INTRODUCTION

The following collection of hymns and tunes is the result of a serious and thoughtful effort to supply a want increasingly felt in the Young Mens' Christian Association. While conscious of the great good accomplished by the popular Gospel Hymns, and while unwilling to lay aside some of those hymns, so closely associated with modern evangelistic movements, many persons engaged in Association work believe that the time has come for a new hymnal, drawing its material from a broader region of supply.

The last ten or fifteen years have been marked by great advancement of knowledge and great education of taste in matters relating to Public Worship. Many admirable hymnals have appeared in this country conveying into common use numerous hymns and tunes of the Modern English School. American composers have also been doing excellent work. A remarkable elevation of public opinion regarding church music has resulted from these conditions.

It is now thought to be desirable that provision be made for a corresponding advance in the religious music of the Christian Association. Its great success has issued, under God, from its forward policy. In its schemes for physical training, its educational work facilities, in its social earnestness, and in its spiritual undertakings it has continually chosen and used the best approved modern methods. Thus, keeping abreast of contemporary opinion, it has charmed young men and has met their needs.

PRAISE SONGS has been carefully examined by me with a view to ascertaining its fitness to occupy a place in Association work. I can, without hesitation, commend it for that important service. It is particularly rich in modern hymns that express an evangelical homage toward Christ as God manifest in the flesh, a profound faith in His Atoning Sacrifice, a lofty and manful self-consecration to God through the Spirit. It is compiled by one who knows and loves young men, and who believes in their willingness to respond to whatever makes for strength and beauty in Christian Worship. I wish to forestall a possible objection that the music is too difficult by saying that experience in England, in Canada and in this country shows the contrary fact, wherever reasonable care is taken to group a few voices as a volunteer chorus. Splendidly satisfactory results can be secured in this way.

In our colleges and universities, where Christian Association work has become a great power, this book will, I believe, fulfill a noble mission. It preserves a fair proportion of the "Gospel Hymns," for those who care for them, while it opens fresh and most attractive opportunity for enriching and ennobling the devotional services connected with Association work.

In my opinion this admirable book will be used in other circles beside those of Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. work. It will meet the wants of the Young Peoples' Societies in all our churches. It may be made use of most advantageously in the Prayer Meeting. And it commends itself to me as an ideal book for churches not able to bear the expense of a larger hymnal, while desiring to use in God's Worship excellent and pure hymns and tunes.

CHARLES CUTHBERT HALL

New York, August 1, 1897

PRAISE SONGS

Opening

1 My God, is any hour so sweet, From blush of morn to even-ing star,

There humbly fall before His feet, For none can per-ish there.