousands of families, schools, and social religious gatherings will give it another and a better one. It is called "Augsburg Songs," as a good historic name, and as belonging to the Augsburg Series of family and Sunday School helps. Originally designed for Sunday Schools, it is well adapted to other devotional meetings. Hence there will be found here not only an Order of Service for Sunday Schools, but also a Matin and a Vesper Service, as handed down by the Church of the Augsburg Confession. This book was compiled and edited by a Committee appointed by the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, with a view to a song-book not alien to the genius and spirit of our church; and the Committee offers it with strong confidence to our own church and to the Christian public. (SUPT. says,) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (School responds,) If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (SUPT.) Let us therefore draw near with a true heart, and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness. (All say,) Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto Thee, that we are by nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against Thee by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Thine infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Thy grace, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O most merciful God, who hast given Thine Only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us, and for His sake grant us forgiveness of all our sins: and by Thy Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy will, and true obedience to Thy word, to the end that by Thy grace we may come to everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. |